Read more about feeding birds and other wildlife (PDF). Adding more sugar may help prevent freezing, but it’s not healthy for these sensitive little birds. Photo credit: Mary-Jean PayeurĮven in winter, do not change the ratio of sugar to water. White sugar is closest to the sugars they find in nature, other types of sugars or recipes could make them sick and die. While there are many different recipes available online, this is the only one we can recommend, and use at our own Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre. don’t add red food colouring or other products.A good spot would be near a window or in a tree where the hummingbirds can. never use honey, sweeteners, molasses, brown or raw sugar To properly hang a hummingbird feeder, follow these steps: Choose a location.No, we aren’t saying it should sit out in your yard, like it’s an oasis in the middle of the desert. The best way to do that is to position your hummingbird feeder in a highly visible place in your yard. The first thing you need to do is make sure the hummingbirds know you’re ready for them. allow mixture to cool before filling feeder TIP 1: Let the hummingbirds see your feeder.mix one part white sugar to four parts water.You might want to keep two feeders handy so you can alternate between them. In harsh temperatures, you may need to bring your feeder in at night to prevent freezing – this won’t disrupt the hummingbirds if the feeder is put back out first thing in the morning. Have a friend or neighbour check your feeder if you’re away.
Change the nectar solution every few days, ensure it never freezes, and can be provided through the whole winter. Hummingbirds are smart and adaptable, and this will give them time to find another food source before winter hits.Ĭlean feeders with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water about once a week. Keep loud barking dogs away from the yard if youd like to see hummingbirds. Minimize yard activities, especially loud ones, in spots where nests are likely to avoid disrupting birds. Put hummingbird feeders out early to attract the first seasonal migrants. If you’re not ready for this serious commitment, bring you nectar feeders in starting in September, before their fall migration. Offer nesting material such as natural cotton fibers in dedicated hangers. Don’t put hummingbird feeders out if you’re not prepared to clean and maintain them. Non-migratory hummingbirds may come to rely on this food source and will suffer if it is interrupted. If you commit to winter feeding, you must commit fully. If youve done a good job of attracting your feathery visitors, you will also need to. Use a bright red feeder instead of food colouring. I recommend spacing the feeders between 15-20 feet apart. Feeders that are left empty or left to freeze can also lead to starvation for the birds that have come to rely on them. These infections can cause their tongues to swell and often result in death, a sad outcome for birds and bird lovers. It’s important to take this commitment seriously!įeeders often attract unusually large numbers of hummingbirds to one area – this can be a joy to watch, but also means any fungus or bacteria in the feeder will affect many birds.
Nectar feeders provide a food source for hummingbirds in winter, but they must be cleaned regularly and kept fresh and full.
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