How much to add in feeder

May 30, 2006 11:36am CST
How much water and sugar should you put in the feeder?
3 responses
franhrnt
@franhrnt (185)
• United States
6 Oct 06
if this is a humming bird feeder I use 1 part sugar to 3 part water with red food coloring
LaGitana
@LaGitana (277)
• United States
6 Oct 06
Sorry to disagree, but allmy references state emphatically to NEVER put red food coloring in the water. It is poisonous to these beautiful little creatures (just like to us). The feeder, itself, should have some red marking or little sipper, because they can see a tiny spot of color for a long way off. Also, the water and sugar should be heated just to boiling (no more), then cooled before putting in the feeder. This mixes the sugar for effectively, and to some extent, kills a bunch of what might be in the water.
pree123
@pree123 (1269)
• India
26 Oct 06
depends hoe much u wana feed
JoyfulOne
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
6 Oct 06
These are the directions that came with my hummingbird feeder: Take 1 cup of sugar and 4 cups of water. Boil and stir until all of the sugar dissolves. Let cool before filling the feeder. Store the unsed part in the refrigerator. Mine says not to use the red food coloring, that it isn't necessary. I haven't added the red dye and they still come to the feeder regularly. Hummingbirds are so beautiful aren't they? I love watching them. Last year I actually found a nest where they laid their eggs on a low tree branch. I could not believe how tiny their eggs are!