[Birdtalk] humming bird feeder ratio

[Mark Stackhouse]

Bryant,

1 to 4 is the "standard" amount to use, though tests have shown that  
the birds actually prefer 1 to 2, or a sweeter mix. However, such high  
concentration may have harmful effects of the birds' livers, so the  
weaker concentration is recommended. If your neighbors have feeders,  
and seem to be getting all the birds (though I doubt that in your  
case), you may wish to sweeten the mix a bit - though eventually  
you'll want to negotiate a truce - no point in getting into an "arms  
race" over sweetness of hummingbird feeders.

I have always started the season with a 1 to 3 solution until they are  
coming regularly, then drop to a 1 to 4 solution.

Mark

Mark Stackhouse
Enjoying Broad-billed and Cinnamon Hummingbirds in San Blas, Nayarit,  
Mexico
mark at westwings.com


On Aug 22, 2008, at 10:45 PM, Bryant Olsen wrote:

> I was wondering what is the right ratio of water to sugar to put in  
> our humming bird feeders. I have always done a 1 to 1 ratio, but  
> recently a  co-worker said that is way to much sugar, and a 4 parts  
> water to 1 part sugar is more healthy for them. What does everybody  
> else use? Any in put would be appreciated. Also, to weigh in on the  
> appropriate use of bird talk. Mark is an outstanding birder and  
> naturalist, and we are blessed to have him. I am sure in all his  
> travels through out the West and Central America, he has seen a lot  
> of habitat destruction and degradation, and understands the gravity  
> of the situation we are faceing, and I don't blame him for standing  
> up for what he loves. Rant on my friend
> Bryant Olsen
> bryant_olsen at yahoo.com
>
>
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