topic Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds in Community Chat

What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

KatieB — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 23:58:32 GMT

This is a hummingbird unable to retract her tongue, which is a sign of fungal spores that have germinated on her tongue or in her gullet caused by folks mixing honey or anything other than plain white sugar with water. She will die because she can no longer feed.

Please please PLEASE .... USE ONLY PLAIN WHITE SUGAR in your mixture of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. No organic, no raw, no brown sugar, no powdered sugar, no honey, no artificial sugar. Plain white sugar/water mixture is more similar to actual flower nectar. And no toxic red color!

Change the sugar water mixture every couple days, as it will start to ferment sitting out for days on end.

If you can't or won't do this, just don't put out a feeder at all.

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

Twoaces — Sat, 01 May 2021 00:16:37 GMT

Thank you for sharing this critical information. And if possible, please add pollinator plants to your garden. Even one flowering plant on a small patio can make a difference to birds, hummingbirds and bees near your home.

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

Venezia — Sat, 01 May 2021 16:09:14 GMT

@KatieB - One note:

"Fungal infections can be treated with medications by a professional therefore if you suspect a fungal infection, immediately transport them for treatment."

If anyone finds a bird in this condition and has a bird or wildlife sanctuary that they can take the bird to, it should be done as soon as possible.

It helps to know in advance, where these places are located near you.

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

northiie57 — Sat, 01 May 2021 16:43:15 GMT

Oh how I wish that people would read before you feed! Do a little homework

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

arrabella — Sat, 01 May 2021 18:02:29 GMT

@northiie57 wrote:
Oh how I wish that people would read before you feed! Do a little homework

I don't know why some people can't take the time to read how to feed them!! Every year we have ignorant people doing their own thing. Makes me sick!

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

kehaara — Thu, 06 May 2021 16:42:55 GMT

Thank you for the information. The picture of that beautiful hummingbird was heartbreaking.

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

riley1 — Thu, 06 May 2021 17:40:42 GMT

I will add, they do not need the red food that is sold in stores. Just water and white sugar - I boil it for 5 minutes and refrigerate it.

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

Venezia — Sat, 08 May 2021 16:31:18 GMT

Just saw my first little hummer this morning. Hurrah! So glad I put the feeder out early.

Re: What Not to Feed Hummingbirds

GeorgiaJanet — Mon, 10 May 2021 22:46:49 GMT

And clean the feeders every few days and put in fresh sugar solution. When it gets hot, the sugar water ferments and that makes the hummingbirds sick.