Changing Feeders Frequency

[ryanclairecarl]

If I make the sugar is completely dissolved is it ok to replace the sugar/water once a week as opposed to every day? It's not easy for me to change it every day.

[gatorjoe]

I change mine every 3 days and the hummingbirds seem fine with it.

[Steve Backes]

Two to three times a week should be adequate. Change it out before it becomes cloudy forming mold.

The longer you wait to change the solution, the more likely that it will sour as well as grow mold. Mold, black crud, can be hard to remove from the feeder requiring additional brushes, bleach, vinegar, etc. The best way to keep a feeder clean is to change it out often, rinsing it with hot tap water. It's the least toxic and if done often enough should be all you'll need to do to keep them clean.

If you really can't clean the feeder for a longer period of time, you run the risk of birds discovering your feeder when it's sour and learning that they are not a source of adequate food. If the feeder is occasionally left a couple of days longer, there probably won't be a problem but I would advise to try to keep them as clean as possible.

I had a very hard time keeping up with 20 feeders last winter and occasionally forgot one or two and then I usually paid for it with a moldy feeder that was difficult to get clean.

If you have the time, it's best to waste a little sugar solution and change the feeder solution a little early rather than late. Ideally, if you only use one or two feeders, get a couple of extras so that you can clean them at your leisure.

Steve

[misspix]

I've just made a small batch of the sugar/water mixture and put out my feeder. How long can I keep the remaining mixture in the refrigerator? Thanks! Pat

[Steve Backes]

Pat,

You should be able to keep sugar water in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Boiling the water when making the solution will not extend its life in the feeder but may help extend the shelf life of the solution in the refrigerator. I typically use up my solution in a weeks time but occasionally, I have kept the leftovers for over two weeks. I've also had it go bad in the refrigerator. It's best to try to make just enough for a week so that you don't need to worry if it lasts a little longer.

Steve

[misspix]

Thanks Steve. I'll make small batches so I have enough to refill the feeders a few times a week. I'm determined to get those beautiful little hummers returning to my yard Hope to have a sighting posting soon! Pat

[Joe M]

This is also related to 'Red' sugar solutions.
1. Ambient temps will primarily determine how soon the solution goes 'sour'. Except for the winter months Dec-Feb, have found it necessary to change the solution at least twice a week. Once avg. temps get into the 60's, 70's and 80's at least three times a week.
2. The primary cause of spoilage in addition to temp., are the hummers themslves. Organic material on their bills from feeding on flowers gets washed into the solution and fosters bacterial growth.
3. My limited experience with commercially prepared solutions (store bought with red dye #40), is that they spoil at an accelerated rate (especially when the feeder is exposed to sunlight). Darker colors absorb more light thus get warmer and spoil quicker. For this reason I don't use it, in addition no one has ever determined if the dye is harmless to hummers.

[hummynewbie11]

what is the solution mixture rate ?? last year was my first year used store bought products .. Last summer I had 4 different ones however we now have a TV on the porch so hope that will not bother them .. I put the feeder out today and planted some nusturtium and next month can plant morning glorys ... brooksville

[Joe M]

1 part 'cane sugar 4 Parts water.
I don't recommend the store bought mix with food coloring added.
It generally will spoil quicker and any mold growing in the feeder will not be noticed as quickly as a clear solution. And no one really knows if the dye is harmful or not to Hummers. I prefer the natural solution with no additives to stay on the safe side. Also no honey additives, big mistake!!!!But in either case I recommend that feeders be rinsed and cleaned and solution changed at least every 4-5 days in the winter months and more often in the summer.
Joe M.
Lakeland

[terriberri69]

I see a few different replies. Good to know you can find out.

My only question is....would YOU drink it? I change mine, every other night.

I kept an iguana for over a decade (adopted) & I never fed Lizard any salad I wouldn't eat & I'd gladly go take down either of my feeders & drink the nectar. Anytime. ;D

My 'hummer dishes' got to be a bit much too so now I only put out 2 feeders (I think I only have 2 hummers) at a time so I always have 2 cleaned & ready to go.

Let the haters begin. I can take it! ;D