You can observe and enjoy the small jewel-like creatures while providing them with a reliable source of energy by feeding them hummingbird feeders.A homemade solution of sugar and water can be used as a substitute for the sugar-rich flower nectar that fuels hummingbirds' fast-paced lifestyle.
Step 1: You can choose a bottle or saucer-style feeders.
You want to choose a style that can be disassembled for easy cleaning and one that will hold two to three days' worth of nectar, or about 6 to 12 ounces.The saucer-styles create less mess and attract fewer bugs.You could make your own.Make sure it's red, whichever style you choose.Red attracts hummingbirds.
Step 2: You can make your own hummingbird food.
You could buy store-bought hummingbird nectar, but it's ridiculously easy to make your own and much cheaper.It will keep for around a week if you make it in bulk.The experts suggest a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.You just bring it to a boil and let the sugar dissolved.Adding a bit more sugar to the birds' diet is suggested by some sources.It gets syrupy and spoils quickly if it is too much.Red food coloring can be toxic for birds and do not use anything other than plain sugar.
Step 3: If this is your first feeding, fill it half full.
If your yard is a first time hummingbird stop, you need to fill your feeders halfway.Why?You need to change sugar water in a few days.You could've stored it instead of throwing it down the drain.When the birds start coming, you can get a good idea of how much they're eating, how often you need to fill it, and how full you should be.If you live in a hot area, you may want to fill it all the time.The hot weather causes spoiling rates to go up.
Step 4: Hang it in a shady area.
If you can, hang your feeders under a tree in the shade and keep the sugar water out of the sunlight.Give the birds a cool, relaxing spot to take a drink and they'll come back.The hummingbirds migrate in the late spring and you can see them in your area.Some experts suggest setting out your feeders a couple of weeks early for the first-arrivers.It's a good idea to set your feeders out around late March.
Step 5: Depending on the weather, you can change your nectar every couple of days.
Keep an eye on it once you fill it.If it's empty, you'll need to refill it, but you also have to change it out if it gets cloudy, has black spots, or white strings.Birds will not come back to afeeder that isn't safe or tasty if these three signs are any indication.Will it go bad?The temperature can change every 6 days, or every 5 days.
Step 6: An ant guard can be used.
Hummingbirds won't come to feeders that are covered in ants or feeders with dead ants in them.To prevent ants from ruining your efforts, use an ant guard, it's a little tray full of water that you attract the cord on top of your feeders.The ants can't swim.Some feeders have this while others don't.Individual ant guards can be purchased in certain home and gardening stores.Some people suggest putting something on top of the feeders to make it sticky.In hot weather, the risk of getting into the birds' food is high.
Step 7: Keep the bees away from you.
You have to keep bees away from your feeders because they'll be territorial with the birds.They are harder to get away from.There are three things you can do to keep the feeders clean.The bees like dripping and splashing.You can place a saucer of sugar water in your yard.There is a feeder that has tubes.The bees won't sense the sugar water because only the hummingbirds can get into it.
Step 8: It's a good idea to clean the feeders regularly.
An easy-to-clean feeder is important because you want to clean it out every time you refill it.You just need a scrub brush, soap and water to get it fresh.You don't want soap to ruin the birds' dinner.If there are white strings, black spots or the sugar water is cloudy, this is important.Your next batches will spoil faster if you don't clean it well.
Step 9: You should put more red around your feeders.
The Hummingbirds love the color red.You could say it evens them out a bit.If you don't have any birds in your area, put more red up in the garden.You can attract them by putting red tape near the area or by tying a ribbon around your feeders.It just has to be red.Red paint and red nail polish can be used to improve the appearance of your garden.
Step 10: Red, orange, and yellow flowers can be planted in your garden.
If you want to get hummingbirds to your garden, you can plant a garden full of brightly-colored flowers.The more eye-catching your garden is, the better.There are flowers you can plant.
Step 11: There are different feeders in different areas.
Hummingbirds are very territorial.If you only have one hummingbird, you may be able to see that one drives away the smaller birds.To get around this, invest in a few different feeders and put them in different areas of your yard.That's even better if they're out of sight.If you can, have one in your front and back yards.
Step 12: You can put a perch on your feeders.
If you want to see a rare sight, build a perch or buy one.The birds stop for a rest is a gem of a sight.You can make your own if you can't find a perch.It's time to get your camera ready.