Recently I read that feeding hummingbirds with sugar water out of a feeder is bad for them. The article suggested that they will get all of their calories from the sugar water and thus won’t get proper nutrition. Further it suggested that its nearly impossible to keep the feeder clean enough. Does this sound reasonable? If so what are alternatives (besides growing flowers)?
[ul]
[li]Planting more flowers is always best. If you want specific recommendations, tell me your location and sun/shade conditions.[/li][li]You SHOULD clean the feeder hot water DAILY. This is the sole reason I’ve retired my feeder.[/li][li]You can buy formulae with more complete nutrition than just sugar.[/li][/ul]
Hummingbirds normally get most of their protein, vitamins, and other nutrients besides sugar from eating small insects. While a few flower nectars contain small amounts of amino acids, they are mostly just sugar water, like your feeder contains (although they may produce fructose or glucose in addition to, or instead of, sucrose, which is what table sugar contains.)
There is no real problem offering hummingbirds feeders in regard to nutrition; they will catch the insects they need. There is really no need to provide anything other than sugar water in the feeder.
With regard to cleaning the feeder, while it should be kept as clean as possible, I’m not sure that cleaning it every day is absolutely necessary. Some sites recommend cleaning it at least every 2-3 days, others 3-4 days. It should be cleaned more frequently in hot weather, and should be cleaned when it is refilled. It should definitely be cleaned if the solution becomes cloudy or there is any sign of mold.
Use only pure refined white table sugar. Some people have the idea that honey or brown sugar is somehow more “healthy” than refined sugar. These just have impurities that can be detrimental to the bird. It is unnecessary (and not recommended) to use red dye in the solution. As long as there is some red on the feeder the hummers will find it OK.
And of course, never use artificial sweeteners in the feeder! (Yes, there are such people.) Hummingbirds need all the calories they can get.
Thank you this has been very helpful 