The Hummingbird Haven

[rosemarythyme]

@rosemarythyme - I believe the solution at that amount was meant to help prevent it from freezing if I am not mistaken.

That'd make sense as well. Thankfully sugar solution at the usual 4:1 ratio already has a slightly lower freezing point, so it pretty much stayed liquid from after lunch on, so I stopped swapping out the feeders. But this is why I keep extra feeders on hand - much easier than trying to thaw them out in weather like this.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

I wanted to share something I was sent about the feeders during this cold, freezing weather!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@rosemarythyme - The individual I talked to said the 3:1 ratio has a lower freezing temp, but also provides more energy for hummers and other birds that drink nectar. You're doing great by having some ready to swap out!

 

[MarkJr]

I've always used 1.25 cups vs 1 cup for my winter mix. Only had 3 stay around this winter. Had 6 last year.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've always used 1.25 cups vs 1 cup for my winter mix. Only had 3 stay around this winter. Had 6 last year.

I don't get a lot that stay in winter, maybe 2 or 3 at best. Some years it might only be 1, sitting on top of the willow tree. Sounds like 2 at least this year, since I can hear them zooming around one another. One was waiting for someone to clear off the light dusting of snow on the feeder yesterday (I could hear it behind me as I blew off the snow) and it was feeding as soon as I put it down.

 

[rosemarythyme]

@rosemarythyme - The individual I talked to said the 3:1 ratio has a lower freezing temp, but also provides more energy for hummers and other birds that drink nectar. You're doing great by having some ready to swap out!

Thanks for the info, I'll increase the sugar ratio from now on for winter time!

 

[589205]

During cold weather add more sugar & during hot weather decrease the amount of sugar/water ratios.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Big milestones coming up for these two baby Allen's Hummingbirds. Slight eye opening noted today. I have really enjoyed watching them grow up in the past week!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Haven't seen creator Blooie here in some time, but after she told me about the red handkerchief, I tied my lucky red bandana on the clothesline today and put out a scout feeder. Fingers crossed for our first visitor soon!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Hello,
I have 4 feeders up in the trees and 2 by my porch, what else can I do to attract these little gems?

If you're looking for more information still on attracting and helping your hummer friends, I opened a resource thread this year on BYC: All About Hummingbirds