Bird Watching: Too much of a good thing?

Forum: Bird Watching Replies: 5, Views: 41 Print -

Author Content MrsKinsey Goldsboro, NC (Zone 7b) May 24, 2008 12:51 PM Post #4997399 I always hear that you should make your hummer nectar at a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1. Is it harmful to the birds to make it stronger? Maybe 2:1? pelletory Marlton, NJ May 24, 2008 1:22 PM Post #4997506 Hi Mrs Kinsey, I've always heard no stronger than 3:1. Thats the strongest I've heard that most hummingbird experts use. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) May 24, 2008 1:23 PM Post #4997509 I took a little taste of the 4:1 and wowee, it's sweet. Resin Northumberland (United Kingdom) (Zone 9a) May 24, 2008 1:26 PM Post #4997516 Too much sugar could cause dehydration - they need the water to be able to metabolise the sugar. Resin Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) May 24, 2008 2:34 PM Post #4997736 Well there you have it. Good thing they don't have teeth or they'd have lots of cavities. This message was edited May 24, 2008 1:48 PM MrsKinsey Goldsboro, NC (Zone 7b) May 24, 2008 2:39 PM Post #4997757 Wow, I never realized that too much sugar could be bad for them. I made some nectar yesterday and realized in hindsight that it might not be good for them. I'll go out and add some water to the mix. Thanks for enlightening me!

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