Hummingbird food gets hard
-
Donna Byram on May 07, 2014May be the sugar. I have found the hard way in candy making that the store brand sugar(or coarse granules) does not dissolve as well as CH or the fine sugar. Also, do you have your feeders in the shade or sun? Seems like the ones I have in the shade do better than the ones that get more sun. Last year one of my turned to syrup and it was getting a lot of sun. Just a thought.Helpful Reply
-
-
Elaine Simmons on May 07, 2014Thanks Donna, that makes sense. We had some tree trimming done so it is more in the sun than it used to be. Maybe we should move it to the shade. I will try a different sugar next time too as we do use the store brand.Helpful Reply
-
-
Elaine Simmons on May 08, 2014Donna, just noticed your last name. This is a long shot but do you or did you have relatives in Iowa? The doctor who delivered my first baby was Dr. Byram. Can't recall the first name.Helpful Reply
-
-
Grammie on May 08, 2014I LOVE anything Hummingbird--they're SO cute!!! It's amazing to me that those tiny little bodies can just "hover" as they do, and back-up, turn around and chase so swiftly, and with such determination and commitment. I was shocked that they were so adamant about guarding and protecting their territory. I stood and watched two-to-three birds fight over who was the "owner" of my feeder--GEE, talk about "SIZE DOES NOT MATTER--these tiny little birds have more stamina and strength than many animals much bigger than themselves. I've read a lot of articles about them and it just keeps getting better and better---I could go on and on, but I won't. While I haven't heard of the sugar hardening, I have discovered that the red food coloring can cause great health scares to the little birds, so if you were not aware of that, you might want to take note of it. The nectar I make is the same "recipe" that you use. I've not had any problems with my nectar at all. I don't fill my feeders up to the top because there is so much wastefulness in doing that--I fill each of my feeders a third to a fourth up; then, empty and wash the feeder (with just plain, hot water-no soap of any kind). Lastly, I pour in the fresh-made nectar; if you don't use all the nectar you just made, you can store it in the refrigerator for one month; I just take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temp. When I make the batch of nectar, I don't boil the water, I just make sure the water is good and hot and let it sit on the counter to cool to room temp.. Occasionally, stir while cooling. Good luck!!-)) Susie P.S. My apology--I didn't realize that I had made such a LONG reply. I'll try to keep an eye on what I have typed up every few sentences, to avoid doing it again. Have a lovely Mothers' Day/weekendHelpful Reply
-
-
Elaine Simmons on May 08, 2014Susie, I have done it both ways.......used very hot water and boiled it. It makes no difference. I am going to change sugars and see if that helps. I posted on another forum about the hummingbird nest right outside our den window. We got to watch them hatch and fly the nest.........so much fun!Helpful Reply
-
-
Janice Davis on May 09, 2014You need to make sure you get sugar made from cane, not sugar beets. Cane seems to work better.Helpful Reply
-
-
Elaine Simmons on May 10, 2014Ok, just curious because it is not a name you hear very often. This doctor died in a plane crash.Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
How to replace a toilet seat?
I need advice on how to replace a toilet seat, please. What do I need to know when looking for a new one?
Cat Litter containers
Hi! we have three rescue cats and I am always buying those large plastic litter containers - seems a waste to throw them out and they just hold clean litter but can't... See more
Cat urine vs dyed leather
Male kitten/cat began "marking" in several places in my home. The worst was on my leather couch!! It is a lighter cordovan color and has now been christened more than... See more
Use a window roller shade for a pet gate??
Has anyone in Hometalkland tried this?? It seems like it would work - the retractable gates they sell are basically sideways window shades, aren't they? Looking for... See more
Suggestion for coffee grounds
I had that if you dump your used coffee grounds at the roots of your rose bushes, it is great fertilizer. I have found this to be true. My rose bush is flourishing. A... See more
I'm looking for something to use under litter boxes to protect carpet
How can I disguise/camouflage black wire dog crates?
I have 3 dogs. They are house trained but still sleep in their crates. Tried to take them away but my dogs were not happy. i put towels on top of them to semi cov... See more