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The humming birds love this and I have to fill the feeders all the time.
hmmm.Found a nice page ([.].) about this topic while posting this note (did a quick search on red dye and what do you know this is an article about hummingbirds).PS: the cost of regular sugar is a fraction of these "special" mixes, but another question is whether cane, beet, or some other sugar source is best for the birds. Regardless, clear (sucrose/sugar) only is there choice so we are sticking to that.We used this Opus product a couple times as it was combined in a special sale of feeders we picked up. Maybe they are smarter than us in the US, or maybe they didn't like the dextrose. I don't know if we're killing them with kindness by feeding them straight sugars [.].) ie: do hummingbirds metabolize sugar in the same manner as humans. We did a side-by-side test of mixes and found that only on occasion did any birds feed on the Red Perky Pets mix (sucrose, dextrose and Red dye 40 - toxic to birds). 90% of our hummingbirds (of various types) feed on the clear stuff. No different than sugar, so we've returned to that.
If you're having issues attracting hummingbirds then try a red colored feeder with a good perch or even adjusting the feeder you have now. Of the clear mixes I've tried my local hummingbirds prefer this one.Please do not use convenience mixes or homemade mixes with red dye, it's absolutely unnecessary and could be harmful to the hummingbirds. hummingbird central. For a convenience mix this one is decent. It's 100% sucrose, no red dye, and mixes quickly without boiling. I had trouble with one of mine until I put red fabric flowers on the ports, then poof.
We have been using this brand of hummingbird food for nearly ten years. It is the best, bar none, for both ease of use and for attracting hummingbirds.
Donate the money you save to the Audubon Society, or put it toward another feeder. Allow to cool. The producers of these products are running a major scam - they are selling you SUGAR at a huge profit margin.Mix one cup of sugar to four cups of water. Heat to boiling. Clean and then fill your feeders.
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