Plese read this before you continue to feed the pre-made nectars on the market for the Hummingbirds. It is so much better for the Hummingbirds to just have sugar water. 4 parts water to 1 part sugar is the best. Please read and save a Hummingbird... http:///www.paghat.com/reddye.html
That is the ratio that I use. Four cups of water to one cup of sugar. They must like it. Those two feeders get filled often enough. dooley
I just did a little research and they are saying something different for Orioles...I have been doing 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar.....it looks like I need to do more research so I do it right....not all information on the internet is right so this will take a more investigating.
You are so very right, Sherry! Paying for a mixture made who-knows-where out of who-knows-what, or simply taking about 10 minutes to make your own nectar that is better for the hummers--why not? When we did nature presentations to garden clubs, Rotary, etc. we always took along 3"x5" cards with instructions for making your own nectar, when to replace it in hot weather, and a list of easily grown plants that hummers like. Folks were amazed that you don't have to buy the red stuff to fill the feeders! We don't have orioles, but I can imagine yours will be even more happy and healthy after your research!
I also use 4 parts water to one part sugar for hummingbirds. I guess I should find out the nector for Baltimore Orioles because I saw a pair sitting on my bean poles the other day.
Well, I guess I will never quit learning new things...I hate to admit it but I have been doing it wrong . Years ago when I started I read 4-1 and now every place I checked said this: Oriole Food Recipe You Will Need: 1 part sugar/6 parts water Instructions: Boil the water first, then measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/3 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water. Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use. Although commercial oriole food is usually orange colored, do not add food coloring, honey (which ferments), or artificial sweetener to your homemade recipe. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit mold. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with your homemade nectar. They will be gone soon from here so I will keep doing it this way and start fresh with the right ratio next season...
I've always made my own nectar. I don't boil it as we are on well water and it isn't treated with anything. For the Hummers 1/4 cup sugar per cup water and the Orioles 1/3 cup sugar to 2 cups water. Anything not consumed by day 3 is dumped out, the feeders cleaned and refilled.
Netty....around here people have to quit drinking the water at times because of contaminants either in their wells or in the pipes. I am not sure how often they get checked but you hear about a lot of bad water. This is in the Green Bay, Neenah, Menasha and Appleton area and also Greenville, I think they have high levels of arsenic in their area. Then they have to boil everything they drink, cook with and sometimes they tell them not to shower in it. We have never had to do it in my area and I am on a big town well. Sorry...I got another phone call and had to leave fast. I only drink our water through a purifier because I think it has a strong smell. I used to love our water when we lived in New London, Wi. now that well water was so good....
I am going to keep feeding the nectar to the Orioles but I have to quit the jelly/jam. Too many yellow jackets, etc end up stuck in it and the Orioles won't eat it then....
Sherry I to have been feeding Orioles with what the hummers eat. Plus Jelly earlier when the wasp are not as bad as they get around this time of year. I also do not boil our well water when making sugar water for the birds. We have our water tested often and so far so good. We live on top of the Niagara escarpment with few farms around us to pollute our water. But I know that where our water comes from is miles away. Any way, I will have to do some research on the nectar ratio. Sad to say our Orioles have left for the year. Thank the Lord there are NO big dairy farms near us for over 30 miles in all directions. But it never herts to be on the cautious side.
My Orioles are still here but not as many. I notice them mostly in the morning drinking the sugar water....
