Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that can bring vibrant life to your garden. Caring for them, however, requires attention and responsibility, just like any pet. If you’re planning to set up a feeder for these tiny birds, it’s essential to understand their needs, especially regarding feeding and maintaining their food source. This guide will help you take care of hummingbirds, from feeding tips to understanding their growth and development.
Setting Up a Hummingbird Feeder
Commitment to Cleanliness
When you set up a hummingbird feeder, it’s important to treat it with the same care you would for a pet’s food and water. Hummingbirds rely on the feeder for nourishment, and if the feeder is not well-maintained, it can harm the bird. The sugar water in the feeder should be changed every four to seven days to prevent mold from developing. If left too long, mold can grow, which is harmful to the birds, even if it’s not visible. By regularly cleaning and refilling the feeder, you can ensure that your hummingbirds remain healthy and happy.
Choosing the Right Feeder
The best feeder is one that is easy to clean, easy to refill, and comes with a perch for the birds to rest on while feeding. While decorative feeders may look pretty, they can attract pests like wasps. Some feeders with glass flowers allow mud-wasps to block the feeding holes with their nests. A simple saucer-type feeder with a perch is often the best option for both you and the hummingbirds.
Recipe for Hummingbird Sugar Water
To prepare sugar water for the hummingbirds, mix four cups of water with one cup of sugar. Boiling the water helps dissolve the sugar more effectively and slows the spoilage process. Make sure to let the mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it into the feeder. In colder weather, you can increase the sugar concentration slightly (one cup of sugar to three cups of water) to give the birds more energy and prevent the mixture from freezing. If it gets very cold, consider bringing the feeder inside at night.
Hummingbird Life Cycle: Sweetie Bird’s Story
Nesting and Laying Eggs
Sweetie Bird, an Anna’s Hummingbird, nests from December to August. During this time, she lays two eggs approximately every six weeks. Interestingly, she starts building a new nest for the next batch of eggs even before the current chicks have fully fledged. The eggs are about the size of coffee beans, and the soft shell collapses when the chicks hatch, becoming part of the nest floor.
Hatching and Growing
The chicks hatch about 28 days after the eggs are laid. Over the next 21 days, they grow strong enough to fly. During this time, Sweetie feeds them insects for protein and sugar water or nectar for hydration. When first born, the chicks rely on the wind from Sweetie’s wings to signal feeding time, but as they grow, her vocal clicks become the primary feeding cue.
Fledging and Learning to Fly
When the chicks are ready to fledge, they start practicing how to sit on branches, peep, and feed themselves. Sweetie continues to feed them even after they leave the nest, gradually reducing the frequency as they learn to find food on their own. Watching a chick’s first attempt at flight can be a comical sight—tiny fluff balls struggling to stay upright in the air. With practice, they soon become expert fliers, mastering the art of quick and agile movements.
Conclusion
Caring for hummingbirds is a rewarding experience that requires a bit of commitment and patience. From keeping feeders clean to providing fresh sugar water, every little effort helps these delicate birds thrive. Understanding their feeding habits and life cycle can also deepen your appreciation for these fascinating creatures. By following these tips, you can create a safe, nurturing environment for the hummingbirds in your garden.
FAQ’s
How often should I change the sugar water in my hummingbird feeder?
You should change the sugar water in your feeder every 4 to 7 days. In hot weather, it may need to be changed more frequently, as the solution can spoil faster. Regularly cleaning and refilling the feeder helps keep the birds healthy by preventing harmful mold growth.
What is the best recipe for hummingbird sugar water?
The ideal recipe for hummingbird sugar water is 4 cups of water mixed with 1 cup of white sugar. Boil the water to dissolve the sugar, and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before filling the feeder. In colder weather, you can increase the sugar concentration slightly to provide more energy for the birds.
How do I keep wasps and other pests away from my hummingbird feeder?
To prevent wasps from accessing your hummingbird feeder, choose a feeder with fewer exposed feeding ports, and avoid decorative feeders with glass flowers that pests can block. Clean the feeder regularly and use a simple saucer-type feeder, which tends to attract fewer pests.