Why won't hummingbirds visit my hummingbird feeder?
I have a hummingbird feeder hanging in my backyard and it's filled with sugar water that's been dyed red, but hummingnbirds haven't visited yet. It's been there for a few days. what should I do?
I have a hummingbird feeder hanging in my backyard and it's filled with sugar water that's been dyed red, but hummingnbirds haven't visited yet. It's been there for a few days. what should I do?
fluffernut
Favorite Answer
The red coloring isn't necessary, but generally safe. If your feeder has red on it, especially the feeding ports, relax. In the future, don't bother about coloring the water.
OK: it takes time for the hummingbird community to find you. They have feeding areas already established and will stay there during the season. Those in migration will be the ones to find you now. Next season as they arrive and find your feeder, they will stick around.
Sugar water turns sour quickly, so change every few days even if there has been no feeding.
The feeder should be in the open, not hidden.....future feeders can be tucked under roof eves, etc, but first you need a population. Hummers are also looking out for predators, so open viewing important.
Mostly though, it just takes time for them to find you.
1 bite is worth a 1000 Barks
First off are you sure they have not visited the feeder. Second , do you know that red food color is poison to hummingbirds. Now with that said do you have the feeder in a place they feel safe. Also without knowing where you live I would have to say hummingbirds are migratory and it may be they are not present now. Our feeders only get visited for about a moth or 2 out of each year when the birds are in the area.
Anonymous
Hello Mackenzie!
Create a special location for your little feathered friends. Plant hummingbird favorites that supply their much needed nectar, including several perennials (cardinal flower, lantana, and monarda). They also are attracted to butterfly bushes and weigelias. Red salvias would look great too or consider adding a hibiscus nearby to attract the hummingbirds. Be sure to find a safe but visible location so you can enjoy the birds but protect them so they will not become part of the food chain.
Hummingbird Drink Recipe:
Take one cup of boiling water and then add 1/4 cup of white granulated cane sugar (yes - the stuff the doctor says to avoid!). Cool the mixture, fill the feeder, and refrigerate the rest for a few days. If you don’t have the time or inclination to mix their drinks, consider using an instant mix or readymade nectar. Change the mixture every other day so it is fresh and ant-free.
Please be patient and the little daredevils will find you – their aerial show will be worth the wait!
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I have a feeder in my backyard they come and drink out of them a few times a day mine are just filled with a ton of sugar and water the red die isn't necessary. You may want to get a few too.
Allysa Dunnigan
Hummingbirds are attracted to red. Th food coloring just isn't working. Spray paint the whole feeder red and they will come. It worked for our feeder