Since their popularization in 1950, hummingbird feeders have been a part of American gardens.If you keep them clean and use the right kind of nectar, they will bring lots of hummingbirds to your yard.
Step 1: The nectar chamber and lid are separated.
A traditional lid or combination lid/feeding dish can be removed from a large, hollow bottle.If you are changing out the liquid in a used feeder, make sure to hold the chamber so that the opening faces up.Check your user manual for instructions on how to take apart feeders.
Step 2: Warm water is good for rinsing your feeders.
It is a good idea to rinse your feeders under a stream of hot water.If your feeders are brand new, do this for 30 seconds.If you don't have a new one, rinse it until the old ones are gone.The taste repels hummingbirds so don't rinse it with soap.If the chamber has black mold, you can remove it with a bottle brush.
Step 3: The hummingbird nectar can be poured into the chamber.
You can either purchase a specialty mix at your local pet store or make your own.If you have a large hummingbird feeders, don't fill the chamber all the way since it's a good chance it will go bad.To make the pouring process easier, use a clean funnel.
Step 4: You need to connect your chamber and lid.
The opening of your chamber should be facing up.If necessary, connect the feeding dish to the lid.The hummingbird feeders are ready to use.
Step 5: Water can be boiled in a pot.
Put a small cooking pot on a burner and fill it with water.Wait for the water to boil and set the temperature to high.
Step 6: The water should have.25 cups of refined white sugar in it.
A quarter of the way up, fill a measuring cup with refined white sugar.After pouring the sugar into the cooking pot, begin mixing the solution with a spoon.Hummingbirds can be harmed by other forms of sugar, including raw, organic, and natural.If you want to avoid hurting the hummingbirds, do not add red dye, honey, or sweeteners.
Step 7: When the sugar is fully dissolved, stir the mixture.
Continue to stir the nectar until no grains of sugar remain.It should take between 1 and 2 minutes for small batches.Remove the sugar from the stove and let it cool.
Step 8: Extra nectar can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can keep leftover nectar in your refrigerator to keep it from degrading.If it remains cool, hummingbird nectar will be good for up to 2 weeks.If you see a black mold, throw it out.You have to change the nectar in your feeders every few days.
Step 9: Take the feeders apart.
Put the lid on the nectar chamber and forget about it.Use hot water to rinse the old nectar out of the chamber.If you have a feeding dish or hanging hook, separate them now.You can consult the instruction manual for advice on breaking down your model.It's a good idea to clean the feeders about once a month.
Step 10: Combine 1 gallon of water with 4 cups of vinegar.
Take a tub large enough to hold your parts and fill it with water and white vinegar.Use a spoon or gloved hand to mix the solution.The solution of water and bleach is 10:1.
Step 11: It is a good idea to soak your feeders for an hour.
The hummingbird feeders should be submerged in the water and vinegar solution.The inside of the chamber should be covered with liquid.Allow everything to soak for about an hour.
Step 12: You can use a bottle brush to clean your chamber.
Remove dirt, mold, andbacteria from the floor.Use a normal cleaning brush to scrub the other parts of your feeders.Adding grains of dry rice to the solution will make the chamber more sanitary.Put the chamber under cover and shake it.
Step 13: Before you use it again, rinse it with warm water.
Under a stream of warm or hot water, rinse each part of your feeder.It's a good idea to rinse each part 2 or 3 times to get all the gunk off.You can use your feeder once you clean it.