Hummingbirds

[Speedy70]

Originally Posted by cattitude

Yeah, the females are fussy. I usually run about 5 large feeders and fill them twice a day. I go through sugar at an alarming rate. I guess I'll put up one now until they really get rolling, which is usually in June.

I can't remember how many feeders my Dad has, but it's probably around 5 or 6.

Do you put red dye in yours? I've read conflicting stories about using the red dye. Some say it causes cancer in their beaks. My parents don't use the dye and the hummingbirds are fine with that.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Speedy70

I can't remember how many feeders my Dad has, but it's probably around 5 or 6.

Do you put red dye in yours? I've read conflicting stories about using the red dye. Some say it causes cancer in their beaks. My parents don't use the dye and the hummingbirds are fine with that.

Nope, no dye.

I love to see them in the spring but by the end of the summer I'm

And I need to figure out a way to keep my little raccoon buddy from drinking at his favorite feeder.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by jwwb2000

I haven't noticed any of them being mean ol biddities toward each other.

[Speedy70]

What to do about the ants though?

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Speedy70

What to do about the ants though?

I get the little green things from Wentworths. Can't think what they're called but they're around $5/$6 and they repel the ants. You hang them in between the feeder and the hanger that you hang the feeder on. They work like a charm.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by jazz lady

I ordered insect-proof feeders last year and had absolutely NO problems:

http://www.aspectsinc.com/2_Hummingbird.htm

I got 2 of the HummZinger Ultras. A little extra money than what you find in the local stores, but well worth the price in my book.

I have 2 of those but they aren't big enough for my gang. I have the 32 ounce feeders.

[Speedy70]

Originally Posted by cattitude

I get the little green things from Wentworths. Can't think what they're called but they're around $5/$6 and they repel the ants. You hang them in between the feeder and the hanger that you hang the feeder on. They work like a charm.

Thanks, I'll let my Dad know!

[Speedy70]

Originally Posted by jazz lady

I ordered insect-proof feeders last year and had absolutely NO problems:

http://www.aspectsinc.com/2_Hummingbird.htm

I got 2 of the HummZinger Ultras. A little extra money than what you find in the local stores, but well worth the price in my book.

Thanks, but I'm with Cattitude, they're too small.

[itsbob (Premo)]

We got loads of hummingbird-moths... weirdest looking creatures, but they love the dianthus..

[jazz lady (Premo)]

Originally Posted by itsbob

We got loads of hummingbird-moths... weirdest looking creatures, but they love the dianthus..

I get them around here, too, and think they're cool looking. They definitely love dianthus and all the aromatic flowers.

I finally saw my first hummer today. One of my clemantis has exploded with blossom openings this weekend and they are loving it.