Hummingbird Sugar Water Ratio: Reach Sweet Spot 1: 3
Not long ago, we posted a post about homemade hummingbird meals. Inside it,
We've included a hummingbird nectar formula that calls for 1 part powdered white sugar by 3
air part. In response to the article, conscientious TGN Community member Kat wrote in with
following.
“Is A 1:3 Feeding Ratio Of Hummingbirds Really Best?”
Overriding the hummingbird's water-to-sugar ratio, forget what you've heard about the 1:1 combination:
4. Science says 1:3 imitating nature at its best!
This Is What I Answered
Kat, I really appreciate your kindness and your concern for well-being
our hummingbird friend! You raised some good questions. I'm about to answer
with my best skills.
Hummingbird Sugar Water Ratio 1:3 Mimics Nature
Problem#1: Everything I've found online is in a 1:4 ratio, so I'm confused as to why you
use more concentrated syrup?
There are very interesting scientific posts on the LSU Museum of Natural Science website
entitled “A Primer on Sukrose Solutions.” In it, the author describes the method that fits
calculate the concentration of the solution formed when a solid is dissolved in a liquid. this formula
different from the formula chemists use to determine second-phase concentrations
component is a liquid.
I recommend checking the link above for the ins and outs. But the bottom line
is that the website says a 1:4 ratio of sucrose (refined white sugar) to water
is the solution 20% is wrong. Why? These sources use formulas
liquid+liquid and not the solid+liquid formula.
Using the proper solids+liquid recipe, the 1:4 sucrose-to-water ratio really makes a difference
sucrose concentration of 17.9%.
Using the same solid+liquid methodology, a 1:3 sugar-to-water ratio creates a concentration
sucrose by 22.5%.
The post says that some published research has found that
the concentration of sucrose nectar in hummingbird flowers is 23.9%. Therefore,
concluded that “If we want to duplicate the contents of the flower sugar in our feeder, we will
using the formula 1 C sucrose: 3 C water, which creates a sucrose concentration of 22.5% (w/w).”
Fulfilling Hummingbird Nectar Is A Risky Business
Problem #2: Have you ever heard of vitamins or proteins that can
added to make it a better meal?
Another good problem, Kat! Hummingbirds do eat lots of small insects too, 1) and me
already looking at the same hummingbirds swarming our hummingbird feeder
sucking flowers near our garden and even attaching its beak to my red tomato at
vine!
Hummingbirds naturally have a sugar-centered diet. they drink
flower nectar and plant sap, both of which contain large amounts of sucrose. So did they
seem to be snacking on the sweet emissions of plants (and even insects!), 2) which also have
lots of sucrose.
When we fill our feeders with a 1:3 ratio of hummingbird food to 1 part of sugar
white table (sucrose) with 3 parts water, basically we imitate the preferred flower nectar
hummingbird.
(In fact, the Audubonians recommend using nothing but white sugar
subtle in hummingbird nectar: “Honey can increase the growth of harmful fungi. Sugar
Organic, natural, and raw contain iron which can be harmful. White table sugar
The most common is sucrose, which, when mixed with water, is very similar in chemical composition
natural nectar.” 3)
Always stick to Hummingbird Sugar Water Ratio 1:3—Nature Wills To Implement
the rest
It is true that there are some amino acids in flower nectar and plant sap
not present in aqueous solution. But hummingbirds have a big appetite for food
support their fast metabolism, and they fill their diet with
many amino acids as they feast on small insects and flower nectar.
Overwhelming whether there is something that must be added to the liquid to make it more healthful
Hummingbird, the consensus is it would be more risky to try it than not. This
because there is not enough data on what levels of additives are harmful or toxic
for them. In fact, the website Birdwatching Bliss says," To be comfortable, always
use a sugar solution and let the hummingbirds fulfill their diet naturally.” 4)
I agree.
Although I really appreciate your good wishes to provide the best nutrition for
hummers you, in this case, to me this is a problem" better comfortable
than regret".
How is it for you?
Is this knowledge of the best hummingbird nectar ratios useful to you? Combination
what sugar-to-water will you use for your feeder in the coming days? Berries
know us in opinion at bottom!
