Can you use Hawaiian Punch in a hummingbird feeder?
My neighbor does this--is it dangerous?
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Answers ( 2 )
You can, but you shouldn't.
Hawaiian Punch contains high fructose corn syrup, which, assuredly hummers would enjoy, but its effects on the birds is unknown. It also contains sucralose, (1,6-Dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-β-D-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranoside) and red dye- neither of which is recommended for birds. I know when I have used juices without a high concentration of citric acid for my small parrot, if I forget to get it out when closing up his cage for the day, there's a faint whiff of alcohol the next morning. If Hawaiian Punch is used, it should only be up for short while, the feeder emptied and cleaned, then refilled with nectar substitute.
Such juices can also contribute to mold growth in the feeder, which is difficult to control.
The best recipe for hummingbird nectar is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. No dye, no artificial anything. Stir it up, put extra in the refrigerator, empty, clean and refill the feeder daily, and enjoy your flying jewel friends.