Re: Hummingbird Feeder
William,
I have no knowledge of whether brown sugar would be harmful
unless it contained caramel-colouring or something of that
nature. It is possible that it would ferment faster than
white sugar meaning that cleaning feeders and changing the
solution more frequently in warm weather would be a
consideration. As hummingbirds are prone to fungal
infections of the beak and tongue (definitely a side effect
of honey) I don't know whether this might be something to
consider. What I do know is that white granulated sugar
solution is nearly identical to flower nectar. I'm just
guessing, but perhaps the flowers "refine" the glucose to a
clear colourless nectar just as white sugar produces. If I
can find anything out, I will let you know.
Diane Pertson
William wrote:
> In the West Indies white sugar is not always easily come
by and those who
> put out hummingbird feeders usually use dark brown sugar
or the slightly
> more refined lighter brown product known as 'straw sugar'.
>
> Doesn't seem to do the little flyers any harm. Might it?
>
>
> William Glover
> Nevis, W.I.
>
