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Think Twice Before Using Tap Water
When Making Hummingbird Nectar
By CHRYSS MAE SEGOVIA
Hummingbird nectar is simple to make at home, requiring only one part white sugar to four parts water. Using tap water, however, may not be safe for these feathered creatures.
Chlorine and chloramine are added to tap water to make it safe for humans to drink. While they aren’t harmful in small doses, they can cause health problems in birds over time.
If you use a salt-based water softener to remove minerals from hard water, it’ll add sodium to your nectar. This can dehydrate the hummingbirds and possibly harm their kidneys.
To stay on the safe side, always use bottled or filtered water. Just make sure the brand you choose doesn’t have any flavors, vitamins, or minerals like calcium in it.