Q. What is the correct Sugar solution to use in the feeder?
A: Use a 1 part sugar to 4 parts water solution - this is the closest dilution to what is found natually in nectar.
Q: Where should I place my feeder in the garden?
A: You should initially place it near flowers or trees that you know the sunbirds are already feeding at. If you are not sure whether you have sunbirds in your garden, I suggest you place it close to (or in) a tree that naturally sunbirds like.
Q: I am inundated with ants on the feeder - what should I do?
A: Ants can be a real problem and you may want to spray the branch that the feeder hangs from with some ant spray or you could try putting some vaseline on the hook or line that the feeder hangs on. One of my customers suggested cutting a tennis ball in half and threading a line through it (half of it with) forming a bowl above the feeder. You fill this with water and it should do the trick!
Q: I have seen sunbirds in the area but they do not seem to be coming to the feeder - what am I doing wrong?
A: If you know that there are sunbirds in your area already then you may just have to show a little patience. Make sure that your feeder is in an area where they would normally go, make sure that the sugar solution is still fresh and make sure that the feeder is visible.
Q: Can I put food colouring in the sugar solution?
A: Putting colouring in the sugar solution is not necessary as the feeder is red which will attract the birds. It is said that colouring is in fact not good for the birds.
Q: Can I clean my feeder with a weak solution of bleach?
A: Yes you may. Make sure that the solution is very weak and allow the feeder to soak to get rid of any mould or bacteria that may be in the feeder. Ensure that you rinse the feeder thouroughly to ensure that it is free of bleach when you add the sugar solution.
