hummingbirds

(Portland, OR)

I have some left over palm sugar and was wondering if it's okay to feed it to the hummingbirds as a substitute for white sugar....I've heard honey is not a good substitute. Just want to make sure it won't harm them! Donna


Comment
The correct formula for hummingbird food has been one of controversy. For a while honey was popular because of its nutritional properties. Then it was discovered that some hummingbirds were contacting a fatal fungus disease from the honey. Moldy honey-water mixtures were discovered to be the cause. Honey is therefore far too risky.

With the white sugar- water mixture it is important not to use a higher ratio of sugar then one part sugar to four parts of water, as it is believed a higher ratio of sugar could damage the hummingbird's liver.

As to palm sugar, I'm afraid I don't know if it is safe. Personally, I wouldn't chance it.

Susan