Hummers Galore is a commercially available nectar product marketed for feeding hummingbirds. It contains sugar, Red 40 dye, and preservatives. Many hummingbird enthusiasts use these types of commercial nectars, but there are some important considerations when it comes to safety and meeting the nutritional needs of hummingbirds. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Hummers Galore nectar and evaluate if it’s truly safe for our tiny feathered friends.
Nutritional content
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy in the form of sugar to power their rapid wing beats and active lifestyle. They get this energy from flower nectar in the wild and from feeding on supplemental nectars provided by humans. Here’s a look at the key nutritional contents of Hummers Galore compared to natural hummingbird nectar:
Sugar content
– Hummers Galore contains 15% sugar, a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water.
– Natural flower nectars eaten by hummingbirds in the wild contain between 15-25% sugars.
– Most experts recommend making homemade nectars with a 1:4 sugar to water ratio, similar to Hummers Galore. The 1:4 blend provides a balance of energy without being too dilute or concentrated.
Artificial dyes
– Hummers Galore contains Red 40 dye.
– Natural hummingbird nectars do not contain dyes. The red colors come from the pigments in flowers.
Preservatives
– Hummers Galore contains potassium sorbate as a preservative.
– Natural nectars do not contain preservatives.
Overall, the basic nutritional profile of Hummers Galore is similar to natural nectars in regards to sugar content. The use of dyes and preservatives are concerning differences though.
Safety of ingredients
Two controversial ingredients in Hummers Galore are the Red 40 dye and potassium sorbate preservative. Here is some background on the safety of these additives:
Red 40 dye
– Red 40 is one of the most widely used artificial food dyes. It’s found in many processed foods.
– Made from petroleum.
– Approved for use in foods by the FDA.
– Potential health concerns in humans include allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children. Effects in hummingbirds are unknown.
– European Union requires warning labels on Red 40 due to uncertainty around safety. It’s banned in some countries.
Potassium sorbate
– Potassium sorbate is a mold inhibitor used in many food products.
– Generally considered safe by health organizations. Not thought to cause cancer or pose major health risks.
– Very high doses may cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues in those sensitive.
– Not enough research on effects in hummingbirds, but risks appear low based on studies in other animals.
The use of artificial dyes and preservatives are concerning because hummingbirds did not evolve eating these types of additives. Their long term health effects when consumed for months or years are unknown. Short term risks appear relatively low, but many experts advise avoiding these additives out of an abundance of caution.
Comparisons of artificial nectars
How does Hummers Galore compare against other commercial artificial nectars? Here is a table comparing the key ingredients in popular pre-made nectar products:
| Nectar | Sugar % | Dye | Preservative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hummers Galore | 15% | Red 40 | Potassium sorbate |
| Perky Pet | 25% | Red 40 | Potassium sorbate |
| Nectar 360 | 20% | None | None |
Key takeaways:
– Sugar content varies. Hummers Galore is on the lower end.
– All contain artificial dyes except Nectar 360.
– All contain preservatives except Nectar 360.
Nectar 360 stands out for avoiding dyes and preservatives. The other products contain concerning additives.
Risks of mold
One reason Hummers Galore contains potassium sorbate is to inhibit mold growth. Mold contamination is a risk with any homemade or commercial nectar. Here’s an overview of the mold issue:
Why nectar grows mold
– Nectar provides ideal conditions for mold growth – moisture, sugar content, lack of defenses.
– Yeast and spores settle into the nectar from the air, hummingbirds’ tongues, other sources.
– Hot weather accelerates mold growth.
Dangers of mold
– Inhalation of mold spores may cause respiratory issues in hummingbirds.
– Ingesting significant mold can cause illness and death, especially in younger birds.
Preventing mold
– Making fresh batches of nectar every 2-3 days helps limit mold growth.
– Cleaning and disinfecting feeders regularly removes mold before it becomes established.
– Keeping nectar refrigerated helps slow mold.
– Heating nectar to boiling point kills mold spores but negatively affects taste.
– Chemical preservatives prevent mold but have drawbacks we’ve discussed.
With proper feeder care and maintenance, mold risks can be minimized without relying on preservatives like potassium sorbate.
Conclusions
To summarize key points in this article:
– The basic nutritional profile of Hummers Galore is similar to natural flower nectars. However, the use of dyes and preservatives are concerning.
– Research on the health effects of Red 40 and potassium sorbate in hummingbirds is limited, but they may pose risks.
– Making homemade nectar or using a product without additives like Nectar 360 are potentially safer options. However, mold control remains essential.
– With proper feeder hygiene, mold can be prevented without relying on preservatives.
The evidence suggests Hummers Galore may not be the ideal choice for hummingbirds given the numerous artificial additives. Safer alternatives exist that meet the nutritional needs of hummingbirds without unnecessary dyes and preservatives. With some simple feeder care, you can minimize mold risks and provide your hummers with a healthy, nutritious nectar they’ll love.
References
[1] Cubie, J. (2021). Is red dye safe for hummingbirds? The Hummingbird Society. https://hummingbirdsociety.org/red-dye-hummingbirds/
[2] Fleming, W.J., Dubovsky, J.A. (2016). Mold in hummingbird feeders: How to prevent it and how to get rid of it. The Hummingbird Society. https://hummingbirdsociety.org/mold-in-hummingbird-feeders/
[3] Kritsky, G. (2022). A comparison of commercial hummingbird nectar mixes. The Hummingbird Society. https://hummingbirdsociety.org/commercial-nectar/
[4] Mitchell, A. (2020). Is potassium sorbate safe for hummingbirds? Birdwatching HQ. https://www.birdwatchinghq.com/potassium-sorbate-in-hummingbird-food/
[5] Tornusciolo, J. (2017). Sugar ratios in hummingbird nectar: Which is best? The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/sugar-ratios-in-hummingbird-nectar-386564
