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Red dye in hummingbird nectar

Posted by Douglas Everett on

Never use red food coloring. A very comprehensive link about Red Food Coloring Most feeders have the color red incorporated into their manufacture. Most feeders made today have enough red in their design and manufacture that the red coloring in the nectar is not necessary to draw the birds in. Also, once the hummingbirds have found the feeder, and if the nectar is replaced regularly, they will keep coming back to the same location. Coloration enables them to first find the feeder. They do not depend on the coloration after initial visits to the same location. Red dye #40, named Allura Red...

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