Why can't I use a packet of red koolaid mix in my hummingbird feeder?

Question

Isn't it the same concept as a bunch of sugar and red food color?

Answer 1

KoolAid is not the same as sugar and red food color.  If you look at the contents on the packet you'll see that.  If you do this you will kill hummingbirds.

Answer 2

Coolaid is not the same as pure sugar. It has a ton of added chemicals which can be harmful to birds.

Answer 3

if your feeder has red on it just use sugar water they will find it

Answer 4

It can be poisonous or very harmful to birds so don't try it.

Answer 5

You should NOT add any coloring agent to the feeder solution.  The birds are attracted to the red tip on the feeder.  Once they know it's there, they don't need any further signals to bring them in for dinner.  

Food color is not natural to their diet.  Also NEVER use honey water, it will kill the birds.

Answer 6

not really. Kool aid has addatives in it that could be harmful to hummers.  Also, they are nectar feeders..I don't think the fruitiness if koolaid is something that will attract them. Koolaid does not contain sugar either.

I never put red dye in my nectar and I have MANY hummers at my feeders.

Actually,  hummingbird nectar mix like you find in the store is best (if you can afford it..) because it contains nutrients that hummingbirds won't get from just sugar and water.

Answer 7

It might be ok, but more expensive.  You don't need - really shouldn't even use - the red food coloring.  All the hummers need is water with sugar.  Just add 1/4 cup sugar to a cup of boiling water.  Let it cool and fill up the feeder.  The hummers will be fighting over your feeder.