All you need to know about feeding hummingbirds with morena pure cane sugar
Morena Pure Cane Sugar is a minimally processed sugar that retains its natural golden-brown color and caramel-like flavor. Unlike white sugar, Morena is not refined which retains more of the flavor and nutrients of sugar cane, and its larger crystals can be easily broken in preparing food.
Nectar, derived from flowers or sugar water solutions, is the primary source of food for hummingbirds due to its high sucrose content, which provides energy and necessary water for their metabolism and flight. That is why many backyard birders recommended using nectar to attract more hummingbirds in their gardens. But, what type of sugar is the best to prepare a safe and healthy diet for these tiny creatures?
In this article, We’ll talk about the type of sugar used to produce nectar that can have a positive effect on hummer health in this article, and why Morena Pure Sugar is not an ideal choice for feeding hummingbirds.
What is the best sugar to use for hummingbirds?
According to The International Hummingbird Society, white granulated cane sugar is the number one preferred for use in hummingbird feeders. The closest thing we can get to natural nectar in flowers is white granulated sugar. You should avoid using any other sugar type except refined white sugar to ensure that you are providing the best for the adorable birds. If you want to get ready-made hummingbird nectar, you can use the Kaytee Hummingbird Electronectar (Amazon Link), which leads the hummingbird food industry. However, It is recommended to go with homemade nectar rather than purchasing one which is safer and cost-saving.
Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar
Best ready-made hummingbird nectar
This easy-to-mix concentrate product goes beyond traditional feeder nectars, offering nourishment and hydration to hummingbirds while providing the necessary nutrition.
C&H Premium Pure Cane Granulated Sugar
Most popular pure cane granulated sugar
The sugar comes in a rectangular tub with a flip-up lid that makes scooping and resealing easy
What are the best pure cane sugar products for hummingbird feeders?
Can I use Morena pure cane sugar for hummingbirds?
Many bird enthusiasts are interested to know if Morena pure cane sugar is safe to use in preparing nectar for hummingbird feeding stations. While Morena’s natural caramel-like flavor can provide hummingbirds with a more enjoyable feeding experience, experts suggest you should avoid using it. Experts also suggest avoiding using any type of non-white sugar such as brown, raw, organic, evaporated cane juice, or colored baking sugars.
The term “Morena” refers to the light golden color of the sugar as it minimally processes to keep the natural amounts of molasses. It is a commonly known fact that molasses is high in iron, which is beneficial for humans but can be toxic to hummingbirds if consumed in anything other than minuscule and carefully regulated quantities.
Difference between Morena Pure Cane Sugar and White Granulated Cane Sugar
| Property | Pure Cane Sugar | Granulated Cane Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Light golden brown | White |
| Processing | Minimally processed, never refined | The preferred option for hummingbird food due to its similarity to natural nectar |
| Flavor | Caramel-like flavor | No distinct flavor |
| Crystal size | Larger crystals | Smaller crystals |
| Nutrient content | Retains more nutrients and minerals | Mostly empty calories with minimal nutrients |
| Use in hummingbird food | Can be used to mimic natural nectar look and taste | It can be used to mimic natural nectar look and taste |
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white granulated cane sugar
- 4 cups spring water
Instructions:
- In a large pot or saucepan, heat the spring water until it comes to a boil.
- Add the white granulated cane sugar to the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Pour the nectar into your hummingbird feeder.
- Unused nectar can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips:
- Do not use red food coloring as it can be harmful to hummingbirds.
- Spring water is preferred, but tap water is also acceptable.
- If too many bees are being attracted, adjust the ratio to five cups of water for every cup of sugar. However, it is best to address the feeder design to prevent bees from accessing the mixture.
- In the fall, wait until you haven’t seen a hummingbird for three weeks before taking down your feeders to avoid disturbing late migrants.
Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker
Best Hummingbird Nectar Easy Mix Bottle
Here’s a hassle-free way to mix hummingbird and Oriole nectar powder without measuring cups. You can store any extra nectar mix in the fridge for easy refills of your hummingbird feeders.
How much sugar to put in a hummingbird nectar?
You should avoid using too much sugar on a hummingbird feeder. It will impact their health. The excess use of hummingbird food will cause liver and kidney issues. According to Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, the ideal combination of sugar and water is 1:4. For example, when making a nectar recipe, if you use one cup of sugar, you should add 4 cups of water. After adding the sugar and water, you should dissolve the sugar completely.
Is unrefined sugar OK for hummingbirds?
The simple and clear answer is “BIG NO” from my side. Generally, unrefined sugar contains iron and other elements which have little tolerance among hummingbirds. So, always try to avoid using unrefined sugar to use in hummingbird feeders.
I hope the article will provide a clear-cut answer to your queries regarding morena pure can sugar. If you have any further questions regarding this topic, feel free to start a conversation in the comment sections. Before wrapping, let’s clarify one thing always go with refined white sugar when making nectar.
