[CivilWarBrewing]

Well water should be fine but maybe boil it or heat in microwave (not sure how long) then set in fridge to cool quicker using glass Pyrex handle measuring cup.

The key to hummingbird food is making sure the sugar and water are mixed REALLY well. I probably stir my recipe up to 300 times. No joke.

[ilovesarah2012]

I use tap water but boil it first.

[right way right]

My MIL brought out some commercial juice she had and I found out it was rancid. I tasted it myself and it was vinegar after I noticed that the birds would not touch it.
My guess is if some people cannot get them to drink from their feeders because the juice is not right.
You don't have to dye it red either just use a nice red feeder. I do boil the water to melt the sugar better and kill bacteria. Then I rinse and clean with rubbing alcohol and rinse again.The only birds easier to attract than Humming birds is Squirrels. (Bastards!!!)