[wisb] Hummer feeding question

I have a question about feeding hummingbirds that I have not seen 
addressed in any of my reading materials.  I thought the WIBirdNet group 
would be very helpful here.  The question is what is the best water to 
mix with sugar when feeding hummingbirds.  Some folks have city water 
which can contain chlorine and who knows what else.  I have well water 
which tends to be 'hard water'containg calcium and magnesium.  I also 
can use softened water which does not contain these elements.  I thought 
it might be best to use the 'hard water' because the hummers might get 
some health benefit from these natural ingredients.  But when I do use 
the hard water, I find that these elements tend to precipitate out 
within several hours and form a cloudy film at the bottom of the 
feeder.  So what is the best water to use for feeding hummers? 
Thanks in advance for any advice, comments or insights,
Maureen Gross
Mukwonago, Waukesha County


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