How to Make Easy Hummingbird Food. Save money and make hummingbird nectar for your feeder. Just two simple ingredients, and it’s so easy to make.
Watching the hummingbirds fly around outside signals the return of spring for me.
We have two hummingbird feeders. One hangs outside our dining room door, and the other is on our front porch.
Many feeders come with a package of hummingbird food powder that you dissolve in water. It turns the water red and contains all kinds of strange substances that I cannot pronounce. Red food coloring should never be part of your own hummingbird nectar.
How to Make Your Own Hummingbird Food
I did some research and found that the red dye in pre-made food may not be good for the birds.
I knew you could make homemade nectar from sugar and water, but I didn’t know exactly how to make it. After some research, I was super excited to find out it is really easy and inexpensive to make.
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Water
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Instructions
This recipe calls for 1/4 cup sugar to one cup of water. This is a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. To fill my feeder, I use 1/2 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water.
This allows me to fill my feeder plus have an extra sugar water for later in the week.
First, you will add your sugar and water to a small saucepan.
Heat the mixture on the stove until the sugar dissolves. This usually only takes a couple of minutes.
Alternatively, you can boil the water first. Then add the sugar to the boiled water and stir it until it is dissolved.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before filling your feeder.
How to Store Leftover Hummingbird Food
Leftover hummingbird food can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You want to clean out your hummingbird feeder each time you fill it with hot water and a bottle brush.
Note: I have read recommendations against using dish soap to clean your feeder. During hot weather, you may need to clean out your feeder and change the nectar daily; however, changing it at least every 3 to 4 days is recommended.
My Favorite Hummingbird Feeders
I have found that glass feeders are typically easier to clean and last longer than those made entirely of plastic.
Buy from Home Depot: Red Daisy Hummingbird Feeder
Hang your feeder outside and enjoy the beautiful hummingbirds you attract. I keep trying to catch a picture of one, but when I open up the door, they hear me and fly away!
Buy from Lowe’s: Hot Air Balloon Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbird Feeder FAQs
Q: Can I use brown sugar, honey, or molasses instead of white sugar?
A: No, only use pure white cane sugar. Other sweetening agents may contain additional ingredients that can be bad for hummingbirds. Additionally, never use artificial sweeteners to make hummingbird nectar.
Q: When should I put out my hummingbird feeder?
A: In the United States, hummingbirds typically leave during the winter. Place your feeder out about a week before they usually return. If you don’t know when your birds usually arrive, check with your local Audubon center, chapter, or local bird club.
Q: When should I take down my feeders in the fall?
A: Leave the feeders out as long as you are still seeing the hummingbirds. Continue to keep the feeder clean and discard any unused nectar when you take it down for cleaning.
Q: Do hummingbirds prefer red glass feeders?
A: Yes, hummingbirds are often attracted to the color red in feeders, especially when they haven’t previously experienced feeding in your yard. The red color is associated with nectar-rich flowers, which attract hummingbirds due to their high-energy food source.
Hummingbird Nectar
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil or heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Stir to dissolve.
- Allow the nectar to cool, and fill up your hummingbird feeder.
Notes
- Always use a ration 1:4 sugar to water when making hummingbird nectar
- Refrigerate for up to two weeks
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