Homemade hummingbird food is easy to make.
You only need sugar and water. Tap water is fine as long as it’s potable.
You’ll need the following to make your hummingbird nectar.
- White Table Sugar
- Hot water
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
The Only Hummingbird Food Recipe You Need to Know
- Fill your mixing bowl with hot water.
- Your sugar to water ratio is 1:4.
- If you’re using 1 cup sugar then use 4 cups of warm or hot water. Likewise for smaller batches like ¼ cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Whisk the sugar into the hot water to help it dissolve into a mixture.
- Let cool before filling your hummingbird feeder.
Voila!
Your hummingbird nectar is ready to use.
Simply store the excess in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Let the nectar cool before storing with a lid in the fridge to prevent bacteria growth.
- Related: 9 Ways to Attract Hummingbirds
3 Common questions about Hummingbird Feeders
1. How often do I fill or change a hummingbird feeder?
Hummingbird food should be replaced every fews days.
- every 4-7 days in temperate conditions
- 1-3 days on hot days
- 2 weeks refrigerated nectar
- wash in between each change
Sugar water spoils easily. Left in the hummingbird feeder it grows bacteria that's harmful to birds.
Heat and sun exposure makes it spoil faster. Hummingbird feeders in shaded areas may last longer between cleanings.
2. How often do I need to clean a hummingbird feeder?
Clean the hummingbird feeder every time you change the food.
All you need are some basic household cleaning supplies:
- soap
- scrubby brush or sponge
- bottle brush
It's important to clean it thoroughly making sure no bacteria or mold is left to grow from leftover spoiled nectar.
2. What kind of bird feeder do I use for hummingbirds?
Nectar feeders are the only feeders you need for hummingbirds!
They have a reservoir of some kind (for the nectar) and a tray or fake flower spout for the birds to drink from.
The best hummingbird feeders have these 3 features:
- Perch for feeding
- Red in color
- Ant Moat
Perches
A ledge for hummingbirds to rest on is ideal. They won't always use it. Sometimes they'll stay buzzing in the air as they lap up nectar with their long tongue.
Red attracts hummingbirds.
They have a heightened sensitivity to warm colors and can spot them easily. Choose a red hummingbird feeder for best results.
Ant Moats
Ants, bees, and other bugs are attracted to sugar water. Good nectar feeders have moats that trap ants and keep them from drinking all of your hummingbird food.
Seen any hummingbirds lately?
Share them on the Sparkbird App! Available in the Apple App Store.
