Making Hummingbird Nectar
Making hummingbird nectar and feeding hummingbirds is a very rewarding
hobby that is easy to do and inexpensive, especially when you make your own
hummingbird nectar. All you need to get started is a hummingbird feeder,
some table sugar and some water.
When choosing a feeder the most important point is that it be easy to
fill and easy to clean. Hummingbird feeders must be cleaned regularly to
keep your nectar fresh and insure the health of your hummingbirds. A feeder
that comes apart so you have access to the inside of the feeder will be easy
to keep clean and save you a lot of time. Your feeder should have red on it
to attract the hummingbirds and a perch on the feeder will give you a better
view of them as they are sitting still.
Best hummingbird feeder
My favorite hummingbird feeder
that's easy to take apart and clean is the
HummZinger Ultra
Aspects 12oz Hummzinger Ultra With Nectar Guard
It's only
$28.18 and
has several features that makes it well worth the price.
The
HummZinger has
patented Nectar guard tips which are flexible membranes attached to the feed
ports that prohibit entry from flying insects, but allow Hummingbirds to feed as
usual. The HummZinger also has a built in ant moat that will stop crawling
insects from getting to the nectar. It also has raised flower ports that divert
rain.
This mid-size nectar feeder has a 12 oz. capacity and
can be hung or post mounted with hardware provided. It has four feeding ports
for hummingbirds and is made of unbreakable polycarbonate. Easy to clean.
For ease of cleaning and protection from bees,
wasps and ants, this feeder can't be beat.
Making hummingbird nectar:
1. In a pan mix 1 part table sugar with 4 parts water
2. Bring to a boil then remove from the heat Stir until the sugar is
dissolved
3. Allow the nectar to cool before using
Boiling the the mixture will drive out the chlorine in the water and kill
mold and yeast spores that might be in the sugar. This will make your nectar
last longer in your feeder and in your refrigerator. Don’t boil for more
than 2 minutes or you will change the sugar ratio if too much water is
boiled away.
Don’t add red food coloring to the mix. The red on your feeder will be
enough to attract the hummingbirds. Or hang some red ribbon from the feeder.
There is some question as to the effects that food coloring might have on
the health of hummingbirds, so just avoiding it’s use is best. You can store
excess nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and use as needed.
The nectar in your feeder will have to be changed often to keep it fresh.
The sugar will ferment and mold and bacteria that can harm the hummingbirds,
will start to grow in the nectar if it isn’t changed regularly. If the
outside temperatures stay below 70 you will only have to change it about
once a week. Once the temps begin to rise you can follow the guide line
below.
High temperatures
Change nectar after
71-75
6 days
76-80
5 days
81-84
4 days
85-88
3 days
89-92
2 days
93+
change daily
These are guidelines to give you an idea when to change you nectar, but
if you notice the nectar turning cloudy or see black spots growing in it you
will have to change it more often.
If your feeder becomes contaminated you will have to sterilize it. A mild
solution of white vinegar (1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water) may be
used to kill mold in feeders for week-to-week cleaning.
|
|
To help clean your feeder buy
a curved bottle brush and some pipe cleaners or smaller brushes that
will reach into the feeder holes |
Keeping your feeder clean and your homemade hummingbird nectar fresh will
insure the health of your hummingbirds and keep them returning time and time
again. Enjoy your hummingbirds and I hope you enjoy making hummingbird
nectar.
back to top of
making hummingbird nectar
page
