This hummingbird feeder mix is quick and easy to make and will also save you some money.
The only two ingredients that you will need are white granulated table sugar and water. To make a feeder mix that comes close to the nectar that hummingbirds find in nature, we will use a 4 to 1 ratio. Four parts water to one part sugar.
How to make hummingbird feeder mix:
In a pan on your stove top, pour the 4 parts water and the 1 part sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil as you stir the sugar water until the sugar is all dissolved.
Boil the sugar water for about 2 minutes. This will release any chlorine in the water and kill any mold spores that might be in the sugar.
Take from the heat and allow to cool before adding to the hummingbird feeder.
If you have any nectar left over you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Keeping fresh nectar in your feeder is a must if you want to attract hummingbirds and keep them coming back for more. To make sure the nectar in your feeder stays fresh, you will have to change it every once in a while. How often it will need to be changed will depend on the outside temperature. The hotter the temperature the more often your nectar will have to be changed.
Below is a table that lists temperatures and how long your nectar will last. This will give you a good idea about how often to change the sugar water in your hummingbird feeder. Keeping an eye on your feeder will also help to determine if your nectar needs to be changed. If at any time you notice that your hummingbird food is starting to look cloudy, this is an indication that the nectar needs to be changed.
How often should you change the nectar
The chart below tells you when you should change the nectar based on the temperature. For example, if the temperature stays in the 71 to 75 degree range, your nectar should be good for about 6 days.The higher the temperature climbs the sooner it will need to be changed.
High temperatures…………Change sugar solution after
71-75……………………………6 days
76-80……………………………5 days
81-84……………………………4 days
85-88……………………………3 days
89-92……………………………2 days
93+………………………………change daily
For general cleaning purposes you should rinse your feeder with hot water every time you change the hummingbird feeder mix. About once a week you should also rinse your feeder out with a 10% white vinegar and water solution. Rinse several times before filling with fresh nectar.
What to do if your feeder gets moldy
As long as you change your hummingbird feeder mix on schedule, you won’t have much trouble. But, for those times that you let it go far too long and find mold growing in your feeder, you will need to use a more drastic measure.
You will have to soak your feeder in a 10% bleach and water solution for about an hour to kill the mold and sterilize your feeder. Some small hummingbird feeder brushes will come in handy to brush the mold out of the feeder.
When your feeder is done soaking, rinse it out thoroughly with running water to get rid of all traces of the bleach water. Now you can refill it with the hummingbird feeder mix.
You will have to soak your feeder in a 10% bleach and water solution for about an hour to kill the mold and sterilize your feeder. Some small hummingbird feeder brushes will come in handy to brush the mold out of the feeder.
When your feeder is done soaking, rinse it out thoroughly with running water to get rid of all traces of the bleach water. Now you can refill it with the hummingbird feeder mix.
If you would like to make life easier on yourself when it comes to cleaning your feeder, start out with the right feeder.
You want a feeder that comes apart and gives you easy access to the inside of the feeder, to make it easy to clean.
Here’s a feeder that easy to take apart and clean
One of the best Hummingbird feeders to use with your hummingbird mix and that’s also easy to take apart and clean is Aspects 12oz Hummzinger Ultra With Nectar Guard
It’s inexpensive 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.
How to protect all your feeders from insects
If you already have a hummingbird feeder, and you want to protect it from ants and other crawling insects, the ant moat below will do the job.
Trap-It Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders, Red
Product Description
The first and still the best to protect your Hummingbird and Oriole feeder from ants and other crawling insects. Insert between hanger and feeder and fill with water, providing a barrier to crawling pests. Red color to attract hummingbirds.
Now you know how to make your own homemade hummingbird feeder mix and how to take care of your feeder. Keep your feeder clean and your nectar fresh and you will have a good chance of attracting lots of hummingbirds to enjoy.
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