This article teaches how to make homemade hummingbird food using a simple 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio, how to keep the nectar fresh, and how to clean and maintain your feeder. It also provides tips on preventing insects like ants and bees from accessing the feeder and selecting a good, easy-to-clean hummingbird feeder. Additionally, it highlights the importance of other foods, like insects, in hummingbirds’ diets and offers a video guide on how to hand-feed hummingbirds for a rewarding experience.
To make hummingbird food quickly
Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. No need to boil. Let it cool, then pour into a feeder. Clean the feeder regularly.
Making homemade hummingbird food
Making your own hummingbird food is simple, affordable, and enjoyable. All you need are two ingredients: white granulated sugar and water. There’s no need to add red food coloring—it’s unnecessary and could even be harmful to hummingbirds. A red feeder is enough to attract them, and if you’d like, you can tie a red ribbon around it for extra color. Avoid adding any other ingredients, such as brown sugar, honey, corn syrup, molasses, or artificial sweeteners. Hummingbirds naturally feed on nectar that contains sucrose (ordinary table sugar), and that’s all you should use. Other ingredients can be harmful, cause fermentation, or even be fatal to these delicate birds. Stick to white sugar and water for a safe and effective nectar solution.
Nectar recipe
The recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar is simple: mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.This 1:4 ratio mimics the natural nectar found in flowers, providing hummingbirds with a familiar, nutritious treat. For this demonstration, we’ll use cups to measure, but the key is maintaining the 1:4 ratio, regardless of the quantity. You can adjust the proportions to make as much or as little nectar as you need.
Songbird Essentials Nectar Aid Pitcher
A Fast & Easy Way to Mix & Pour Nectar
Songbird Essentials Nectar Aid is a mixing pitcher, mixing spoon, measuring cup, funnel, microwave container, and storage container all-in-one simple handheld pitcher. It provides the fastest & easiest way to mix & pour nectar. You always get the correct 4 to 1 ratio no measuring needed. Watch the video.
Why White Granulated Sugar?
It is important to use white granulated sugar because it closely mirrors the sucrose content found in flower nectar. While alternatives like honey, brown sugar, or powdered sugar may seem like good options, they pose significant risks to hummingbirds:
- Honey can promote the growth of harmful mold in feeders, which could be deadly to hummingbirds.
- Artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes do not provide the correct nutritional profile for hummingbirds and may be toxic to them.
- Brown sugar contains molasses, which can lead to digestive problems in hummingbirds and may also cause mold growth.
A lot of people don’t bother to boil the hummingbird mixture
So, should you boil or not boil? The answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and situation. Boiling does offer several advantages, including faster dissolution of sugar, the elimination of harmful chemicals, and a more sterile nectar mixture that can be safer for the birds. However, if you’re making a small batch with filtered water and plan to change the nectar frequently, skipping the boil won’t harm the birds and can save you time and effort.
To Boil or Not to Boil: The Best Way to Make Hummingbird Food
If you’ve ever tried to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you’ve likely encountered the debate on how to prepare the nectar that these tiny creatures love. Many people swear by boiling the sugar-water mixture, while others advocate for skipping that step. So, which method is best when it comes to making hummingbird food? Let’s break it down.
The Case for Boiling
Boiling the sugar-water mixture has several benefits that may make it the preferred method for some bird enthusiasts.
1. Faster Dissolution of Sugar
When you boil the mixture, the sugar dissolves more quickly, ensuring a smooth, homogenous nectar solution. This can save time and ensure that your nectar is perfectly mixed, which is crucial for the health of the hummingbirds. If the sugar doesn’t dissolve properly, it can form sugar crystals or syrupy clumps, which can make it harder for the birds to feed.
2. Elimination of Impurities
If you’re using tap water to make your hummingbird nectar, boiling can help eliminate chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals that might be present in the water. Many municipalities add chlorine or chloramine to water supplies, which can be harmful to birds if not removed. Boiling the water ensures that these chemicals evaporate before they get into the nectar, making it safer for the birds.
3. Killing Bacteria and Mold Spores
Boiling the mixture also serves as a sterilization step. Bacteria, mold spores, and fungi thrive in sugary solutions and can lead to the growth of harmful organisms in your feeder. By boiling the nectar, you effectively kill any mold spores or bacteria that could potentially cause harm to the birds. This is particularly important if you plan to store nectar for a few days before use or if you live in a hot climate where mold can develop quickly.
4. Longer Shelf Life
Boiled nectar tends to last longer than unboiled nectar. The process of boiling can extend the freshness of the mixture, especially if stored properly in a clean, airtight container. If you make larger batches of nectar to store, boiling can help ensure it doesn’t spoil too quickly.
The Case Against Boiling
While boiling offers many advantages, there are also some compelling reasons why skipping the boil might be a better option for certain people.
1. Time and Effort
Boiling the nectar takes extra time and effort. If you’re in a rush or only need to prepare a small batch of nectar, boiling might feel like an unnecessary step. Simply mixing water and sugar at room temperature can be quick and easy, allowing you to make hummingbird food without waiting for the water to boil and cool.
2. Risk of Overheating or Harmful Crystallization
If the nectar is boiled for too long or at too high a temperature, it can cause the sugar to caramelize or form crystals. This can make the nectar too concentrated or cause it to become syrupy, both of which are not ideal for hummingbirds. Nectar that is too thick can be difficult for the birds to consume and may even harm their delicate digestive systems.
3. Inconsistent Mold Growth
While boiling kills mold spores in the nectar, it does not prevent mold from growing in your feeder once the nectar is in place. Mold is a common problem in hummingbird feeders, especially in hot weather. Even boiled nectar can develop mold if the feeder isn’t cleaned frequently or if the nectar is left out too long. For this reason, whether you boil or not, it’s important to regularly clean and change the nectar to keep the feeder safe and fresh for the birds.
4. No Need for Boiling with Clean Water
If you are using clean, filtered water, you may not need to boil the mixture at all. As long as your feeder is clean and you make small batches that will be used up quickly, the risk of bacteria or mold is minimal. For many people, skipping the boiling process is simply a matter of convenience without sacrificing the health of the birds.
5. Potential Loss of Nutrients
Some experts argue that boiling the water can destroy certain trace minerals or nutrients that may be present in the water, which could be beneficial to the birds. While this is a minor concern, it’s worth considering if you’re using natural, untreated water in an area with especially mineral-rich sources.
The key takeaway
Focus on providing clean, fresh nectar for your feathered friends. Whether you boil or not, always make sure your feeder is clean, the nectar is fresh, and you monitor for mold. By doing so, you’ll help create an inviting and healthy environment for the hummingbirds to thrive in. Happy bird watching!
Once cooled the nectar can be added to your feeder
Storing Nectar
If you have leftover nectar, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the feeder. Always use fresh nectar in feeders—hummingbirds rely on a constant supply of energy, and stale nectar can be dangerous.
How Much Nectar Do Hummingbirds Need?
Hummingbirds have voracious appetites. The amount of nectar required will depend on the number of birds in your area and the time of year. Typically, a single hummingbird can drink up to half its body weight in nectar each day. During peak feeding seasons, especially in the spring and summer, it’s not uncommon for a hummingbird feeder to be emptied within 2 to 3 days.
As mentioned earlier, a simple ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water is ideal. For smaller batches, try using 1/2 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water, or 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. If you need to make a larger quantity for multiple feeders, use 2 cups of sugar to 8 cups of water, and so on. Below is a helpful video on making homemade hummingbird nectar.
Video: making hummingbird food
How to Choose the Perfect Spot To Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder
Here’s a list of the best places to hang your hummingbird feeder to attract these beautiful birds:
1. Near Colorful Flowers
- Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, particularly red, orange, and pink. Hanging your feeder near these types of flowers will draw them in, as they instinctively associate these colors with nectar sources.
2. Away from Wind
- Strong winds can cause the feeder to swing and spill nectar. Hang your feeder in a sheltered spot, like near a tree, shrub, or a fence, to reduce wind exposure and keep the nectar safe.
3. In the Shade (during the hottest part of the day)
- If you live in a hot climate, place the feeder in a shaded area to prevent the nectar from spoiling quickly. Direct sunlight can heat the sugar water and turn it rancid. Aim for a spot where the feeder gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
4. At Eye Level
- Hanging the feeder at eye level (roughly 4-5 feet from the ground) makes it easy for you to observe the hummingbirds while they visit. This height also feels safe and natural to the birds.
5. Near a Water Source
- If you have a fountain, birdbath, or small pond nearby, hummingbirds may be attracted to your feeder as they often seek fresh water. This can also provide them with a more diverse environment to explore.
6. Away from Cats or Predators
- To protect the hummingbirds, place the feeder in an area that is out of reach of pets like cats or any predators. Hanging it from a pole, using a shepherd’s hook, or on a tree branch well above the ground is a good idea.
7. On a Tree or Bush with Good Cover
- Choose a tree or bush that offers some natural cover for the birds, like low branches or leaves where they can rest. A place with branches around the feeder also allows the birds to perch between feeding sessions.
8. In a Quiet Spot
- Hummingbirds are more likely to visit a feeder in a quieter, undisturbed location. Avoid placing the feeder too close to noisy areas or where human activity is constant, as hummingbirds are shy and prefer calm surroundings.
9. Where You Can Easily Clean the Feeder
- Make sure the feeder is easy to reach for refilling and cleaning. Dirty feeders can lead to mold growth, which can harm the birds. Choose a place that makes regular maintenance easy, such as a hook or pole near a patio or garden path.
10. Near a Viewing Area
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- If you want to enjoy the sight of hummingbirds, hang the feeder near a window, porch, or patio. This allows you to watch them up close without disturbing their feeding.
By selecting the right spot, you’ll be able to create a welcoming environment for hummingbirds and ensure that they return to visit your feeder
Window feeder for close up viewing
Imagine the thrill of watching hummingbirds up close as they hover right outside your window. With a hummingbird window feeder that attaches securely with suction cups, you’ll get the most intimate, breathtaking view of these tiny marvels in action. It’s not just a feeder – it’s an all-access pass to nature’s beauty, right in the comfort of your own home. Don’t just feed the birds, experience them like never before!
How to keep your hummingbird nectar fresh
Now that you have your feeder in a good spot and hopefully attracting lots of hummingbirds, you will want to make sure that the nectar is always fresh so that the hummingbirds keep coming back for more. If the nectar goes bad the hummingbirds will quit using your feeder.
Heat from the outside air
This is what will determine how long the nectar stays fresh before the sugar starts to ferment. The hotter the temperature is the quicker the sugar will ferment and the sooner the nectar will have to be changed. Usually if the outside temperature stays in the 60’s you nectar might last up to a week before needing to be changed. Once the temperature gets hotter, it will need to be changed more frequently. Below is a chart that will give you a general idea about how often the nectar will need changing. Using the chart along with your visual observations will tell you when to change the nectar
High temperatures…………Change after
71-75……………………………6 days
76-80……………………………5 days
81-84……………………………4 days
85-88……………………………3 days
89-92……………………………2 days
93+………………………………change daily
Anytime you notice the nectar becoming cloudy, change it. If you notice it’s cloudy and notice black specks of mold in the nectar or mold on the feeder, you know you have waited too long and need to start changing it sooner. If you wait too long, yeast will ferment the sugar and mold and bacteria, that can be harmful to hummingbirds, will start to grow in the nectar and on your feeder.
How to keep your feeder clean
Every time the nectar is changed, you should rinse out the feeder with hot water, several times. The National Audubon Society suggests to clean your hummingbird feeder once a week by rinsing it out with a solution containing 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water. After rinsing with the vinegar solution, rinse your feeder out 3 times with running water to remove the vinegar.
Change the nectar often
If you don’t change the nectar often enough and you find mold growing in your nectar or on your feeder, you will have to clean the feeder with a mild bleach solution to kill the mold and to sterilize the feeder. You may also have to use hummingbird feeder brushes to get all the mold out of your feeder.
To make the bleach solution to sterilize your feeder, mix 1/4 cup bleach in a gallon of water. Submerge your feeder into the solution and soak it for an hour. After an hour remove the feeder and thoroughly rinse it off under running water to remove all the bleach. The bleach could be harmful to the hummingbirds so it’s very important to make sure you rise it all off.
A good hummingbird feeder that is easy to take apart and easy to clean will make your feeder cleaning a lot easier!
How to ant proof and how to bee proof your hummingbird feeder
Now you know how to make your own food and how to keep your feeder clean. Next you need to know how to keep insects such as ants, bees and wasps off of your feeder. All these insects will be attracted to the sweet hummingbird nectar just as much as the hummingbirds are. They can become quite a problem at the feeder. Ants will get into the nectar and drown. Then their decomposing bodies will ruin your nectar. Bees and wasp can get so thick at your feeder that the hummingbirds won’t even have a chance to feed.
Controlling pests at the feeder can be fairly simple if you start with a good hummingbird feeder that is designed to keep the insects away. If yours isn’t, there are steps you can take to control the feeder pests.
How to keep ants off a hummingbird feeder
Some feeders have ant moats built right into the design of the feeder. For other feeders you can always add an ant moat in front of the feeder between the feeder hook and the feeder. The ant moat is a barrier that keeps ants away from your feeder and out of the nectar. An ant moat is a container that holds water. The ants cannot swim, so when they reach the ant moat they cannot go any farther. Add an ant moat in front of your feeder and your ant problem will be solved. Add a red ant moat and it will also help to attract hummingbird to your feeder
Ant moats come in different designs and are made out of more than just plastic. Some are made out of ceramic, copper and brass and will add an attractive appearance to you feeder.
How to keep bees off a hummingbird feeder
There are several things you can try to keep bees off of your hummingbird feeder, if you have a feeder that isn’t already designed to keep bees away. Of course, the best thing possible is to get a bee proof feeder to begin with. Here’s what you can try with your feeder.
*Try moving the feeder to a different spot.
Sometimes moving it only a short distance will work because the bees aren’t nearly as smart as the hummingbirds and will think it is gone.
*Try taking the feeder down for a few days
Take the hummingbird feeder down until the bees quit looking for it. The hummingbirds won’t give up nearly as easy and will quickly find it again once you put it back up.
*Try giving the bees their own feeder.
Hang up a feeder with a nectar solution with a ratio of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. Bees are more attracted to sweeter tasting nectar, so they should go after this feeder instead of the hummingbird feeder. Once the bees start using this feeder, give them a few hours and then move it away from the hummingbird feeder and hopefully the bees will follow and leave the hummingbird feeder alone. Good luck!
Here is a video that shows how one man solves his bee problem
The best possible way to keep bees, ants and other insects off a hummingbird feeder is to invest in a good feeder that has all the features built into the feeder. There are some feeders out there that are bee and ant proof and a lot more!
What to look for to find the best hummingbird feeder
*get a leak-proof feeder. A leaky feeder will lose nectar onto the outside of the feeder and then drip onto the ground. This is a great way to attract unwanted feeder pasts.
*get a feeder with an ant moat built-in. A hummingbird feeder with an ant moat built-in is a great way to keep ants away while providing a steady supply of clean nectar for your feathered friends. Ants often drown and contaminate the nectar.
*get a feeder that is bee proof. Getting a bee-proof feeder helps ensure that only hummingbirds can access the nectar, preventing bees from crowding the feeder and allowing your feathered visitors to feed undisturbed. I have seen bees so thick at my feeder that the hummingbirds couldn’t even feed.
*get a feeder that has perches so the hummingbirds can rest and conserve energy while they feed. This will also let you get a better view of the hummingbird
*get a feeder that has raised feeding ports to keep rain water from getting into the nectar and diluting it.
*get a feeder that is easy to take apart and easy to clean. If a feeder comes apart easily and all the nooks and crannies are exposed you are much better able to clean it. And more likely to keep it clean.
*get a red feeder to attract hummingbirds.
The two basic designs of hummingbird feeders
For the most part, hummingbird feeders are divided into two types, basin (saucer feeders) and inverted bottle feeders.
Saucer feeder
Inverted bottle feeder
The best hummingbird feeder will be a saucer/dish type feeder (non-leaking hummingbird feeder) with all the features listed above. I have found one that has everything you could want in a hummingbird feeder
The Hummzinger Ultra is a hummingbird feeder that has all the important design features that you look for in a good hummingbird feeder!
Hummzinger Ultra hummingbird feeder with ant moat and bee guard tips.
*This feeder has a built-in ant moat that holds water around the base of the hanger so ants can’t get at the nectar.
*It has patented “Nectar Guard Tips” to keep out bees and wasps. The Nectar Guard Tips are plastic flexible membranes that fit into the feeding ports from the underside of the lid. They allow the hummingbird to stick its beak through the port and when the beak is withdrawn the tips close the hole so bees and wasps can’t get in.
*The Hummzinger Ultra is red.
*It has red, raised rain guards in the shape of flowers around the feeding ports to keep out rain water.
*It’s a basin type feeder that doesn’t leak and it’s easy to take apart and clean.
Hummingbird food that hummingbirds eat besides nectar
Insects and Arachnids: The Protein Source
While nectar makes up the majority of a hummingbird’s diet, it is not enough on its own. These birds also need protein to support their muscle growth, immune function, and reproductive health. Insects, spiders, and other small arthropods are an important source of protein, providing the necessary nutrients to complement the sugars they get from nectar.
Types of Insects Hummingbirds Consume:
- Flies: Small flies, such as gnats and white flies are a frequent food source.
- Mosquitoes: Hummingbirds are known to catch mosquitoes, feeding on both the insect and its larvae.
- Ants: Ants, particularly flying ants during their mating season, are a valuable protein source.
- Spiders and Spider Eggs: Hummingbirds will often feed on spiders, especially if they are small and easily accessible. They may also consume spider eggs, which are rich in protein.They will eat the insects out of a spider’s web.
- Moths and Beetles: Hummingbirds occasionally feed on moths and beetles, which offer both protein and fat.
- Tree sap: Some species of hummingbirds feed on tree sap from holes in trees that other birds have made such as yellow bellied sap suckers.
- Small beetles: Hummingbirds often consume small beetles, which provide a good source of protein to supplement their nectar diet.
- Aphids: Aphids are frequently consumed by hummingbirds, offering a rich source of nutrients that complement the sugar from flowers.
- Aphids: Aphids are frequently consumed by hummingbirds, offering a rich source of nutrients that complement the sugar from flowers.
- Caterpillars: Some species of hummingbirds feed on caterpillars, which provide important fats and proteins needed for their energy.
- Weevils: Hummingbirds will feed on weevils, as they are a valuable protein source that helps sustain the birds’ high metabolism.
This protein-rich food helps hummingbirds grow and maintain muscle mass, which is vital for their high levels of physical activity. The protein they get from insects also aids in feather development, which is important for both flight and mating displays. During breeding seasons, the demand for protein is particularly high.
What About Pollen?
While nectar is the main food source, hummingbirds can occasionally feed on pollen. However, they do not gather pollen as bees do. Instead, hummingbirds inadvertently collect pollen on their beaks and feathers while feeding on flowers, and it gets transferred to other flowers as they continue to feed. This provides the added benefit of pollination, which supports healthy ecosystems and the growth of new plants. Some studies suggest that pollen may also offer essential nutrients that complement a hummingbird’s diet, but nectar and insects remain the primary sources of their nourishment.
Providing Water and Shelter
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need access to fresh water. A shallow birdbath can provide the perfect place for them to bathe and drink. Avoid using standing water that could become stagnant. A small fountain or a drip system can keep the water moving, which helps attract hummingbirds.
glass bird bath bath/feeder combo
Hummingbirds also need shelter between feeding sessions. Dense trees, shrubs, or vines can provide safe places for hummingbirds to rest. Tall plants and shrubs also help hide them from potential predators.
Avoid Pesticides
Remember when your filling your feeder with your homemade nectar, that the nectar is not all they’ll be eating. Hummingbirds feed on insects, so it’s essential not to use chemical pesticides or insecticides in your garden. These chemicals can harm both the insects and the birds that rely on them. Opt for organic or natural pest control methods instead.
Other ways of repelling insects besides using pesticides
- Garlic Spray: A mild garlic solution (crushed garlic mixed with water) can be sprayed around the area to repel ants and other insects without harming the birds.
- Peppermint Oil: Mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spraying it around the feeder can keep pests away, as they dislike the strong scent.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkling cinnamon around the base of the feeder can deter ants, as they dislike the strong scent. Just be careful not to get cinnamon in the nectar itself.
- Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly: Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the hanger or feeder pole creates a slippery barrier that ants can’t cross.
Conclusion: Cultivating a Hummingbird-Friendly Space
Attracting hummingbirds to your backyard is not only about providing them with the right food but also creating an environment that supports their needs. By understanding their dietary requirements, using proper feeders, planting the right flowers, and creating a safe space, you can ensure that your garden becomes a haven for these beautiful creatures.
Follow the tips and recommendations in this guide to provide hummingbirds with everything they need for a healthy and fulfilling diet. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, creating a hummingbird-friendly space will allow you to enjoy the magic of these tiny, iridescent birds all season long!
How-to hummingbird hand-feeding videos
Check out my exciting video on How to Hand-Feed Hummingbirds! It’s hands-down one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences I’ve 
ever had. Using my simple, foolproof techniques, I was able to make these tiny, magical creatures trust me—and you can too! Get ready to dive into this incredible adventure and discover just how easy it is
Here’s an amazing technique to bring the magic of hummingbirds right up to your home! Learn how to hand-feed these tiny, vibrant creatures through your windowand experience the wonder of nature right up close. It’s a thrilling way to connect with wildlife and create an unforgettable moment right at your doorstep!
If you’re eager to see more heart-warming moments of me hand-feeding a variety of backyard birds and playful squirrels, and if you want to learn how you too can easily and quickly do it, don’t miss out—click the link and dive into the adventure! Hand-feeding backyard birds and squirrels
So now you know how to make hummingbird food, when to change the nectar, how to clean a hummingbird feeder, how to ant proof and how to bee proof your hummingbird feeder and how to hand-feed your hummingbirds. You should now be able to get the most enjoyment possible, out of feeding your hummingbirds!
If you found this article helpful in feeding and making food for hummingbirds, don’t keep it to yourself—share the love! Use the social bookmarking buttons on the left to spread the word. By sharing, you’re not just helping others attract these beautiful, magical creatures into their lives, you’re supporting the well-being of hummingbirds everywhere! Let’s join forces to make the world a little brighter, one hummingbird at a time! 🦋💚
related article –Cornell university– feeder pest control
