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, easy to clean
Now that making hummingbird nectar is done, you will need to get a feeder that is easy to take apart and clean, and one that will also protect your hummingbird food recipe from bees ants and wasps.
My favorite choice of hummingbird feeders to use with making hummingbird nectar 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.
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
Bet you never thought making hummingbird nectar could be so easy!
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.
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To help clean your feeder buy a curved bottle brush and some pipe cleaners or smaller brushes that will reach into the feeder holes. To the left are hummingbird feeder brushes that will help in cleaning your feeder. |
Keeping your feeder clean and making hummingbird nectar that is 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.
Here is a useful devise to protect your hummingbird feeder from ants and other crawling insects. The ant moat is filled with water to keep insects out of the feeder.
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 see how easy it is for anyone to make hummingbird food and to attract hummingbirds.
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