How Much Sugar Do You Put Into a Hummingbird Solution?

Mix sugar and water for hummingbird food

Hummingbird food, also known as nectar, requires only two ingredients: table sugar and water. Combine them in the correct proportion and you can help supply these busy birds with the same amount of energy they get from flower nectar.

Ingredients

Use one part white table sugar to four parts water. Increase the proportion to one part sugar to three parts water in wet or cool weather, when the hummingbirds require more calories, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Making the Nectar

Mix the sugar and water in a pot large enough to hold the mixture. Bring it to a boil to kill any bacteria. Cool the nectar before placing it in the feeder. Store any leftover nectar in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks.

Expert Insight

Never use honey to make hummingbird food. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology warns that bacteria and fungi can grow in honey added to water. Do not add red food coloring, which could harm the birds, the lab advises.

References

• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Feeding Hummingbirds
• Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
• How to Enjoy Hummingbirds: Homemade Hummingbird Food