How To

How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

By Karen Bridgers, eHow Member Rating

Make your own nectar to feed birds

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This formula is appropriate for both hummingbird and oriole feeders. Experts believe that it closely approximates the sweetness and consistency of the nectar naturally found in flowers.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning Brushes
Stirring Spoons
Granulated Sugar
Water
Hummingbird Feeders
Measuring cups
Oriole Feeders

Step 1

Mix 1/4 c. sugar and 1 c. water in a cup or jar.
Step 2

Stir briskly with a spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 3

Pour the mixture into a clean hummingbird or oriole feeder.
Step 4

Cover any unused nectar and refrigerate for up to five days.

Tips & Warnings

Mixing nectar in a measuring cup allows easy pouring into feeders.
Change nectar in feeders every five to seven days - more often in warm weather.
Be sure all utensils are clean and dry before making nectar.
For larger feeders, simply increase water and sugar using a ratio of four parts water to one part sugar.
Artificial dyes, honey and sugar other than white table sugar should not be used in nectar feeders.
Avoid hanging feeders in direct sunlight, which will cause nectar to spoil more quickly.

Comments

Thisstinks said

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on 6/14/2009 Hello,Hummers seem to like hibiscus flowers a lot. Would using dried hibiscus flower sun tea rather then plain water be harmful to them?Take care,Doug

grammastacie said

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on 6/7/2009 great info, no need to boil the water, interesting! 5* and recommend!

on 3/31/2009 You do not need to boil the water. There is nothing in the sugar or the water that will cause fermentation. The microorganisms that cause fermentation are transported to the feeder by the hummingbird's bill. Also turbinado sugar has too much iron in it and will poison the hummingbird.

texasbebe said

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on 9/14/2008 I have ALWAYS read you MUST boil the water and sugar together for 2-3 minutes to avoid fermentation. Hummingbirds will avoid fermented nectar. I have also read an article that states it is possible that the stupid hummingbirds that do drink fermented nectar may die (Not sure if this statement is true). But the fact remains that it is essential to boil the sugar/water for 2-3 minutes then let cool completely before filling feeders.