How to Make Hummingbird Water

Easy preparation and storage of hummingbird water. They will feed all winter if you make sure to fill the feeder!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hummingbird feeder
• Plain white granulated sugar
• Water
• Saucepan
• Glass bottle for storage
• Stirring spoon

1. The ratio for hummingbird water is one part sugar to four parts water.

2. 

   Measure out 4 cups of water in your saucepan. Set on medium heat.

3. 

   Measure out 1 cup of granulated white sugar and set to the side.

4. 

   Get the water JUST to a boil, you don't want too much evaporation as you do want it to be an even mix. This will be their primary food source, so you want it to be right!

5. 

   Remove from the heat and pour in the sugar.

6. 

   Stir it completely, make sure it is all dissolved.

7. 

   Let it sit till is is cooled down and pour it into a glass bottle to store.

8. 

   Store in the fridge, it will keep for a long time. You won't be keeping it too long as the hummers will eat a LOT!

Tips & Warnings

• There are many types of hummingbird feeders out there, stay small unless you find they are draining it more than once a day.
• Keep it CLEAN. This is THE food source for them.
• Any mold can make them seriously sick, if you see ANY black spots, clean it right away and refill the feeder!
• They will visit all winter so if it freezes, bring it in and let it thaw so they can eat that day!

[jschiavoni]

on 7/8/2009 In hotter climates or during extreme heat hummers will dehydrate faster so it is recommended using 5 parts water to 1 part sugar - this is sufficient as hummers will still feed at flowers for natural nectar

[rkayne]

on 1/19/2009 I need to just sit on the balcony patiently because I want a good picture of our hummingbird(s)!

[Merriment]

on 1/15/2009 Ah great. I always wondered how I could make this on my own. Thanks!

[jl5080]

on 1/5/2009 Great idea!