Things You'll Need:
- Hummingbird feeder
- Sugar
- Water
- Saucepan
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Step 1
Select a brightly colored hummingbird feeder that can be completely disassembled for cleaning. It is important that the entire feeder come apart to be disinfected. A basin feeder is a popular, easy-to-clean feeder that consists of a basin at the bottom to the hold the sugar water and a lid with holes. Often these feeders will have perches extending out the sides, which will give you an excellent opportunity to see a hummingbird perched to feed instead of hovering.
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Step 2
Hang the feeder in a location that will enable you to watch it often. Near a window is a common place that many homeowners choose.
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Step 3
Measure one part of white sugar to four parts of water in a saucepan. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Boil the mixture and immediately remove it from the heat.
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Step 4
Cover the saucepan and allow the sugar water to cool completely before pouring it into the feeder.
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Step 5
Fill the feeder with cooled sugar water. Hang the filled feeder and watch for hummingbirds.
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Step 6
Monitor the hummingbird feeder daily, because the sugar water will eventually ferment. If the temperature is below 70 degrees, replace the sugar water once per week; between 71 and 75, every six days; between 76 and 80, five days; between 81 and 84, four days; between 85 and 88, three days; between 89 and 92, two days; and above 93, every day.
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Step 7
Wash the feeder each time the sugar water is replaced. Wash with very hot water but no soap. If mold is present, add two drops of bleach to a gallon of hot water and use this to wash the feeder. Be sure to rinse the feeder completely because bleach may harm hummingbirds.
