Hummingbirds: How to make Hummingbird Nectar

How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

Hummingbird nectar is easy to make and if you have many hummingbirds visiting your yard you will want to make sure you have a constant supply for their feeders.

This formula below is equally beneficial for both hummingbird and oriole feeders. Birding experts believe that it closely matches the sweetness and consistency of the nectar found in flowers.

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe 

• Mix 1/4 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a clean jar. I like to use a jar with a lid that fits tightly so that I can shake the mixture.  I think it mixes easier this way.

• Pour the mixture into a clean hummingbird feeder. (This mixture will also work for or orioles.) A measuring cup works best for filling the feeder.

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

• Change nectar in feeders every five to seven days. You will need to change the mixture more often in warm weather. This is also the perfect time to clean the feeder. A clean feeder helps to prevent bird diseases. For larger feeders, simply increase water and sugar using a ratio of four parts water to one part sugar.

 Artificial dyes and honey and sugar other than white table sugar should not be used in nectar feeders. 

Direct sunlight will cause nectar to spoil more quickly so choose a partially sunlit area to hang the feeder. It’s also wise to take into consideration a safe place for the feeder – out of reach of cats and other predators.

Tags: hummingbird nectar, making hummingbird nectar. taking care of your hummingbird feeder, orioles, birds, feeding birds