Hummingbird Nectar
A safe and easy food for visiting hummingbirds.
Equipment
- 1 teapot optional, but makes heating water so easy
- 1 liquid measuring cup
- 1 dry measuring cup
- 1 hummingbird feeder
- 1 mixing bowl with pouring spout
Ingredients
- 1/2 C white granulated sugar
- 2 C boiling water
Instructions
- Add 2 C water to a tea kettle and bring to a boil. You can use a pot to bring water to a boil, but the tea kettle that's quick and easier to pour makes this job a breeze.TIP: Boiling will help slow the fermentation of the nectar initially, but as long as the sugar is dissolved, some people do not boil the water. Boiling water helps the sugar dissolve completely.
- Pour water into a bowl with a spout (to fill feeder easier) and add sugar and mix til dissolved. Set it aside to cool completely before filling the hummingbird feeder.TIP: Use only plain white sugar. Honey and molasses are too heavy for hummingbirds to digest and ferment more mold that can be fatal to hummingbirds.
- While nectar is cooling, make sure that you clean the hummingbird feeder well. Using a clean toothbrush designated only to clean the feeder, clean each hole and the entire inside of the feeder before filling.TIP: I avoid using any detergents, but use simply hot water to clean.
- Add clean hummingbird nectar to cleaned hummingbird feeders every few days and at least once a week to keep hummingbirds fed and healthy.
Notes
I find that making nectar more often and cleaning ever few days prevents cloudiness and doesn't pose a health risk for the hummingbirds.
There's a huge controversy about red dye in purchased nectar. Many feel that though it attracts hummingbirds with its color, there are harmful effects. For that reason, I have always chosen to make mine without added dyes.
Nectar can be kept in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week. After that, toss.