Lately our world involves a lot of outdoor time with our kids and so I’ve become a birdhouse and hummingbird feeder lady. I thought I would share how to make hummingbird food, sometimes called hummingbird nectar. This is homemade nectar, as opposed to natural nectar which hummingbirds get from flowers.
Hummingbird food is easy to make, you can even make it with young kids. It only requires two ingredients, sugar and water, and just a few minutes to make.
Ingredients
- Water – tap water is fine
- Granulated white sugar
You will also need a hummingbird feeder to store the homemade nectar in. We have a cactus shaped feeder that I love. My son thinks it’s a pickle. Whatever you choose I recommend something with an easy to open top so you can fill it. You will also want something that is easy to clean.
How to make Hummingbird Food
Hummingbird food is made of one part sugar to four parts water. My feeder easily holds 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of sugar.
Combine the sugar and water and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then pour into your feeder and hang in a prominent spot outside.
You do not need to boil the water. I do not recommend adding red food dye, it’s not necessary and may not be healthy for the birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sugar can be used in hummingbird food?
Granulated white sugar is best. Do not use honey, corn syrup or powdered sugar (which may contain cornstarch).
How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder?
Anytime you refill the feeder clean it first. You will also want to check it periodically for mold. If you see mold or if the sugar is looking solid, crystalized, go head and clean the feeder.
Where should I hang my hummingbird feeder?
In the shade, away from areas with high activity (like a door that gets opened often) is best. If possible hang it near trees.
What time of year can I expect hummingbirds?
Like many birds, hummingbirds migrate so it depends where you live and what time of year it is. In the northern US May-September. In the middle of the US April-October. And in southern US February-November.
More Outdoor Projects
- Weatherproofing Metal Furniture for the Outdoors
- Converting Indoor Pendant Lights for Outdoor Use
- DIY Outdoor Pillows
- DIY Painted Outdoor Rug
- Porch Plants that are Hard to Kill 🙂
- How to Make a Raised Garden Bed
- Fairy Garden Tour
- DIY Giant Slip and Slide (100 ft!)
- Make Your Own Fire Pit
- DIY Curved Fire Pit Bench
- How to Build a Greenhouse
- DIY A-Frame Playhouse
- Homemade Flower Beds
- DIY Porch Swing
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
Instructions
- Hummingbird food is made of one part sugar to four parts water.
- Combine the sugar and water and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Then pour into your feeder and hang in a prominent spot outside.
My hummingbirds approve of this recipe <3
I just got a feeder- really enjoyed the podcast today and thought I’d pop over for a review. So glad that I did! As usual, you two have read my mind!
wow this is great
So cute, I didn’t know you could do this!
That hummingbird food recipe is simple and handy! I’ll try it this weekend. Your post reminds me of how easy it is to put together fun things – just like playing Merge Rot where you mix elements for surprising results. Nature and games both love good combos!
Easy and very helpful.thank you.
So easy!
Learnt something recently from an avid bird person about hummingbird feeders that use sugar water… You have to be very careful about it not fermenting and turning into alcohol, which can kill the birds. Sugar water left outside during summer when it’s very hot can ferment within days, so please be careful!
Good to know! I do think yeast has to be present in order for sugar to be turned into alcohol. So, I think making sure your feeder stays clean will help a lot.
Thank you for putting this out there, so glad I read this!
I love my hummingbird feeder! I had a lot of troubles with ants though. I bought an “ant moat,” which hangs above your feeder and holds a small amount of water so ants can’t crawl down to your feeder. Works perfectly if anyone else has that same problem.
Great idea!
Easy!