Easy Homemade Hummingbird Feeder Nectar Recipe

Here is a simple recipe to make your own sweet nectar for your hummingbird feeder.

So easy – Just two ingredients!

Refined white sugar 

Water

Directions for making hummingbird food:

Mix 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water until the sugar is dissolved. Do not add red dye.  Extra sugar water can be stored in a refrigerator.  

Fill your hummingbird feeders with the sugar water and hang them up outside. If the nectar is not getting used up very fast, be sure to change feeders every few days and clean them each time to prevent mold growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tap water? Should I boil the water?

Yes, you can use tap water to make your hummingbird nectar. It is not necessary to boil water. Just stir or shake your mixture and the sugar will dissolve easily in warm water. 

What kind of sugar should I use?

Only use refined white sugar (regular table sugar). Never use powdered confectioners’ sugar, honey, corn syrup or unprocessed raw sugar.

How often should I change the sugar water in my hummingbird feeder?

It’s recommended that feeders be changed and cleaned every week. Keep an eye on the liquid and watch for any mold growth or gummy residue build up. 

When should I set out my feeder?

Since hummingbirds are migratory, they know when it’s time to come and go. When you should set up and take down your hummingbird feeder depends on your climate. If you live in an area where hummingbirds are staying around all year, you won’t have to take feeders down. In northern regions, they can be set up from May to September. Consider this: if the temperature falls below freezing at night, the liquid nectar could freeze and crack your feeder.  

Where should I set up my feeder?

Preferably hang your feeder in the shade and in an area not so busy with activity.  Also, not too close to a window. Hummingbirds like to perch on wires and nearby trees and zoom back and forth to the feeder. 

Should I add red dye to my sugar water recipe?

Red dye food colouring isn’t necessary to attract hummingbirds and could be harmful to them. 

What flowers attract hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds like flowers that produce a lot of nectar.  Red, tubular flowers such as bleeding hearts, bee balm, weigela, trumpet honeysuckle and salvias are especially popular.

Enjoy!