Can I make my own Hummingbird nectar?

Answer 1

You need to mix sugar and water. 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water, and mix this together in a saucepan and boil. Let cool, and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.

Fill one-third of the container and be sure to change the mixture twice a week. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit bacteria/mold. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with the water syrup.

Do not add red food colouring or anything else. Their little systems cannot handle too much sugar. This ratio is the right one. Do not use honey, either. It is toxic to them.

Answer 2

1/4 cup sugar, 1 cup water, boil it, cool it, & fill the feeder. Don't need food color. However, do not use bleach like the other person said. Instead, clean it with nothing except vinegar, then rinse well. Read instructions on any feeder. No bleach.

You can make the mixture sweeter if you want. I put in more sugar when they are coming in heavy. Probably when they have their babies. It gives them a little more energy for the task.

Answer 3

Yes; four parts water to one part table sugar. Mix it together, and bring it to a boil; allow it to cool, and you have nectar! Since the hummers are getting ready to migrate this time of year in many places, you might want to consider making it a little richer, and use only three parts of water to give your friends a bit of a boost.

Answer 4

I do all the time... you take 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water heat the water enough to dissolve the sugar then let cool and fill your feeder.

Answer 5

1:4, one sugar, four waters, either use hot water and mix well, or bring to boil. Allow to cool before setting out. NO RED FOOD COLOR! Your feeder should have some red or sorta red color to attract the birds. Once they find you, you'll have to replenish and CLEAN THE FEEDER often.

Answer 6

Sure. Boil water first to sterilize it, then add one cup sugar per quart of water. Be sure to let the mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it into your feeders. Color is optional, I usually don't.

Answer 7

sugar and water...that is what I use...about 1 cup water to 3 cups water....I get humming birds all the time...

Answer 8

I believe all you need to do is make sugar-water.