Hummingbird Nectar & Feeder Tips
Making sugar water nectar for a hanging hummingbird feeder is simple. Learn how!
Nothing is more breathtaking than watching hummingbirds dart about on a hot summer day. Invite them to your patio or backyard with a feeder with their favorite nectar—sugar water. Making sugar water nectar for a hanging hummingbird feeder is simple. Since the standard feeder holds about one quart, here’s a recipe for that amount.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Stir sugar into a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before adding to the hummingbird feeder.
- While hummingbirds are attracted to red, there is no need to add red dye to your nectar.
- The color of your feeder is what attracts them.
Hummingbird Feeder Tips
- Hang the feeder in partial shade to keep the nectar solution from fermenting.
- Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned out twice per week, especially in hot weather over 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the feeder using hot water only, or a weak white vinegar solution.
- Tie a red bandana to the top of the feeder to attract hummingbirds.
- Use fishing line to hang your feeder. Fishing line is too thin for ants to crawl up!
- Wasps and bees can also be attracted to the feeder. If this becomes a problem, visit your local garden center for a mesh bee guard to attach to the feeder.
- Never substitute honey for sugar when making sugar water nectar.
Plant The Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
We compiled a list from A-Z of the plants and flowers that attract hummingbirds. The pictures are spectacular! See it here.
Watch This Live Hummingbird Cam
Check out these fascinating hummingbird facts!
This article was published by the staff at Farmers' Almanac. Do you have a question or an idea for an article? Contact us!
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
