Last Updated on September 29, 2022 by Guillermina
Check this article and learn more about the best homemade nectar for hummingbirds recipe.
When choosing your perfect hummingbird feeder, the selection is so wide and rich that the shopping process can often be overwhelming. Fortunately, choosing the perfect food is not that complicated, in fact, it’s really very simple.
The hummingbird’s daily menu consists mainly of protein-rich insects, but it doesn’t end there, these birds need an instant dose of energy, which is easiest to get from a solution of sugar and water, better known as nectar.
This sweet, high-energy solution is vital for these acrobatic flyers, therefore, keep reading this article and find out everything you might be interested in about homemade nectar for hummingbirds recipe.
How Important Is Nectar In The Diet Of Hummingbirds?
Before you learn more about homemade nectar for hummingbirds recipe, let us explain how important it is in their diet.Just like humans, hummingbirds need a varied diet to stay healthy. They need a wide range of nutrients to get their amazing little bodies going each morning, including protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
We believe that there is almost no person in the world who has not at least once heard that these birds lead a high-energy lifestyle and that is exactly why they are always looking for safe, generous, and reliable sources of food to live on. They prefer flower nectar, so by nature, they have the ability to follow plant cycles because they bloom at different times during the year.
In addition to natural nectar, they will be very happy to rely on human beings, that is, to feed in your feeders, as long as they are clean and regularly filled with fresh solution.
Are you ready for the perfect hummingbird nectar recipe? Keep reading as more details are coming below.
Homemade Nectar For Hummingbirds Recipe
Do you know what we love most when it comes to homemade hummingbird food? We are delighted by the fact that it requires only two ingredients that you always have at home (at least you should have), namely water and sugar. Let’s go into detail!
Ingredients
- Refined white sugar
- Water
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe Ratio
When it comes to the ideal ratio, you don’t need to go beyond 4:1. Namely, this concentration is proven to be safe and attractive for tiny hummers. Are you wondering why? The substance is quite straightforward, to be specific, this ratio mimics the natural concentration (20%) of the average natural sources of nectar on which their diet is based.
Furthermore, it isn’t wise to experiment, for instance, a ratio of 3:1 in these birds can cause dehydration and kidney damage, all because of the reduced proportion of water and a large amount of sugar. So, as usual, go with the idea that less is really more. Also, keep in mind that hummingbirds will more often feed on a diluted solution than a more concentrated one.
To help you understand, think of it this way: a hummingbird will visit a feeder filled with a 4:1 solution about 10 times per hour, compared to a feeder filled with a 3:1 solution, which will only visit up to 4 times per hour.
Click here to learn more about their daily menu.
Directions For Making The Best Hummingbird Nectar
We especially like this homemade nectar for hummingbirds recipe because it is very easy to make.
Step No. 1: Mix
All you need to do is mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water, for example, if you want to measure in cups, mix 1 cup sugar with 4 cups water. You can also measure in ounces, quarts, etc., which unit of measurement you choose won’t make any significant difference, it just matters that the ratio is an ideal 4:1.
Step No. 2: Dissolve
Furthermore, there are two variants of the recipe, and you choose the one you like better. You may or may not boil the water; it all depends on your preferences. If you decide to use unboiled water, the only thing you have to pay attention to is to shake or stir the solution enough times for the sugar to fully dissolve. In case you still want to have a boiled solution, simply boil the water and remove it from the heat, and only then add the sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.
Remember, the sugary water must be cold, i.e. at room temperature, before it is served to the hummingbirds, otherwise, you risk injuring them.
Things Worth Knowing
We must note that you can use tap water, it doesn’t have to be bottled, and it is completely safe for these birds to consume.
Have you noticed that experts in general rarely agree on some things? However, what we’re going to talk about now is something they all have in common: they all think hummingbirds should only consume refined sugar, better known as table sugar.
With that in mind, never add other types of sweeteners like honey, corn syrup, or even raw, unprocessed sugars to the solution. What about confectioners’ sugar? Unfortunately, it is not a smart choice either, as it rarely comes in its pure form, namely, powdered sugar often contains additional ingredients, such as corn starch, and accordingly, it is not a healthy or safe ingredient for homemade nectar.
What’s more, we have good news, you don’t have to prepare a new dose of nectar every time. Once you have prepared the nectar, you can store it in the refrigerator and use it as needed. Regarding the shelf life, it is not recommended to keep it for more than 7 days, after that no one can guarantee it is safe to use.
When you open the refrigerator, keep an eye on the sugary water, if you notice that mold has formed, you must throw it in the trash. In addition to poisoning the bird, mold can also contaminate other foods in your refrigerator.
To Wrap Up
This homemade nectar for hummingbirds recipe is quite easy to make and requires only two ingredients, water, and refined sugar. Keep in mind that nectar alone is no guarantee that hummingbirds will choose your feeder, so to attract them, clean it regularly, patch holes that leak nectar, and keep other insects away.
If you have any questions, please, let us know in the section below.
Take a look at this article as well: How To Feed Hummingbirds In Winter? 5 Things Worth Knowing
