28/06/2025
Hummingbirds - feed recipe
Do's and Don'ts of Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds are delicate wonders, and feeding them requires care to keep them healthy. Here’s a concise guide on preparing and maintaining hummingbird feeders, focusing on the correct sugar-water ratio and safe practices.
💚Do's:
Use the Correct Ratio: Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts clean, boiled water (e.g., 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water). Boil the water first to kill bacteria, dissolve the sugar, then let it cool before filling feeders. This mimics natural nectar’s sweetness.
💚Clean Feeders Regularly: Wash feeders every 3–4 days (or every 2 days in hot weather) with mild dish soap and hot water. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue. Regular cleaning prevents mold and fermentation, which can harm hummingbirds.
💚Place Feeders Wisely: Hang feeders in shaded areas to slow nectar spoilage. Position them 10–15 feet from windows to reduce collisions and near flowers to attract hummingbirds.
💚Change Nectar Frequently: Replace nectar every 3–5 days, or sooner if it looks cloudy or has debris. Fresh nectar keeps hummingbirds safe from infections.
💚Use Red Feeders: Hummingbirds are drawn to red. Choose feeders with red feeding ports or bases, but avoid artificial dyes in the nectar, as they’re unnecessary and potentially harmful.
🧡Don'ts:
Don’t Use Honey, Brown Sugar, or Alternatives: Honey ferments quickly, fostering harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause tongue infections in hummingbirds. Brown sugar, molasses, or organic sugars contain minerals that hummingbirds can’t digest, risking illness. Stick to white granulated sugar only.
🧡Don’t Use Bleach or Harsh Chemicals: Bleach is toxic to hummingbirds if not fully rinsed. Use mild dish soap instead, and scrub with a bottle brush to remove mold or residue. Vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) can be a natural alternative for tough stains, followed by thorough rinsing.
🧡Don’t Add Red Dye: Commercial nectar mixes often include red dye, which is unnecessary and may harm hummingbirds’ kidneys or liver. The feeder’s red parts are enough to attract them.
🧡Don’t Overfill Feeders: Only fill with enough nectar for a few days to avoid spoilage. In hot climates, nectar can ferment in as little as 24–48 hours.
🧡Don’t Ignore Mold or Insects: Black mold in feeders is deadly to hummingbirds. If you see mold, clean immediately. Use feeders with bee guards to deter ants and bees, or add a water moat to keep insects out.