Mix ¼ cup of refined white sugar with 1 cup of water, stir until the sugar dissolves, and let the nectar cool before filling a clean feeder. Use no honey, other sweeteners, or red dye. Boiling is one accepted way to prepare the mixture, but the Smithsonian says it is not required if the sugar dissolves fully.
This sugar-water nectar supplements a hummingbird’s diet; it does not replace natural nectar from flowers. Refrigerate extra nectar in a covered container for no more than one week, and clean and refresh the feeder regularly—more often in hot weather.
The safest homemade hummingbird food recipe
Use 1 part refined white sugar to 4 parts water, measured with the same unit. For a small batch, mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 cup water. For a larger batch, use 1 cup sugar and 4 cups water.
Audubon describes the 1:4 mixture of refined white sugar and tap water as the best feeder solution, and the Smithsonian National Zoo gives the same ratio. Make only as much as you expect to use so nectar does not sit in the feeder unnecessarily.
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- Bee & Ant Protection - Features 4 metal flower feeding ports with built-in ant moat to keep pests away; 360° metal perches allow multiple hummingbirds to feed comfortably; BPA-free base ensures bird safety
- Leak-Proof Design - 16 oz capacity with durable gasket prevents nectar spills even in wind or when birds land; maintains freshness longer
- Easy Maintenance - Wide-mouth glass bottle design for effortless cleaning and refilling; transparent glass lets you monitor nectar levels at a glance; hand wash only
- Durable Construction - High-quality glass container with attractive design accommodates multiple birds; weather-resistant for year-round outdoor use; clean with mild soap and warm water, dry thoroughly
- Perfect Gift - Ideal for bird lovers, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts; suitable for Anniversary, Birthday, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Recipe measurements
| Water | Refined white sugar |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | ¼ cup |
| 2 cups | ½ cup |
| 4 cups | 1 cup |
| 8 cups | 2 cups |
Ingredients: what is safe and what is not
Use only these two ingredients
- Refined white table sugar
- Water, including tap water
Do not add anything else
| Ingredient | Why to leave it out |
|---|---|
| Honey | Audubon and the Smithsonian advise against it for feeder nectar. |
| Brown sugar or molasses | Audubon advises against brown sugar and molasses; use refined white sugar instead. |
| Corn syrup | The Smithsonian advises against using it. |
| Raw or unprocessed sugar | It is not the refined white sugar recommended for this recipe. |
| Powdered sugar | It may contain added ingredients, so it is not the recommended choice. |
| Artificial sweeteners | Audubon advises against them; use plain refined white sugar. |
| Red food coloring | It is unnecessary. Audubon says no scientific studies have been done on artificial dyes in hummingbirds, but notes that dyes could pose a risk. |
For ingredient guidance, see the National Audubon Society’s hummingbird-feeding FAQ, the Smithsonian National Zoo recipe, and Audubon’s discussion of red coloring and dye safety.
How to make hummingbird nectar step by step
- Clean the feeder. Empty any old nectar and clean the feeder before refilling.
- Measure the ingredients. Use 1 cup water and ¼ cup sugar for a small batch, or keep the 1:4 ratio for a larger one.
- Choose a preparation method. You can dissolve the sugar in water without boiling, as the Smithsonian allows, or follow Audubon’s boil-and-cool method.
- Stir until dissolved. Make sure no sugar crystals remain.
- Cool the nectar. Let it reach room temperature before filling the feeder.
- Refrigerate any extra. Store it in a covered container and use it within one week.
Audubon’s nectar-making instructions call for boiling the mixture and cooling it before use. The Smithsonian’s instructions say boiling is not necessary if the sugar is fully dissolved. Neither method removes the need to keep the feeder clean and refresh its contents.
Do you need to boil the water?
Not necessarily. The Smithsonian says water does not need to be boiled; dissolve the sugar fully and cool the mixture before filling the feeder. Audubon’s recipe and FAQ call for bringing the mixture to a boil, then cooling it.
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Both sources support the same 1:4 ratio and refined white sugar. Follow either preparation method, but always let the nectar cool before putting it in the feeder.
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In the refrigerator
Store extra nectar in a clean, covered container for no more than one week, as the Smithsonian recommends. Discard it if mold appears. Audubon advises bringing refrigerated nectar to room temperature before refilling the feeder.
In an outdoor feeder
Check the feeder often and change the nectar regularly. It needs attention more frequently in hot weather than in cooler weather: Audubon advises daily or every-other-day cleaning in hot weather, every three days in temperate weather, and twice per week in cooler weather. The Smithsonian recommends changing and thoroughly cleaning feeders every other day, with at least twice-weekly changes in hot weather and weekly changes in cooler weather.
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- Bee & Ant Resistant Design: Comes with an ant moat to help keep ants away, while the 5 feeding ports feature bee-resistant design. 360° perch lets multiple hummingbirds feed comfortably. Plastic base stays cooler than metal for added safety
- Attractive Design: Each hummingbird feeder is handmade with thick, durable glass that's sure to attract hummingbirds with its bright blue colors. Small bubbles on the glass surface are normal and add to the unique charm of each feeder
- Generous Nectar Capacity: Holds a full 22 oz of nectar, meaning fewer refills and fresher nectar longer between changes. Tinted glass makes it easy to peek at the level and know precisely when it's time for a top-up
- Easy to Fill and Clean: Simply unscrew the bottle from the base for filling and cleaning. To assemble, align the grooves in the metal lid and plastic base securely, fill with nectar, then screw the bottle onto the base to ensure a tight seal. Flip upright swiftly to prevent leaks. For more full details, please find the user manual
Do not rely on a single schedule for every condition. Clean and replace the nectar immediately if it looks cloudy, mold appears, insects have entered it, or a sick bird has used the feeder. Audubon’s hummingbird-friendly yard guide also advises changing nectar every two to three days, or daily in particularly hot conditions.
Clean the feeder when you change the nectar
Empty and clean the feeder when refreshing its contents rather than topping off old nectar. The Smithsonian recommends thorough cleaning each time nectar is changed. Audubon advises more frequent cleaning in hot weather and immediate cleaning when contamination is suspected.
- Remove the feeder and pour out the remaining nectar.
- Clean the feeder thoroughly before refilling.
- Rinse it well, then refill it with fresh, cooled nectar.
Feeders do not replace flowers
Sugar water is a supplement, not a replacement for natural flower nectar. Audubon recommends native flowering plants as part of a hummingbird-friendly yard. Add plants suited to your region and keep the feeder clean and maintained.
Rank #4
- Bee & Ant Protection - Features 4 metal flower feeding ports with built-in ant moat to keep pests away; 360° metal perches allow multiple hummingbirds to feed comfortably; BPA-free base ensures bird safety
- Leak-Proof Design - 16 oz capacity with durable gasket prevents nectar spills even in wind or when birds land; maintains freshness longer
- Easy Maintenance - Wide-mouth glass bottle design for effortless cleaning and refilling; transparent glass lets you monitor nectar levels at a glance; hand wash only
- Durable Construction - High-quality glass container with attractive design accommodates multiple birds; weather-resistant for year-round outdoor use; clean with mild soap and warm water, dry thoroughly
- Perfect Gift - Ideal for bird lovers, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts; suitable for Anniversary, Birthday, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct sugar-to-water ratio for hummingbird food?
Use 1 part refined white sugar to 4 parts water. For a small batch, combine ¼ cup sugar with 1 cup water.
Can I make hummingbird food without boiling?
Yes. The Smithsonian says boiling is not required if the sugar dissolves fully. Audubon’s recipe calls for boiling the mixture and cooling it before use.
Can I use tap water?
Yes. Audubon describes the standard recipe as refined white sugar and tap water.
Best Value
- ACCOMADATES MULTIPLE BIRDS: Every feeder features four flower-shaped feeding ports with comfortable U-shaped perches that allow several hummingbirds to feed simultaneously, making these hummingbird feeders for outdoors ideal for busy bird watching seasons
- 8 OZ CAPACITY: Each 2-pack of glass hummingbird feeders have 8oz nectar capacity, providing ample feeding space for multiple hummingbirds while maintaining the perfect size for smaller yards and patios
- BUILT-IN ANT MOAT & BEE GUARDS: Add water to the built-in ant moat to keep ants away, while the bee guards prevent bees from consuming the sweet nectar inside the glass feeders. Creating this dual defense system allows each bird uninterrupted access so they can feed peacefully
- EASY FILL & CLEAN: Filling is simple as the wide-mouth glass bottle design makes it easy to add nectar while preventing spills. Cleaning takes little time, as the ant moat, base, and bee guard components are made to disassemble from the feeder so every part can be cleaned thoroughly
- BIRDWATCH WITH EASE: Watch the birds clearly as the glass construction provides high visibility from all angles, while the pinch waist-design creates an attractive and functional feeder that will last you through every bird season
Should I add red food coloring?
No. Red dye is unnecessary. Audubon says no scientific studies have been done on artificial dyes in hummingbirds, but that they could pose a risk.
How long does hummingbird nectar last in the refrigerator?
Store extra nectar in a covered container for no more than one week. Discard it if mold appears and bring refrigerated nectar to room temperature before refilling the feeder.
How often should I clean and refill a hummingbird feeder?
Clean and refresh it regularly, more often in hot weather. Audubon and the Smithsonian give different schedules, so check the feeder often and clean it immediately if nectar looks cloudy, mold appears, insects get in, or a sick bird uses it.
Does feeder nectar replace flowers?
No. Feeder nectar is supplemental. Native flowering plants provide natural nectar and are part of a hummingbird-friendly yard.
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