How to Make Safe and Affordable Hummingbird Food at Home

Have you ever seen a hummingbird fluttering around your garden and wished it would stay longer? This is the primary reason why you should attract and befriend the beautiful little birds: you’ll have fresh homemade hummingbird food at hand. Simple to make, it is cheaper and healthier than almost all commercial varieties bought in stores.

In this article, we will show you the step-by-step process for preparing hummingbird food at home, including an error-free recipe, common mistakes, and tips for keeping your feathery friends healthy and happy.

Why You Should Make Your Own Hummingbird Food

In fact, when I purchased a hummingbird feeder for the first time, I fell victim to the trap of buying an expensive little bottle of ready-made hummingbird food at the garden store. It called for $10, but seemed such an easy solution. Yet at home, when I read the label, I found out that it was merely sugar and water-simple syrup, really! Then, I researched and learned that homemade hummingbird food really costs about 25 cents per batch, that is, 95 to 98 percent savings. Besides, I know exactly what I am presenting to them that won’t harm them.

The Best Homemade Hummingbird Food Recipe

It is very easy to make a hummingbird food solution. There are just two ingredients required: white sugar and water.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

• Boil the water to get rid of any impurities.
• Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
• Cool down the mixture until at room temperature.
• Pour the hummingbird food into a clean feeder.

This mixture mimics the natural nectar found in flowers that would provide hummingbirds energy for flying, feeding, and migrating.

What NOT to Do When Making Hummingbird Food

Although there are some important things to consider regarding making hummingbird food, it’s quite easy to make it safely:

Never Use Food Coloring or Dyes:

Gone by the days when it was a practice to add red food coloring to the hummingbird food to aid in the attraction. Scientific discovery has since shown that artificial dyes could actually do harm. Fortunately, most feeders already have red colors that will naturally attract hummingbirds so there really is no need.

Only Use White Granulated Sugar:

Now, most importantly, refrain from using honey, brown sugar, powdered sugar, or sweeteners that are not natural. These can ferment, grow bacteria, or introduce chemicals harmful to the hummingbirds. Plain white sugar is all yes, as this is, indeed, the healthiest option for once!

Clean Your Feeder Regularly:

Because hummingbird food syrup contains sugar solution, it can rapidly spoil, especially in warm weather. Clean your feeder using hot soapy water at least once a week, even more in hotter climates. If you see any cloudiness, black spots, or mold, it’s time for an intensive clean-up.

Store Leftover Hummingbird Food Properly:

Indeed, extra hummingbird food can be refrigerated for approximately two weeks. Just warm it up to room temperature before placing in the feeder as cooling nectar is somewhat harsh for the little body of a hummingbird.

How Often Should You Refill Your Hummingbird Feeder?

During peak neon activity seasons, spring and summer, you simply may have to refill the feeders even more often. Hummingbird nectar should be replaced every 3-5 days or sooner if it runs low or turns cloudy. If you live in a hot area, consider using smaller feeders to avoid wasting nectar if it spoils. Fresh food means healthier birds.

Are Hummingbirds Dependent on Feeders?

The formulation common belief as food for hummingbirds will help, but will not completely replace their real diet. Any hummingbird will go in search of nectar from flowers, insects, and tree sap. Your feeder just conveniently gives them an energy boost, which is quite helpful when the birds migrate or nest.

Putting out hummingbird food for them is such a lovely way to enhance their ability to survive, as the natural habitats are becoming so limited.

A Personal Connection to Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds have always been close to my heart. My grandmother was so enamored by them, she had a tiny hummingbird laser-etched on the lens of her glasses. Whenever I see one whiz by, I feel like she’s saying hello to me. Watching hummingbirds swooping in on our backyard feeder is a little bit of joy that comes with everyday life. It’s one small way to connect with nature and a special person in my life.

Final Thoughts: Hummingbird Food That’s Safe, Simple, and Sweet

Hummingbird food preparation is perhaps one of the easiest yet very rewarding homemade activities to attract nature to your surroundings. All that you need are simple ingredients white sugar, water, and time. You can then marvel as the hover and sip at the window.

So ditch that over-commercialized stuff from the store and whip up a batch of your own hummingbird food! Your feathered friends will appreciate it, and so will your wallet.