Hummingbird Nectar

Making your own hummingbird nectar is simple and affordable with this recipe.

4 parts water
1 part white granulated sugar

1. Bring 4 parts water to a boil.
2. Stir in 1 part ordinary white granulated sugar.
3. Keep stirring until sugar is dissolved in the water.
4. Allow the mixture to cool.
5. When the nectar is room temperature, fill your clean hummingbird feeder.

You can also make your own oriole nectar with virtually the same ingredients. Follow the recipe below.

6 parts water
1 part white granulated sugar

1. Bring 6 parts water to a boil.
2. Stir in 1 part ordinary white granulated sugar.
3. Keep stirring until sugar is dissolved in the water.
4. Allow the mixture to cool.
5. When the nectar is room temperature, fill your clean oriole feeder.

Other tips for making nectar safe for hummingbirds include:

1. Never use red dyes or food coloring, as they are not healthy for hummingbirds or orioles.
2. Never use honey when making your nectar mix. Honey attracts bees and can grow black fungus that will cause a fatal liver and tongue disease in hummingbirds.
3. Replace the nectar once every three to four days and clean the feeder thoroughly.
4. Unused nectar can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.