What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making hummingbird food at home is simple, fun, and rewarding, and this recipe guarantees your feathered friends stay happy and healthy. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, with just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- It’s cost-effective: Save money by avoiding store-bought nectar mixes and make your own in minutes.
- Safe and natural: You know exactly what’s in it, with no artificial colors or harmful additives.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness to suit your local hummingbirds’ preferences, making it perfect for your garden visitors.
Recipe
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is a delightful experience, and making your own hummingbird food is simple and cost-effective. This recipe guarantees a safe and nutritious solution that mimics natural nectar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Fill your hummingbird feeder with the cooled solution.
- Store any extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes:
- Avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye, as these can harm hummingbirds.
- Clean the feeder thoroughly every few days to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
Wildlife-friendly
Serving:
Fills one standard-sized hummingbird feeder
Nutrition
To make hummingbird food, mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. Avoid additives like honey or food coloring.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 774 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 200 g |
| Sugars | 200 g |
What To Serve With It
When pairing your hummingbird food, I like to add a fresh fruit platter for variety, sliced thin for easy access. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few nutritional supplements on the side to give them an extra boost. It’s a simple way to keep them happy and healthy while they enjoy their meal.
Fresh Fruit Platter
A fresh fruit platter is one of my favorite ways to complement hummingbird food—it’s bright, colorful, and adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly. I love slicing juicy oranges, ripe bananas, and berries like strawberries or blueberries, arranging them in a shallow dish near the feeder. The birds are drawn to the vibrant colors, and the soft fruits make it easy for them to sip the juices. Just avoid anything too hard or bitter—hummingbirds prefer tender, sugary bites. It’s a simple touch, but watching them flutter between the feeder and fruit feels like hosting a tiny, feathered buffet!
Nutritional Supplements
Adding nutritional supplements to your hummingbird feeder setup can really boost their health and energy. I’ve found that a pinch of calcium powder or a drop of electrolyte solution mixed into their sugar water helps them stay strong, especially during migration or extreme weather. Just be careful—too much can harm them, so stick to tiny amounts. I also like adding crushed eggshells nearby for extra minerals. It’s like giving them a little vitamin boost without overcomplicating their diet. Remember, the base should always be plain sugar water; supplements are just the cherry on top for their well-being.
