Using honey in a hummingbird feeder is not recommended. While hummingbirds will readily eat honey, it does not provide the nutrition they need. There are a few key reasons why honey should be avoided in hummingbird feeders:
Nutritional content
Hummingbirds need a specific balance of sugars, proteins, vitamins and minerals in their diet. Honey lacks the protein and micronutrients they require. Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the small insects they eat. Replacing nectar with honey removes an important protein source from their diet.
Sugar content
Honey has a higher concentration of sugars compared to natural flower nectar. This can overwhelm the hummingbird’s digestive system if it becomes their primary food source. Hummingbirds have evolved to derive energy from floral nectars that contain 15-25% sugars. In comparison, honey can have a sugar concentration of up to 80%.
Difficult to digest
The types of sugars found in honey are more difficult for hummingbirds to digest compared to natural nectars. Hummingbird digestive systems are designed to efficiently metabolize sucrose-dominant nectars. Honey contains a high ratio of fructose to glucose, which takes more energy to digest.
Risk of fungal and bacterial growth
Honey provides an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial growth, especially in warm weather. Nectar in hummingbird feeders also spoils easily, but the higher sugar concentration of honey spoils even faster. Rapid spoilage introduces harmful microbes that can make hummingbirds sick.
Fermentation
The sugars in honey can ferment into alcohol if left for too long. Fermented nectar can intoxicate hummingbirds and negatively impact their health. Keeping feeders clean and nectar fresh is important to prevent fermentation.
Mold growth
Honey is prone to fungal growth like other sugars. Mold spores can germinate in thick, syrupy honey sitting in a feeder. Ingesting moldy honey can cause respiratory issues in hummingbirds.
Difficulty cleaning residue
Honey leaves a sticky residue as it dries that is difficult to clean. This residue builds up over time in feeders. Dirty feeders increase the chance of disease transmission between birds. The sticky film also attracts insects, which brings more contaminants.
Soaking and scrubbing
Getting honey residue off a feeder requires extended soaking in hot water followed by scrubbing. This labor-intensive cleaning causes many people to use dirty feeders, to the detriment of hummingbirds.
Bleach soaks
The only reliable way to remove dried honey residue is to soak the feeder in a dilute bleach solution. This is more hazardous to handle and corrodes metal parts over time. Overall, the effort required makes honey a poor choice.
Ways to use honey safely
If you still wish to offer honey to hummingbirds, there are some ways to reduce risks:
- Use only raw, unfiltered honey to retain small amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals
- Dilute honey with water to lower sugar concentration (1 part honey to 4 parts water)
- Rinse feeder with hot water daily and replace honey solution entirely every 2-3 days
- Soak feeder in dilute bleach weekly to sanitize and prevent mold
- Alternate honey feeder with regular nectar feeders to ensure balanced diet
- Monitor birds closely for signs of intoxication like lethargy or loss of appetite
Recommended alternatives to honey
Here are some healthier, safer alternatives to feed hummingbirds instead of honey:
Refined white sugar
White granulated sugar dissolved in water makes an affordable nectar substitute. Use 1 part sugar to 4 parts water and boil to dissolve. Let cool before filling feeders.
Cane sugar
Cane sugar has a composition closer to natural flower nectar. Dissolve in water at a 1:4 ratio. Brown, organic cane sugar contains traces of iron and calcium.
Agave nectar
Agave nectar is made from the agave plant. It has glucose and fructose in levels suitable for hummingbirds. Use a ratio of 1 part agave to 4 parts water.
Maple syrup
Pure maple syrup can be an alternative to honey. Dilute it to achieve a 20% sugar solution for the healthiest ratio.
Artificial commercial nectar
Powdered commercial nectar products designed specifically for hummingbirds are widely available. These contain added vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Conclusion
Honey may seem like a natural choice, but it does not provide the nutrition or safety that hummingbirds need. While they will eat honey, it should be avoided in feeders. With some precautions, honey can occasionally be offered as a supplementary treat. For the bulk of their diet, stick to safer, healthier nectar alternatives like refined sugar, agave or artificial powders.
