Hummingbirds are remarkable little creatures. Their tiny bodies and fast flapping wings enable them to hover in midair as they drink nectar from flowers. To help hummingbirds get the nutrients they need, many people set up feeders filled with homemade nectar in their yards. But can you use Gatorade instead of the standard sugar-water mixture in hummingbird feeders? Let’s take a closer look.
What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
In the wild, hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the small insects they eat. Their long slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for slurping up sweet nectar as they hover near blossoms.
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to power their wings which beat up to 200 times per second! Since nectar contains sugar in the form of sucrose, it provides an excellent source of carbohydrates for fueling the hummingbird’s high metabolism. The protein from eating insects gives their muscles essential amino acids.
When setting up feeders to provide supplementary nutrition, it’s important to mimic the natural nectar hummingbirds are adapted to eating. The sugar concentration and nutritional balance needs to be just right to properly nourish hummingbirds throughout the day.
Is Gatorade Safe for Hummingbirds?
Gatorade is a sports drink meant for rehydrating human athletes and providing them electrolytes, salts, and sugar for energy. So at first glance it might seem reasonable to assume Gatorade would make a suitable nectar replacement in hummingbird feeders. However, there are a few problems with using Gatorade instead of proper hummingbird nectar:
- Sugar content – Gatorade contains 6-8 grams of sugar per 8 ounces, while hummingbird nectar is typically 20% sugar, which works out to about 20 grams per 8 ounces. So Gatorade doesn’t provide enough concentrated energy.
- Artificial sweeteners – Some Gatorade varieties are artificially sweetened with sucralose, acesulfame potassium or aspartame. Artificial sweeteners are not healthy for hummingbirds.
- Electrolytes – The electrolytes and salts in Gatorade like sodium and potassium are meant for humans. These could have detrimental effects on hummingbirds.
- Artificial colors – Gatorade comes in brightly colored dyed varieties which are inappropriate for hummingbirds.
- Lack of nutrients – Gatorade won’t provide balanced nutrition with protein, amino acids, etc that hummingbirds need.
So while Gatorade may seem like a tempting shortcut, it doesn’t replicate the natural nutritional composition that hummingbirds require. The artificial ingredients and improper concentrations could lead to health issues or starvation.
How to Make Proper Hummingbird Nectar
Making homemade hummingbird food is simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar fully dissolves. Let the mixture cool before filling your feeder. Do not add food coloring, honey, artificial sweeteners or any other ingredients. Plain white sugar water is best.
Here’s a handy table with sugar-water ratios for hummingbird nectar:
| Parts Water | Parts Sugar | Percent Sugar Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 20% |
| 2 | 3 | 25% |
| 3 | 2 | 40% |
| 4 | 1 | 20% |
The 4:1 ratio of water to sugar, resulting in a 20% sugar solution, is the gold standard for hummingbird nectar. This proportion provides the best approximation of natural flower nectars.
Once mixed, the nectar can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. When ready to use, take out what you need and let it come to room temperature before filling the feeder.
Choosing a Hummingbird Feeder
Use a feeder designed specifically for hummingbirds when offering nectar. Choose a style that will accommodate the hummingbird’s long slender beak and tongue such as a basin-type or glass bottle feeder. Here are some features to look for:
- Bright red color – attracts hummingbirds
- Ant moat – prevents crawling insects
- Multiple feeding ports
- Easy to disassemble and clean
Clean and sterilize feeders at least every few days with hot water and vinegar to prevent mold growth. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before refilling.
Place feeders in a shady spot to slow nectar spoilage. Try hanging one near red, orange or yellow flowers that hummingbirds are drawn to. Shelter it from wind to prevent spillage.
Other Ideas for Feeding Hummingbirds
In addition to specially designed feeders, you can also offer nectar to hummingbirds in other ways:
- Shallow bowls or plates set out on tables or ground
- Mesh bags or pouches of nectar hanging from tree branches
- Nectar feeders built right into flower blossoms on the plant
- Small cups attached to fence posts or rails
Get creative with different placement ideas! The easier you make it for hummingbirds to spot the nectar, the more likely they are to visit your yard.
Conclusion
Gatorade does not perfectly meet hummingbirds’ nutritional needs and could potentially cause health problems if used in feeders. Plain white sugar mixed with water to create a 20% solution is the best and safest homemade nectar for hummingbirds.
Buy a specialized hummingbird feeder, mix up a batch of simple sugar nectar, and enjoy watching these energetic little birds buzz around your yard all season long!
