Hummingbirds need a balanced diet of sugars from nectar as well as proteins and other nutrients. While the nectar you put in your feeder provides sugars, adding a protein source can help attract more hummingbirds and support their nutritional needs.
Why Add Protein?
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to consume 50% or more of their body weight in nectar each day. This nectar provides them with carbohydrates for energy. However, they cannot survive on sugar alone. They also need protein and nutrients to build muscle mass and maintain healthy feathers.
Some key reasons to add protein to your hummingbird feeder include:
- Provides essential amino acids hummingbirds need for growth and reproduction
- Gives an energy boost
- Helps hummingbirds maintain weight and muscle mass
- Supports molting and growth of colorful, iridescent feathers
- Attracts more hummingbirds to the feeder
Female hummingbirds especially require extra protein in spring and summer when they are nesting and feeding their chicks. Providing supplemental protein sources can support the higher energy demands during breeding and nesting seasons.
Best Protein Options for Hummingbirds
There are a few different options for adding protein to hummingbird feeders:
Powdered Proteins
Powdered protein products designed specifically for hummingbirds can be mixed into nectar. These include products like:
- Nectar Plus
- Emerald Forest Nectar Booster
- Kaytee Protein Pro Healthy Hummingbird Food
Follow package instructions on how much powder to mix per part of water. Shake or stir the solution vigorously to dissolve the powder.
Nut Butter
Small amounts of nut butter can be swirled into the nectar to add protein. Peanut butter and almond butter work well. Make sure to get natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils or additives. Use just a tiny dab per every few feeder fills and stir to dissolve.
Mealworms
Chopped up dried mealworms can also supplement feeders. Use 1-2 tablespoons per 1 cup of nectar. Soak the dried worms in water first to soften them up before mixing into the nectar.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
For a homemade protein source, hard boil an egg and mash up the egg yolk. Add a small bit of the egg yolk to the nectar and mix thoroughly before filling the feeder.
Tips for Adding Protein
Here are some tips for safely and effectively adding protein to your hummingbird nectar:
- Start with small amounts like 1-2 tablespoons of powder or nut butter per cup of nectar. Too much protein can thicken the nectar too much or turn rancid quickly.
- Mix the protein in thoroughly and shake or stir well before filling feeders.
- Avoid adding more than 10% protein to the nectar. Higher ratios can lead to complications.
- Use fresh nectar and change it out every 2-3 days to avoid spoilage.
- Clean feeders well before using nectar with added protein to avoid contamination.
- Store unused protein-enhanced nectar in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Discard if it smells sour or shows separation or clumping.
Alternative Feeder Ideas
In addition to adding protein directly to the nectar, you can also try these ideas:
Separate Protein Feeder
Set up a second feeder specifically for protein. Use a shallow dish style feeder and fill it with pureed fruit, nutritional yeast, or a homemade “nectar” using protein powder and water. Position it near your regular nectar feeder.
Fruit Feeder
Alternatively, skewer small pieces of fruit like melon, apple, banana, or grapes on a spike or hang them near your feeder. The fruit will attract hummingbirds where they can get supplemental protein and nutrients.
Oriole Feeder
Consider putting out an oriole feeder stocked with jelly and fruit. Orioles are attracted to the same yards as hummingbirds, and hummers may dart over to the oriole feeder for some protein-packed snacks.
Caution About Using Honey
Some people wonder if honey can be a good protein source. However, honey should not be used in hummingbird feeders. Here’s why:
- The botulism bacteria can grow easily in honey, especially when diluted. This can be fatal to hummingbirds.
- Honey can promote yeast growth in feeders, causing fatal infections.
- The thick texture of honey doesn’t mix well into nectar.
- Honey doesn’t have enough nutritional value. Hummers need specific amino acids not found in honey.
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid using honey and stick with other protein options like commercial powders, nut butter, meal worms, or hard-boiled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always add protein to my nectar?
Adding small amounts of protein supplements is recommended especially during spring and summer months when birds are most active and nesting. However, plain nectar can still attract hummingbirds to your feeders. Rotate different protein options for variety.
How often should I change protein nectar?
Change nectar with protein every 2-3 days. The protein can cause it to ferment or sour faster than plain nectar. Keep feeders clean and rinse with a water/vinegar solution.
Can I use red food coloring?
Red dye is not recommended for any hummingbird nectar, including protein mixes. The pigments can be harmful to hummers. Let the protein powders or nut butters naturally tint the nectar instead.
How much protein powder should I add per cups of nectar?
A general rule of thumb is 1-2 tablespoons of powdered supplement per cup of nectar. Read labels for specific mixing instructions. Start with minimal amounts and adjust based on consumption.
Should I make my own protein powder mix?
It’s best to use a commercial product designed specifically for hummingbirds. Homemade mixes may not have the right nutrition balance. But in a pinch, a small amount of nutritional yeast or spirulina powder can work.
The Bottom Line
Adding some protein to your hummingbird nectar can help attract more hummingbirds to your yard and support their nutritional needs. Use a nut butter, mealworms, protein powder or hard-boiled egg to give them an extra boost of amino acids and nutrients. Change enhanced nectar frequently, and be careful not to overdo the protein. With a balanced diet, your hummers will keep coming back to your feeders happily.
