Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and tree sap in the wild. To attract hummingbirds to your yard, offering homemade nectar in specialized feeders is the best technique. Making your own nectar concentrate allows you to control the ratio of sugar to water for optimal nutrition and taste.
What is hummingbird nectar concentrate?
Hummingbird nectar concentrate is a mixture of sugar and water that is diluted before filling hummingbird feeders. The concentrate allows you to easily mix consistent nectar by adding water when needed. The ideal homemade nectar is made of one part white, refined sugar to four parts water. This ratio approximates the natural nutrition found in flower nectar.
Why make your own nectar concentrate?
There are a few key reasons to make DIY nectar concentrate rather than using commercial mixes or plain sugar water:
- Control sugar ratios – You can fine-tune sugar levels to provide energy and appeal to hummingbird tastes.
- Avoid additives – Some commercial mixes contain unnecessary added red dyes and preservatives.
- Save money – Homemade concentrate is much less expensive than store-bought nectar.
- Easy mixing – Concentrate simplifies making consistent nectar anytime.
What are the ingredients needed?
Hummingbird nectar can be made with only two ingredients:
- Granulated white sugar – Use only plain granulated sugar, not brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners which are unhealthy for hummingbirds.
- Water – Use plain water, filtered or tap is fine. Do not use flavored waters or juice.
What is the ratio of sugar to water?
The ideal ratio for homemade nectar concentrate is:
- 1 part sugar
- 4 parts water
This 1:4 ratio provides the right amount of natural energy and sweetness to attract hummingbirds. Using more concentrated sugar can actually be harmful to hummingbird health.
What are the basic steps?
Making basic hummingbird food concentrate takes only a few easy steps:
- Boil water – Bring clean water to a boil to dissolve sugar and kill any bacteria.
- Add sugar – Stir in white granulated sugar using a 1:4 ratio.
- Cool nectar – Allow nectar to fully cool before bottling to avoid condensation.
- Store concentrate – Funnel concentrate into clean bottles or jars.
How do you make concentrate by volume?
For small batches, the easiest way to achieve the 1:4 ratio is using volume measures:
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
Example for 2 cups concentrate:
- 2 cups sugar
- 8 cups water
How do you make concentrate by weight?
For larger batches, weighing ingredients on a kitchen scale provides the most accurate ratio:
- 1 part sugar by weight
- 4 parts water by weight
Example for 1000g concentrate:
- 200g sugar
- 800g water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for making the perfect homemade nectar concentrate:
- Boil water – In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add sugar – When water is boiling, stir in 1 cup of white granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat – Take the pot off the stove and allow nectar to cool.
- Funnel into containers – Use a funnel to pour concentrate into clean squeeze bottles or jars.
- Label and date – Label your containers with the date and 1:4 ratio.
- Refrigerate – Store sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Dilute before use – Mix equal parts concentrate and water before filling feeders.
Tips
Follow these tips for best results with DIY nectar concentrate:
- Use containers designed for food storage like mason jars rather than plastic bottles.
- Avoid using metal containers which may react with the sugar and water. Stainless steel is okay.
- Always refrigerate unused concentrate between batches.
- Clearly label containers with the date and ratio to avoid confusion later.
- Stir or shake diluted nectar well before pouring into feeders.
- Change nectar in feeders every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather when it ferments faster.
How much sugar do hummingbirds need?
While hummingbirds get most of their energy from nectar, they don’t actually need very large amounts of sugar. Here are the key facts on hummingbird sugar needs:
- A hummingbird’s daily sugar intake from nectar is equal to about half its body weight.
- Hummingbird tongues have tiny grooves that let them lick up nectar very quickly and efficiently.
- They prefer nectar that is about 25% sugar concentration, similar to natural flower nectar.
- Artificial nectar more concentrated than 25% can harm kidneys and cause other health issues.
- Water is just as important as sugar to avoid dehydration.
Troubleshooting
Use this troubleshooting guide if your homemade nectar concentrate has any issues:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Fermentation | Stored too long, too warm | Refrigerate after making, use within 2 weeks |
Mold | Stored too long, containers not sanitized | Use clean containers, refrigerate unused portions |
Cloudy nectar | Sugar not fully dissolved | Heat longer when making to dissolve sugar |
Crystals in nectar | Sugar recrystallization | Reheat nectar gently to dissolve crystals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sugar for hummingbird nectar?
Use plain white, granulated sucrose. Do not use brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners.
Can you use organic sugar?
Yes, you can substitute organic white cane sugar. But plain white sugar works fine.
Is it okay to use raw or brown sugar?
No, stick to refined white sugar. Raw and brown sugar can contain levels of iron that are unhealthy for hummingbirds.
What about using honey or stevia instead of sugar?
Honey and artificial sweeteners like stevia are not recommended because the composition is different from natural flower nectar sugar.
Is it safe to use plain tap water?
Yes, tap water is perfectly fine to use. Just avoid any scented, flavored, or sparkling waters.
Should I boil the water first?
Boiling water first helps dissolve the sugar fully and kills any potential bacteria, resulting in longer-lasting nectar.
Can I adjust the sugar ratio?
It’s best to stick to 1:4 as too much sugar can be unhealthy. But in cool weather, you may increase to 1:3 for more energy.
How long does homemade nectar last?
Store concentrate in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks max. Change diluted nectar every 2-3 days during warm weather or when fermentation is visible.
What’s the shelf life of open concentrate?
Leftover concentrate should keep up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do you store extra concentrate?
Funnel unused concentrate into a clean jar, label with the date and ratio, seal tightly, and refrigerate.
Conclusion
With just two ingredients – sugar and water – you can easily make healthy, natural hummingbird nectar concentrate right at home. Follow a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water and store unused portions in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Dilute the concentrate 1:1 with water before filling feeders. Consistently mixing top-quality nectar will attract more hummingbirds to your yard!