Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. These tiny birds have extremely high metabolisms and need to consume a lot of energy in the form of nectar or sugar water to survive. Because of their small size, hummingbirds can die very quickly if they don’t have enough food available. That’s why it’s so important for people who put up hummingbird feeders to know how long they can leave the sugar water in the feeder before it goes bad or becomes unsafe for hummingbirds to drink.
Quick answers
Here are some quick answers to how long you can leave sugar water in a hummingbird feeder:
- 2-3 days in hot weather
- 3-5 days in moderate temperature
- 5-7 days in cool weather
The temperature outside plays a big role in how quickly the sugar water will spoil. Warmer temperatures cause food to spoil faster. Cooler temperatures can keep sugar water fresh for longer. But no matter what the weather is, the sugar water needs to be changed out at least every 5-7 days.
How do you know when to change the sugar water?
Here are some signs that it’s time to dump out your hummingbird feeder and make a fresh batch of nectar:
- Cloudiness ordark/dull color- Fresh nectar should look clear with a light golden color.
- Smelly or fermented odor- Old nectar starts to smell sour or yeasty.
- Mold/algae growth- You may see fuzz, slime, or green dots.
- Dead insects- Bugs that have drowned in the nectar.
- Low nectar levels- Top off more frequently in hot weather.
If you notice any of these signs, take down the feeder, empty it out, and thoroughly clean the feeder before refilling it with fresh sugar water. Dirty feeders can grow mold spores that make hummingbirds sick.
Tips for keeping nectar fresh longer
Here are some tips to help your hummingbird nectar stay fresh as long as possible:
- Use a nectar recipe made for hummingbirds- 1 part white sugar to 4 parts hot water is best.
- Allow nectar to cool fully before filling feeders.
- Store extra nectar in the refrigerator to slow fermentation.
- Clean feeders thoroughly with a vinegar soak and scrub brush every 1-2 weeks.
- Use feeders made of glass or metal, not plastic which harbors more bacteria.
- Keep feeders shaded from sunlight to prevent algae growth.
- Avoid adding red coloring, which can promote bacterial growth.
Ideal nectar replacement schedule
Here is a table showing the ideal nectar replacement schedule based on outside temperatures:
| Outside Temperature | Nectar Replacement Frequency |
|---|---|
| Above 90°F | Every 2-3 days |
| 70°F – 90°F | Every 3-5 days |
| 50°F – 70°F | Every 5-7 days |
| Below 50°F | Every 7-10 days |
When temperatures are very hot, the sugar water will spoil rapidly due to increased bacteria growth. Replacing the nectar every 2-3 days is best to reduce sickness in hummingbirds during sweltering weather. In more moderate or cooler temperatures, the nectar lasts longer before going bad.
DIY nectar recipes
It’s easy and inexpensive to make your own nectar at home. Here are some simple do-it-yourself hummingbird food recipes:
Basic 1:4 Ratio Nectar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 cups water
- Bring water to a boil, stir in sugar until dissolved
- Allow to cool before filling feeders
- Store extra in the refrigerator
Boiled Nectar Method
- 1 part sugar
- 4 parts water
- Combine in a pot, bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves
- Boil for 1-2 minutes, remove from heat
- Cool and store excess in the fridge
Clearest Nectar Recipe
- 1 cup white cane sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 3 cups cool water
- Dissolve sugar fully in hot water first
- Add cool water and stir
- Refrigerate extra
Be sure to avoid common mistakes like using artificial sweeteners, honey, fruit juices or brown sugar in your DIY nectar. Plain white granulated cane sugar and water is healthiest for hummingbirds.
FAQs
Does the nectar need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is recommended to slow bacteria growth in stored nectar. Prepare only as much as your feeders will hold and refrigerate unused portions. Spoon nectar into feeders straight from the fridge as needed.
Can I use artificial sweeteners?
No, artificial sweeteners like Splenda are not healthy for hummingbirds. They do not provide any nutritional value. Plain white granulated cane sugar is best.
What about brown sugar, honey, or fruit juices?
These should also be avoided. Brown sugar and honey can promote yeast growth. Fruit juices do not provide balanced nutrition. Again, plain white table sugar and water is optimal.
Do I need to boil the nectar?
Boiling is optional. It helps extend the freshness, but not required. Some people boil nectar to dissolve the sugar faster. Simply mixing 1 part sugar with 4 parts hot water works too.
Should I add red dye?
Red dyes are not necessary and may actually be harmful. The dye can encourage mold and bacteria growth. Clear nectar is best for hummingbirds.
Can I use raw sugar or organic sugar?
Regular white granulated cane sugar is recommended, whether organic or not. Raw sugar may contain impurities. As long as it fully dissolves in water, either can work.
Conclusion
The sugar water in hummingbird feeders needs to be changed every 2-10 days depending on the outdoor temperature. Hotter weather causes the nectar to spoil more quickly. Signs that the nectar has gone bad include cloudiness, smells, mold, dead insects, and low volume. Keeping feeders clean, preparing fresh nectar weekly, and refrigerating extra nectar are good ways to maximize freshness. With a little diligence, you can provide your backyard hummingbirds with the nutritious sugar water they need to thrive.
