Hummingbird feeders are filled with sugar water, which provides hummingbirds with the energy they need. Hummingbirds have very fast metabolisms and need to consume large amounts of food relative to their size in order to sustain their energy levels. Here’s a quick overview of what hummingbird feeders contain:
Sugar
The main ingredient in hummingbird nectar is plain white granulated sugar. The sugar provides carbohydrates that hummingbirds convert into energy. Hummingbirds cannot metabolize artificial sweeteners, so plain sugar is essential. Most experts recommend using a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water when filling hummingbird feeders.
Water
Water dilutes the sugar nectar to concentrations that hummingbirds can digest. Using only sugar would be too concentrated for the birds. The water also helps the nectar flow through the feeder. Fresh clean water should always be used when mixing up batches of hummingbird food.
Optional: Red food coloring
Some people add red food coloring to the sugar water mix. This is optional and does not provide any nutritional value. However, the red color helps attract hummingbirds to the feeder. Hummingbirds are drawn to the color red, which they associate with flower nectar.
What not to use
Here are some things that should not be used in hummingbird feeders:
- Honey – Honey can promote dangerous fungal growth. Stick with plain white sugar only.
- Artificial sweeteners – Hummingbirds cannot digest or derive energy from artificial sweeteners.
- Fruit juice – Fruit juice is not very concentrated and can spoil quickly, promoting dangerous mold growth.
- Food coloring besides red – Other food colorings like green or yellow do not appeal to hummingbirds.
- Ingredients besides sugar and water – Things like vitamins or electrolytes do not provide any benefits and can be harmful.
When to change the nectar
The sugar water nectar in hummingbird feeders needs to be changed frequently, before it spoils or becomes contaminated. Here are some guidelines on nectar replacement:
- In hot weather, change nectar every 2-3 days
- In moderate weather, change nectar every 5 days
- In cooler weather, change nectar every 7 days
- Change nectar whenever it looks cloudy, discolored, or contaminated
- Change nectar if the volume gets very low
- Wash the feeder thoroughly before refilling
The sugar water is an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Rancid nectar can make hummingbirds sick. Following these nectar change guidelines helps keep your hummingbird feeder clean and healthy for the birds.
Making your own nectar
It’s easy to make your own hummingbird food nectar at home using just sugar and water:
- Mix 1 part granulated white sugar with 4 parts water in a small saucepan
- Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the sugar fully dissolves
- Allow the nectar to fully cool before filling feeders
- Optional: Add a few drops of red food coloring as the mixture cools
- Store any extra nectar in the fridge for up to a week
Never use old nectar or reheat nectar after its been stored. Always start with a fresh mix when refilling your feeders.
Commercially prepared nectar
You can also purchase pre-made hummingbird nectar from many stores:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Kaytee | Comes in powdered and liquid concentrate forms. Mix with water per package instructions. |
| Pennington | Pre-mixed shelf-stable formula lasts 2 weeks after opening. |
| Perky-Pet | Powdered concentrate you mix with water. Comes in resealable pouches. |
The pre-made nectar solutions save time and hassle compared to mixing up your own. Just be sure to follow label instructions and don’t use nectar that is past expiration.
Feeder types and styles
There are many hummingbird feeder styles and designs. The main types include:
Saucer feeders
Saucer-shaped feeders have nectar reservoir in a circular disk. Hummingbirds drink through ports around the perimeter. Saucer feeders have a large nectar capacity and allow multiple hummers to feed at once.
Bottle/jug feeders
These feeders use a plastic jug or bottle as a nectar reservoir. They have glass or plastic tubes projecting out that hummingbirds insert their beaks into. Bottle feeders take up less space and deter bees.
Funnel/inverted feeders
Funnel-style feeders have a top reservoir that drips down into hummingbird accessible ports. The nectar flow is regulated by the size of the ports and slope of the funnel.
Specialty feeders
Some specialty feeder varieties include:
- Glass tube feeders
- Window mount feeders
- Hanging nest feeders
- Oriole feeders with orange nectar
Consider getting multiple feeder types to accommodate various hummingbird preferences and feeding angles.
Tips for proper use
Follow these tips to use your hummingbird feeder properly:
- Hang in a shady location to slow nectar spoilage
- Use a pulley system for easy raising and lowering
- Clean with a bottle brush every time you refill
- Rinse with hot water before refilling
- Avoid letting nectar pool and become stagnant
- Change nectar before it empties completely
- Don’t hang near insect attracting areas like gardens
With proper hummingbird feeder setup and nectar maintenance, you can enjoy watching these tiny energetic birds all season long!
Conclusion
Hummingbird feeders provide an inviting, energy-rich food source to attract these fascinating birds. With a simple sugar and water nectar solution, you can give hummingbirds what they need to thrive. Monitor and change the nectar regularly to prevent spoilage and contamination. Use red coloring as an extra appealing visual cue. Bottle and saucer-style feeders are popular, durable options. Follow good maintenance practices and enjoy the magic of hummingbirds feeding happily in your yard!
