What can I put in my hummingbird feeder to keep it from freezing?

As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, hummingbird lovers start to worry about their feathered friends. Hummingbirds are migratory birds that head south for the winter, but some do stick around if they have a food source. A frozen hummingbird feeder means no food source and could be dangerous for hummingbirds. There are a few things that can be done to keep nectar from freezing in hummingbird feeders during cold weather.

Use the Proper Sugar-to-Water Ratio

The nectar in hummingbird feeders should be mixed at a 1:4 ratio, one part sugar to four parts water. This lower concentration of sugar helps prevent freezing. A higher concentration like 1:3 can freeze solid very quickly when temperatures drop below freezing. Stick to the proper ratio to give hummingbirds the nutrition they need without the freezing issues.

Tips for Mixing Sugar-Water Nectar

• Use one part white, refined sugar to four parts water.
• Boil the water first, then stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
• Allow to cool before filling feeders.
• Store extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Choose the Right Feeder

The style of hummingbird feeder can also impact how quickly nectar freezes. Choose feeders with the following features:

Ideal Hummingbird Feeder Features

• Plastic or glass construction – these insulate better than metal
• Double-walled – provides air space for insulation
• Built-in moat – keeps nectar below feeder ports which can freeze first
• Plenty of feeding ports – allows access even if some freeze shut
• Easy to disassemble – for cleaning when nectar spoils

Use Heating Methods

In very cold climates, heating may be necessary to keep hummingbird feeders from freezing up. There are a few heating methods that can be used:

Heating Options

• Nectar heating bases – plug-in bases to keep nectar warm
• Light bulbs – low-wattage bulbs under/near feeder
• Heating pads – placed under feeder
• Heating cables – wrapped around feeder

Care should be taken with any heating method not to overheat the nectar, which could also be harmful to hummingbirds. Use the lowest wattage bulbs or heating elements available.

Use Antifreeze

In the past, people added antifreeze like glycerin to hummingbird nectar to prevent freezing. However, recent research has shown that antifreeze can be toxic to hummingbirds. Use of any type of antifreeze is no longer recommended.

Take Feeders Inside at Night

Even with the proper mix, feeder style, and heating method, nectar can still freeze in extremely cold temperatures. During freezing weather, take feeders inside at night when hummingbirds are not feeding. Store in a cool place and hang back outside in the morning when temperatures warm up a bit.

Switch to Jelly Feeders

In the coldest winter conditions, another option is to switch to a jelly hummingbird feeder. These commercial feeders are filled with a clear sugar jelly that does not freeze. Hummingbirds will eat this artificial nectar alternative when their regular nectar feeders are frozen up.

Tips for Jelly Feeders

• Follow manufacturer mixing instructions carefully.
• Refrigerate unused jelly between feedings.
• Rinse and clean jelly feeder parts frequently.

Add a Hummingbird Shelter or Nest

For hummingbirds that linger into the winter, provide a shelter or nesting box to get out of the cold. Options include:

• Roosting pockets/socks – insulating sleeves to place on feeder pole
• Wood or plastic nest/shelter boxes
• Hanging baskets with entry holes
• Trees, shrubs, or vines that provide natural shelter

Locate shelters near feeders and out of the wind and direct sun. Hummingbirds may spend the night in these shelters to conserve energy when it’s extra cold out.

Conclusion

Keeping hummingbird feeders from freezing in winter takes some extra planning but is worth the effort. Follow these tips to help hummingbirds survive cold snaps when they linger past migration:

• Use proper 1:4 sugar nectar concentration
• Select double-walled, insulated feeders
• Add low-wattage heating elements if needed
• Bring feeders in overnight
• Switch to non-freezable jelly
• Provide shelter from the cold

With the right hummingbird feeder and nectar strategy, you can support hummingbirds that stick around into the winter and keep them buzzing happily outside your window even when there’s frost on the ground!

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