Quick Answer
The most common and recommended liquid to use in a hummingbird feeder is sucrose sugar water. This can be made by mixing white, refined table sugar with water at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Other suitable liquids include honey diluted with water and specialized commercial hummingbird nectars. Do not use artificial sweeteners, brown sugar, or raw honey in hummingbird feeders.
What is the Best Liquid for a Hummingbird Feeder?
Here are some details on the top recommended liquids to use in hummingbird feeders:
1. Sucrose Sugar Water
Sucrose sugar water is the most widely recommended liquid for hummingbird feeders. The main reasons are:
- Sucrose (table sugar) provides an energy-rich food source that hummingbirds can digest easily.
- It has a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water, similar to natural flower nectar.
- It has a neutral PH that is safe for hummingbirds.
- The white sugar and water makes a clear liquid that looks appealing in feeders.
- Table sugar is inexpensive and readily available.
To make sucrose nectar, mix 1 part white, granulated sugar with 4 parts hot water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow to cool before filling feeders. This 1:4 ratio gives an approximate 20% sugar concentration.
2. Honey
Natural honey can also be used to make hummingbird nectar. Reasons some people use honey include:
- Honey has nutrients like amino acids that table sugar lacks.
- It contains traces of vitamins, minerals, pollen, and enzymes.
- Some claim it may be safer if liquid goes bad in the feeder.
However, honey is not as easily digestible and should always be diluted. Use a ratio of 1 part honey to 10 parts water. Do not use raw honey due to risk of infant botulism.
3. Commercial Hummingbird Nectars
There are many specialized pre-made nectar solutions sold at bird shops, hardware stores, and online. Reasons some people use commercial nectars include:
- They offer convenience compared to making your own.
- Some are fortified with vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals.
- They often contain preservatives to help prevent spoilage.
- Many have red dyes added to better attract hummingbirds.
Make sure to follow label instructions when mixing store-bought nectars. They are usually concentrated and require dilution with water before use.
Liquids to Avoid in Hummingbird Feeders
Here are some common liquids that should not be used:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Do not use artificial sweeteners like saccharin (Sweet’N Low), aspartame (Equal), sucralose (Splenda), or others. Reasons to avoid them include:
- They do not provide usable energy to hummingbirds.
- They can have a laxative effect on the birds.
- There are unknown long-term effects from consumption.
2. Brown Sugar
Although sometimes used for its iron content, brown sugar is not recommended because:
- The molasses can promote bacteria growth.
- It can clog feeder ports.
- The minerals do not provide much benefit.
3. Fruit Juices
Do not add fruit juices like orange, apple, grape, etc. Reasons they should be avoided:
- Their acidic pH can upset the bird’s digestive system.
- Natural fruit sugars aren’t easily digestible.
- Juices spoil rapidly and can grow mold.
4. Raw Honey
Raw, unpasteurized honey should not be fed to hummingbirds due to risks of:
- Transmitting bacterial infections like infant botulism.
- Containing toxic compounds from certain flower pollens.
- Promoting fungus growth.
Only use pasteurized honey diluted 10:1 with hot water.
Tips for Using Sugar Water
Here are some useful tips when making your own sucrose sugar water for hummingbird feeders:
- Use plain white table sugar rather than sugar substitutes, organic, or raw sugars.
- Always use a 1:4 ratio of sugar to hot water for proper 20% concentration.
- Hot water helps the sugar dissolve thoroughly and prevents mold growth.
- Store any leftover nectar in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks to prevent spoilage.
- Consider adding a few drops of bleach when filling to help prevent bacteria.
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather, or every 5 days if cooler.
- Rinse feeders well with hot water before refilling.
- Avoid adding red food dye, as research shows this provides no benefit.
Conclusion
The best and safest liquid to use in hummingbird feeders is basic white sugar dissolved in water at a 1:4 ratio. This provides the energy-rich sucrose nectar that hummingbirds evolved to utilize. While honey and commercial nectars can also be used, plain sucrose sugar water provides an affordable, accessible food source that meets hummingbirds’ nutritional needs.
Avoid any liquids with artificial sweeteners, those that can spoil quickly, or anything potentially harmful. Follow proper mixing guidelines and clean feeders regularly for healthy hummingbird feeding. With the right techniques, you can easily whip up tasty homemade nectar to attract these special birds.
