When it comes to feeding hummingbirds, it is crucial that you use boiled sugar water rather than plain sugar water. There are a few key reasons why boiling the sugar water is necessary.
To Prevent Fermentation
One of the main reasons to boil sugar water before feeding it to hummingbirds is to prevent fermentation. Yeast and bacteria that are present in the water and sugar can start the process of fermentation quite easily. This can happen even with plain white table sugar. Fermentation causes the sugar water to go bad, and it can even produce small amounts of alcohol.
Boiling the water kills off any bacteria or yeast that could be present. This prevents the risk of fermentation. When you boil the water and allow it to fully cool before adding the sugar, you are ensuring there is nothing left alive that could lead to fermentation.
What Risks Does Fermentation Pose?
A fermented sugar water mixture poses a few risks:
- It can make the hummingbirds sick if they drink it
- It attracts more insects which can bring diseases
- The hummingbirds may become intoxicated if they consume alcohol
Boiling the water removes these risks and helps keep the hummingbirds safe and healthy.
To Dissolve the Sugar
Another reason for boiling sugar water is simply to help the sugar fully dissolve. Table sugar can have difficulty dissolving completely in cold water. The hot water helps the granulated sugar dissolve more efficiently.
You want to avoid having undissolved sugar crystals at the bottom of your feeder. The hummingbirds’ tongues cannot handle crystalline sugar, it would be very uncomfortable and problematic for them.
By bringing the water to a brief boil and then allowing it to cool fully, you ensure the sugar is able to properly dissolve into the water.
How Much Sugar Should You Use?
Most experts recommend using a 1:4 sugar to water ratio. Here are some example measurements:
| Sugar | Water |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 4 cups |
| 1/4 cup | 1 cup |
| 2 TBSP | 1 cup |
This proportional sugar-to-water ratio provides the optimal nutritional value that hummingbirds need.
To Purify the Water
Boiling also helps to purify the water by removing potential contaminants. Tap water or untreated well water can sometimes contain minerals, chlorine, calcium, or other elements that you would not want present in hummingbird feeders.
Heating the water to a rolling boil helps eliminate any of these contaminants and provides clean, pure water for your sugar mixture.
Should You Use Filtered Water?
You can use filtered water if it is more convenient, but it is not strictly necessary. The act of boiling the water will remove the majority of any impurities that could be present. If your tap or well water tastes perfectly fine for drinking, boiling it will generally make it safe for hummingbirds too.
To Inhibit Mold Growth
One final benefit of boiling sugar water is that it helps inhibit the growth of mold in your feeder. Mold spores can float in the air and sometimes survive in plain sugar water, especially if left out too long.
However, boiled water creates an inhospitable environment for mold spores. The hot water kills mold spores on contact. This gives you a longer shelf life for the sugar water and helps keep mold from taking root.
How Often Should You Change the Mixture?
Even with boiled water, it is important to change your sugar water mixture out frequently. Here are some guidelines:
- In hot weather, change every 2-3 days
- In mild weather, change every 4-5 days
- In cold weather, change weekly
Changing it this often limits mold growth even further. And it provides the freshest sugar water possible for visiting hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Boiling sugar water is crucial for hummingbird feeders. It prevents fermentation, helps sugar dissolve, purifies the water, and inhibits mold growth. Use a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water, boil the water first, let it cool fully, and then mix in the sugar before filling your feeder.
Change the mixture out frequently, especially in hot weather. And be sure to clean the feeder thoroughly each time. Following these tips will provide healthy, safe sugar water that hummingbirds will love!
Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures. Here are some more interesting facts about hummingbirds:
- Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas
- They have incredibly fast wing beats and heart rates
- Their feet are so weak they can barely walk
- They can fly backwards
- Hummingbirds eat up to twice their body weight daily
- They build incredibly tiny nests out of plant down, moss, and spider webs
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard with fresh sugar water in a feeder allows you to see these remarkable birds up close. Following the proper technique of boiling the water ensures you give them the best care.
With a properly prepared sugar water mixture, you’ll provide essential nourishment that hummingbirds need. This helps supplement their diet as they feed on flower nectar as well. The tiny birds will return frequently to fuel up on your specially boiled sugar water.
Watching the lightning-fast hummers flutter up to the feeder and lick up sugar water with their long tongues is an amazing sight. And it’s a rewarding feeling knowing your efforts are helping sustain these special creatures. All it takes is some boiled sugar water to keep the hummingbirds nourished and energized.
