Making hummingbird food is simple, requiring only two ingredients: four parts water to one part granulated sugar. Avoid using red dye, honey, or other types of sugar; plain granulated (caster) sugar and water are all that’s needed for a healthy Hummingbird Food Recipe.
Maintaining a clean hummingbird feeder is crucial for the health of these tiny birds. Contaminants like dust, ants, bees, pollen, and bacteria can cause the sugar solution to ferment, leading to the growth of harmful mold and mildew.
Choosing the right feeder is the first step in ensuring easy cleaning. While ornate feeders might look appealing, simpler designs that can be easily disassembled and cleaned, preferably in a dishwasher, are best. Rotating between two feeders allows for one to be in use while the other is being cleaned and dried.
For hand washing, a diluted bleach solution (10 parts water to 1 part bleach) effectively sanitizes and disinfects the feeder. This ratio, commonly used in restaurant kitchens, kills harmful bacteria without posing a risk to the hummingbirds once the feeder is thoroughly rinsed and dried.
A bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water is strong enough to eliminate any harmful bacteria that may be present in the feeder. Ensure the feeder is completely rinsed and dried before refilling it with fresh hummingbird nectar.
In addition to providing a clean feeder filled with a simple sugar-water solution, consider planting a hummingbird and bee-friendly garden. Avoid the use of pesticides to ensure a safe and healthy environment for these pollinators.
Bees are also attracted to hummingbird feeders. This homemade hummingbird food recipe is a great way to support both hummingbirds and bees in your garden.
Hummingbird Food Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pint boiling water
Instructions:
- Boil the water.
- Add the granulated sugar to the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before filling the hummingbird feeder.
- Store any leftover hummingbird nectar in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Clean and disinfect the feeder between each use. In warm weather, change the food every 2-3 days, and daily in hot weather.
- Place the feeder in a shaded location to slow down fermentation and extend the life of the hummingbird food.
Disinfectant Cleaning Solution:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon regular unscented household bleach (5-6%)
- 1 gallon hot water
Instructions:
- Follow all safety guidelines on the bleach container.
- Mix the bleach with hot water.
- Clean and sanitize the feeder, inside and out, with the bleach solution.
- Rinse the feeder thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow the feeder to air dry completely before refilling.
