Gardening
Wild Birds
By
Melissa Mayntz
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Melissa Mayntz
Melissa Mayntz is a writer and a birder, with years of experience birding at the state, national, and international level. Melissa has been writing about birding and wild birds for The Spruce and other print and online publications for more than a decade and has been birding for more than 30 years.
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Updated on 01/17/22
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Making your own hummingbird nectar can seem like a chore if you have to mix up a new batch frequently to constantly refill feeders. It may seem easier to simply pour out ready-made nectar, shake up a bottle of nectar mix, or quickly dilute a commercial hummingbird nectar concentrate.
There are many great reasons to make your own nectar, however. Since this critical hummingbird food is easy to make by mixing the right proportions of plain white granulated table sugar and tap water, there's never an excuse not to make it from scratch. Homemade nectar is better for hummingbirds, and once you learn how to make it, you'll never rely on commercial mixes again.
01 of 08
Avoiding Excess Chemicals
The desire to offer hummingbirds pure, healthy nectar is one of the top reasons why many birders prefer to mix their own sugar solution. Commercial nectars often have unnecessary flavorings, red dyes, and preservatives.
While there have not been extensive studies to determine whether these chemicals are positively harmful, they are not needed to nourish the birds or attract them to feeders. A simple homemade nectar solution will not introduce any unknown or potentially harmful substances into hummingbirds' diets.
02 of 08
Easy to Make
Hummingbird nectar is simple to make with only two ingredients: sugar and water. Plain white table sugar and tap water are perfectly acceptable, and when mixed in a 4:1 water to sugar ratio, very closely approximate the natural sucrose level of flower nectar that hummingbirds sip.
There is typically no need to boil the nectar while making it, as hummingbirds contaminate the nectar as soon as they sip it anyway. Just cool the nectar and fill the feeders.
03 of 08
Anility to Adjust the Concentration
While the basic hummingbird nectar recipe is ideal for most hummingbirds and closest to natural nectar, adjusting the sugar concentration for a stronger, sweeter drink is very easy.
A slightly stronger nectar solution can provide greater energy during migration when birds need to build up their reserves, or it can be useful for overwintering hummingbirds that require more energy to stay warm in poor weather.
Fun Fact
In cold weather, a stronger nectar solution will not freeze as quickly, ensuring there is plenty of food available for chilly hummingbirds.
04 of 08
Saving Money
Feeding wild birds can get expensive when you are purchasing different types of seed, jelly, suet, nuts, and other foods for a wide range of species. A gallon of hummingbird nectar can be made at home for just a few pennies, while the same amount of commercial nectar, either as a concentrate, powder, or ready-to-use liquid, can cost several dollars. That savings can help you buy another hummingbird feeder, refill your other feeders more often, invest in a new birdbath, or do many other things that can make your yard bird-friendly as well as budget-friendly.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05 of 08
Quantity Control
If you don't have room in your refrigerator to store excess hummingbird nectar to keep it fresh, purchasing commercial nectar can be a waste since you may not use it all before it needs to be replaced. If you make your own nectar, however, you are able to make only the exact quantity you need to fill your feeders, whether you have one small feeder or a dozen large ones. You can still make extra nectar to store if desired, but it can be just as easy to make only what you need each time you refill your feeders.
06 of 08
Cleaning Your Feeders
If you take the time to make your own hummingbird nectar, you can use the opportunity while the sugar is dissolving or the nectar is cooling to clean your hummingbird feeders. This will help you keep the feeders safe for feeding hummingbirds, without immediately contaminating the nectar with leftover residue from spoiled solution. Regular cleaning also ensures the nectar flows freely to all the feeding ports, making it easier for the birds to feed safely.
07 of 08
Help Migrating Hummingbirds
Depending on where commercial hummingbird nectar is available in your area, you may not be able to purchase it early enough in the spring or late enough in the fall to feed migrating hummingbirds. These are exactly the times when hummingbirds need extra food the most.
Instead, if you make the nectar yourself, you can always have it on hand for early spring migrants or late fall stragglers, without taking the chance of running out or being forced to use old nectar that is leftover after a long summer.
08 of 08
Attracting Hungry Hummers
The very best reason of all to make your own hummingbird nectar is to attract these flying jewels to your yard. Birds are attracted to reliable, nutritious food sources, and if you keep your feeders filled you will be able to provide them a constant source of sweet nectar, no matter what flowers may or may not be blooming nearby. If you feed them, they will come!
The 8 Best Hummingbird Feeders of 2023
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I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of gardening, particularly in the domain of attracting and caring for wild birds. My extensive knowledge is grounded in years of practical experience, ranging from local to international birding endeavors. Having written for reputable publications like The Spruce, both in print and online, for over a decade, I've consistently shared insights and expertise on birding and wild bird-related topics. My birding journey spans more than 30 years, making me well-versed in the nuances of creating bird-friendly environments.
Now, delving into the subject at hand, let's explore the key concepts in the article about making hummingbird nectar:
1. Avoiding Excess Chemicals:
- Many birders prefer making their own hummingbird nectar to ensure pure, healthy food for the birds.
- Commercial nectars may contain unnecessary flavorings, red dyes, and preservatives.
- Homemade nectar eliminates the introduction of potentially harmful substances into hummingbirds' diets.
2. Easy to Make:
- Hummingbird nectar requires only two ingredients: sugar and water.
- A 4:1 water to sugar ratio closely mimics the natural sucrose level of flower nectar.
- No need to boil the nectar; just cool it and fill the feeders.
3. Ability to Adjust the Concentration:
- The basic hummingbird nectar recipe is easily adjustable for a stronger, sweeter drink.
- Adjustments can cater to the energy needs of migrating birds or overwintering hummingbirds.
- Stronger nectar solutions resist freezing in cold weather.
4. Saving Money:
- Making a gallon of hummingbird nectar at home costs only a few pennies, compared to the higher cost of commercial options.
- Cost savings can be redirected towards additional bird feeders, regular refills, or other bird-friendly investments.
5. Quantity Control:
- Making your own nectar allows precise control over the quantity needed for your feeders.
- Avoid waste by producing the exact amount required, minimizing storage concerns.
6. Cleaning Your Feeders:
- DIY nectar preparation provides an opportunity to clean hummingbird feeders during the process.
- Regular cleaning ensures feeder hygiene and unobstructed nectar flow.
7. Help Migrating Hummingbirds:
- Making nectar at home ensures availability for early spring migrants or late fall stragglers.
- Avoid the risk of running out or using old nectar during critical migration periods.
8. Attracting Hungry Hummers:
- The ultimate goal of making your own hummingbird nectar is to attract these fascinating birds to your yard.
- Reliable, nutritious food sources, provided by well-maintained feeders, attract and keep hummingbirds in your vicinity.
