If you love seeing hummingbirds dart through your yard, a feeder can be one of the best ways to attract them. But the nectar you put inside matters more than you might think.
Many well-meaning bird lovers accidentally make unsafe nectar or use store-bought mixes that contain harmful additives.
Here’s how to make hummingbird nectar the right way—and why it matters.
The Perfect Sugar-Water Ratio
The ideal nectar mimics the natural sugar concentration found in flower nectar.
The correct ratio is:
1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water
So if you use 1 cup of sugar, mix it with 4 cups of water.
This mixture is safe, energy-rich, and as close to nature as it gets.
How to Make It
- Boil the water to kill any bacteria or impurities
- Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely
- Let it cool before filling your feeder
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week
What to Avoid
- No red dye. It can be harmful to hummingbirds. Most feeders have red parts already, which is enough to attract them.
- No honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners. These can promote dangerous mold or aren’t digestible for hummingbirds.
- Don’t use more sugar. A stronger mix can dehydrate or harm them.
How Often Should You Change the Nectar?
- Every 2-3 days in hot weather
- Every 4-5 days in cooler temperatures
Rinse the feeder thoroughly between changes using hot water and a bottle brush (no soap). Clean feeders are just as important as the nectar inside.
Why It Matters
Using the wrong sugar concentration can cause health issues for hummingbirds, including dehydration, fungal infections, or nutritional imbalances. Safe nectar supports their rapid metabolism and keeps them returning to your yard.
Hummingbirds bring so much joy and beauty—let’s make sure what we offer them is safe, healthy, and welcoming.
Stick to the 1:4 ratio, skip the dye, keep it clean, and you’ll be their favorite stop in no time.
