What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making your own hummingbird food is simple, fun, and rewarding, giving you a chance to care for these tiny visitors while saving money. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with just two ingredients, and it’s healthier for the birds than store-bought options. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy nature right in your backyard while knowing you’re helping hummingbirds thrive. Best of all, it’s quick to make, so you can spend more time watching these amazing creatures!
Recipe
Hummingbirds are attracted to sweet nectar, and making your own hummingbird food at home is simple and cost-effective. This recipe guarantees a safe and nutritious option for these tiny birds without any harmful additives.
Ingredients:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Instructions:
- Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water in a clean container.
- Heat the mixture on the stove until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
- Let the solution cool to room temperature before filling your hummingbird feeder.
- Store any unused portion in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes:
- Never use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as they can be harmful to hummingbirds.
- Avoid red dye, as it is unnecessary and potentially dangerous for the birds.
- Clean the feeder thoroughly every few days to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Measuring cup
- Stirring spoon
- Clean hummingbird feeder
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
– Bird feeding
Serving:
– Fill feeder as needed, assuring fresh nectar is available for hummingbirds.
Nutrition
Homemade hummingbird food is a simple sugar solution that provides essential energy for these tiny birds. The recipe typically consists of just two ingredients: water and sugar.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 774 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 200 g |
| Sugars | 200 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade hummingbird food with fresh fruit options like citrus slices or berries, which attract even more visitors to my garden. Planting nectar-rich flowers, such as salvia or bee balm, adds a colorful buffet that hummers can’t resist. It’s a simple way to create a hummingbird haven they’ll keep coming back to.
Fresh Fruit Options
Since hummingbirds love sweet treats, you can pair their homemade nectar with fresh fruit to create a colorful, inviting feeder setup. I’ve found that sliced oranges, grapes, or melon chunks work wonderfully, as their natural sugars attract these tiny fliers. I like to skewer the fruit or place it in a shallow dish near the feeder for easy access. I’ve noticed hummingbirds are particularly drawn to bright colors, so red or orange fruits are a great choice. Just remember to keep the fruit fresh and replace it daily to avoid spoilage. It’s a simple way to make your yard even more welcoming!
Nectar-Rich Flowers
While homemade nectar is a surefire way to attract hummingbirds, planting nectar-rich flowers can take your setup to the next level. I love pairing my feeder with bright blooms like bee balm, trumpet vine, or salvia—they’re like a neon sign for these tiny flyers. Tubular flowers are their favorite, since they’re built for sipping. Don’t forget zinnias or petunias for pops of color that keep ’em coming. I’ve noticed my yard’s busiest when I mix reds and oranges, which hummingbirds can’t resist. Plus, flowers add natural variety to their diet, making your space a hummingbird hotspot. Win-win!
