

It is the shape and color of the flower that is catching a hummingbird’s attention and they are rewarded generously with sweet nectar. It is strongly recommended not to add synthetic or natural red food dyes to your homemade hummingbird nectar. Organic and raw sugars are similar to brown sugar providing high iron levels that are toxic to hummingbirds and can damage their livers.

There is a common misconception that the word “organic”, in contrast with the word sugar, is safe for animals.

Hummingbirds who ingest honey can produce Candidiasis a fungal tongue infection or Avian poxvirus which is tumor growths on their beaks making it difficult for the hummingbird to consume food. This will be detrimental to the hummingbird’s health. Most tap water is adequate to use but spring or filtered water is preferred when making your homemade hummingbird nectar.ĭo NOT use honey, organic sugars or any artificial sweeteners. All of these have had the natural molasses removed. Plain white sugar, table sugar, granulated sugar, regular sugar, and regular cane sugar are all common names used for your simple everyday sugar. Two simple ingredients of sugar and water, when mixed correctly, best resemble the natural nectar found in flowers. To make a smaller batch of nectar, mix ¼ cup sugar to 1 cup of water. The consensus for the best homemade hummingbird nectar recipe is 1 cup of granulated white sugar dissolved in 4 cups of spring or filtered water. What is the best homemade hummingbird nectar recipe? Finding the correct ratio will guarantee your homemade hummingbird nectar to succeed in attracting and aiding nourishment to our fine feathered friends. Homemade hummingbird nectar has only two main ingredients, sugar and water. Buying commercial nectar from the store costs approximately $15 for a 64 oz bottle, while the same quantity can be made at home for pennies. Making your own homemade nectar is easier, more cost-effective and all-around safer for the hummingbird. Choosing the correct ingredients for homemade hummingbird nectar is the first hurdle to cross and the most important first step to complete.Įven though scientific research has found side effects resulting in undesirable health issues when hummingbirds continually feed on colored artificial sugar water from the store there is no conclusion that commercial nectar will harm hummingbirds. Everybody wants to keep their hummingbirds happy, healthy and safe. This question has been discussed and pondered frequently by many people. Commercial hummingbird nectar contains red dyes and preservatives. Dissolving the correct 1 to 4 sugar to water ratio closely resembles the nectar located in hummingbird attracting flowers. Homemade hummingbird nectar made of sugar and water has more nutritional value than commercial nectar. Is homemade hummingbird nectar better than commercial nectar?
