Make Your Own Hummingbird Food
We love bird-watching and making snacks for the birds.
Being outside and observing outside nature brings a peace and calmness to this busy mom’s day! Plus, it’s another excuse to get some fresh air and vitamin D3! :)
Blue birds, red birds, and hummingbirds are some of our favorites to enjoy watching.
The kids love the idea of being involved and giving those fascinating creatures some fresh food!
Why Make Your Own Hummingbird Food
It gives your kids an opportunity to see God’s beautiful creations up close!
Plus, this is a huge money-saver and it’s simple.
Think of it as a homeschooling adventure or just another way to connect with your kids and nature!
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Hummingbird Food:
- Water
- Sugar
Seriously….that’s it!
Super simple, right?
Plus, there’s no food coloring or additives in this recipe.
We keep it simple, fresh, and healthy for the birds!
Can I Use Any Type of Sugar in My Homemade Hummingbird Food?
Please only use plain old white, granulated sugar.
The kind you keep on hand for homemade cookies!
Raw, unprocessed sugars, honey, and corn syrup can be harmful to a hummingbird’s health.
How Often Should I Change the Hummingbird Food in the Feeder?
Change the hummingbird nectar every three to five days, or it will spoil.
Be sure to add the homemade hummingbird food to a super-clean feeder.
When Should I Make Food for the Hummingbirds?
If you live in southern parts of America, set up feeders from February through November.
In the middle of the country, plan on placing feeders from April through October.
The northern states should put hummingbird feeders out from early May through September.
Can I Add Red Dye to the Feeder to Make the Food Pretty and Appealing?
Please don’t.
Dye can harm the hummingbirds.
Just use a pretty red feeder and you and the hummingbirds will be happy!
Which Plants Do Hummingbirds Prefer?
If you really want to bring in the hummingbirds, be sure to plant their favorite flowers in your yard!
Brightly colored flowers like bleeding hearts and trumpet honeysuckles are some of the top favorites!
Additional Tips for Making Homemade Hummingbird Food Even Better!
- Store unused homemade hummingbird food in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- Avoid honey since it can cause a fatal infection to a hummingbird’s tongue.
- Remember to clean your feeder regularly.
- Change the food every 3 to 5 days and more often in hot weather.
- Hummingbird food can quickly ferment in the heat and sun causing bacteria and mold. You will see the nectar turn cloudy when it starts to ferment. Discard any cloudy hummingbird food immediately!
Ready to Make Homemade Hummingbird Food?
Find the incredibly easy recipe below!
Homemade Hummingbird Food
Homemade food that hummingbirds love! It's super safe for the birds too!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Boil water for one minute.
- Remove from stove and stir in sugar.
- Continue stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Allow mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature.
- Fill bird feeder according to directions.
- Store any remaining hummingbird food in fridge for up to two weeks.
