Hummingbird Feeding

Feeding

Because these little birds have such intense metabolisms, a dirty feeder or the wrong food can actually be fatal to them.

Here are the basics of what you need to know and do give them safe care:

  • Don’t buy nectar. What you make is safer and cheaper (i.e. no preservatives or dyes, and is much fresher).
  • Fresh nectar in well-cleaned feeders is critical. Sugar water spoils fast, especially in the sun; when it spoils, it grows mold and bacteria that can cause a hummingbird's tongue to
    swell, preventing them from eating.
  • When to clean and refill the feeder: In hot weather (i.e. 80°F / 27°C and above), change the nectar and clean the feeder every 2 to 3 days. In cooler weather, change it every 4 to 5 days.
  • When in doubt about whether the nectar might be out too long, throw it out.
  • Cleaning the feeder before refilling it is critical.

Nectar

Hummingbird nectar is incredibly simple to make and less expensive.

The Recipe:

  • 4-parts water to 1-part plain white granulated sugar
  • Boil water to dissolve sugar, then let cool completely before filling the feeder
  • NEVER use honey, brown sugar, molasses, or organic/raw sugar—these contain iron levels toxic to hummingbirds and ferment too quickly, causing deadly fungal infections
  • No red dye. The red plastic on your feeder is more than enough to attract them. Artificial red dye is unnecessary and potentially harmful to their kidneys.

Providing Protein

Sugar water provides the high-octane energy hummingbirds need to fly—it’s actually just their "fuel." For sustenance, growth, and muscle repair, hummingbirds live on protein—specifically, small insects and spiders. In fact, bugs make up roughly 80% of their actual diet.

Hummingbirds adore fruit flies. You can easily breed a constant supply of fruit flies right near your station.

  • How to do it: Take an old plastic container or a mesh banana hanger and place some overripe fruit (banana peels, melon rinds, or bruised apples) inside it.
  • Where to place it: Hang or place this container a few feet away from your hummingbird feeder.
  • Results: The rotting fruit will attract fruit flies. Hummingbirds will d hover around the fruit, snatching the flies right out of the air like tiny fighter jets. Your feeder(s) will be very popular.

Now it's time to nourish your hummingbirds!

Explore our number of decorative and optimal blown-glass hummingbird feeders to nourish hummingbirds in your yard or garden.

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