Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
In nature, hummingbirds eat flower nectar for energy and bugs for protein. Flower nectar is 21% to 23% sucrose—regular table sugar—so it is a very easy and inexpensive nectar you can make:
1 part sugar/4 parts water
Boil the water first, then measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water.
Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.
Do not add red food coloring, honey (which ferments), or artificial sweetener, which has no nutritional value. If your feeder isn't red, tie a red ribbon on it.
You will need to clean your feeder periodically, with hot water and a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit mold. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with water syrup.
It’s important to select a feeder that is easy to clean and easy to fill. You must change the nectar frequently to avoid mold and contaminants. When temperatures are in the 80’s you should change the nectar every 3 to 4 days. For temperatures in the 90’s change the nectar at least every 2 days.
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