Foods for a Hummingbird Feeder

Commercial Foods

• Hummingbird nectar preparations contain mainly sugar, sometimes diluted with a little water. They usually contain preservatives and often a red dye. These substances may be harmful to hummingbirds over time. Commercial preparations also contain nutrients, which are probably unnecessary because hummingbirds supplement their carbohydrates with insects. Insects are high in protein and the other nutrients hummingbirds require. Commercial preparations normally need to be mixed with more water before they can be placed in feeders.

Homemade Nectar

• Homemade hummingbird nectar is much cheaper than a commercial mix. Mix one part cane sugar with four parts boiling water in a pan. Turn off the heat and stir the mixture until all the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool before you put it a feeder.

Foods to Avoid

• Never make hummingbird food with honey, unrefined ("brown") sugar, agave nectar or artificial sweeteners. It is also not a good idea to use red food coloring. It is safe for humans, but as of 2011 its effects on hummingbirds are unknown. The color red does attract hummingbirds to feeders, but there are ways to supply it. The feeder itself can be red, or hang red cellophane or pieces or red ribbon around the feeder.

Feeder Care

• Sugar and water can also breed bacteria. Refrigerate excess nectar for up to three days. To prevent potentially toxic build-up of bacteria and fermented sugar water in the feeders, change the solution every one to three days. Wash the feeders with hot water and a brush once a week. Don't use cleaning products such as detergent, which leave a residue potentially dangerous to the birds.