Can You Use Powdered Sugar for Hummingbird Food?

Problems

• Fermented nectar can kill hummingbirds by causing their livers to suddenly enlarge, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. This can also kill orioles, which also like to drink from hummingbird feeders.

Alternative

• The best type of sugar to use for hummingbird feeders is granulated white sugar. It does not contain corn starch. Brown sugar contains more iron than a hummingbird can digest easily.

Time Frame

• Even properly made hummingbird sugar water can ferment after two or three days. This fermented sugar water nectar can also grow dangerous molds and bacteria that may kill birds that drink it. It's best to clean a nectar feeder every three days.