32 Reviews of Hummingbird Feeding Solution

From: Carla R

On Mar 28, 2006

I don't agree with this recipe. Boiling the solution for two minutes reduces the water concentration considerably so that the proportion is no longer 4:1 and the sugar concentration is actually higher. The sugar should be added to hot water only to dissolve. This following quote is from ornithology.com "What is the best ratio of sugar-to-water to use for feeding hummingbirds? Four parts water to one part sugar (a 4:1 ratio) has been shown to be the closest to the sucrose content of natural flower nectar. Concentrations stronger than this are readily consumed by hummers, but there may be the possibility that stronger solutions crystallize on the bill and attract bacteria, leading to a condition called bill rot. I personally recommend 5:1. "

From: Barb Gertz

On Aug 20, 2005

I have been making this same recipe for years. We use OVER 50 pounds of sugar in 3 weeks, YES 3 weeks. We have up 8 of the large Humming Bird Feeders. These feeders get filled everyday, during the spring and summer months. Where we live some of the humming birds over winter, so we keep up several feeders all year long. I use 4 cups water 1 cup of sugar. I mix it up in a big jar, stir, mircowave for 5 minutes. I DO NOT add any food coloring to the syrup as I have read that it is harmful to the Humming birds. The red on the birds feeders is what attracts the birds to the feeders. Thank you Kim, for posting this recipe so that others can enjoy feeding the humming birds.

From: SaraFish

On Aug 29, 2003

I did this in the microwave. I micro'd the water first for 2 mins then added the sugar and micro'd another 3 mins. Perfect! I did add just a drop of food coloring to one batch and it seems like they prefer it. Thanks!

From: ClareVH

On Aug 30, 2005

I am so happy to find this recipe! I have not had a hummingbird feeder up for a couple of years, and had forgotten the correct proportion of water to sugar. I mixed up a batch of this and hung it out. I wondered how long it would take for the hummingbirds to find it. Not to worry...they were back within 24 hours . Here is a hint if you have a problem with ants in the hummingbird feeder: slather the hanger with petroleum jelly (vaseline). I worked for me! Thanks for the recipe Kim!

From: Connie K

On May 8, 2004

Thanks for posting! So easy and much cheaper than the necter in stores. I did not add food coloring, and am having good results.

From: Audrey M

On Sep 2, 2003

I followed SaraFish's suggestion and it worked well. I also added some red food coloring because that is what attracts the hummingbirds.

From: Picholine

On Aug 17, 2005

I just mix the sugar and water together (no cooking) and it works just as well. The ratio of sugar to water is the important part.

From: Diana Shrome

On Jan 4, 2008

I have also added a dash of almond flavoring to the mixture...Hummingbirds love this stuff...and it is not as complicated as some people lecture about...Ty for sharing

From: canbesweet_99

On Aug 29, 2005

I have been making this forever. My mother and I both refuse to buy hummingbird food at the stores, because I have also read that it's not all that great from them and we do not use food coloring either also isn't good for them. As the other reviewer stated all they need is the red on the feeder itself. I normally get attacked when I am outside with red, guess they think I am a flower, but these little birds are harmless and so fun to watch. Remember to clean your feeder often and don't let the mixture set in the feeder for over 2 days. It actually can make the birds very sick and even kill them if the food isn't changed and the feeder isn't cleaned out. I got a little pipe cleaner looking thing to clean mine out ( small spaces ).

From: Sweetiebarbara

On Feb 13, 2008

This is a simple and easy recipe. I posted this same recipe here, but was "a dollar short, and a day late"! I had looked but did not find it, fortunately mine was taken off, and I was redirected here. The only changes I have, is that my feeder is only 1 cup, so I make it in 1 cup batches as I need it. (1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water.) I don't like storing the nectar, as fresh is always better, so the hummers tell me. I like the idea of adding a drop of the almond extract. Thanks for posting this recipe.