July 28, 2008

Important Reminders about Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Solution

When making homemade hummingbird nectar solution, use only ordinary white cane sugar to sweeten the solution and no other type of sugar substitute.
To make your own nectar solution, use a ratio of 1 part white cane sugar to 4 parts water.
This mixture approximates the average sucrose content (about 21%) of the flowers favored by North American hummingbirds, without being so sweet it attracts too many insects.
The nectar solution can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
It’s not absolutely necessary to boil the water, but this will help the sugar dissolve completely. The microorganisms that cause fermentation don’t come from the water; they are transported to the feeder on hummingbird bills.