Cheap and Easy Homemade Hummingbird Food Recipes

Hummingbirds are beautiful and fascinating creatures that bring joy to many people who are lucky enough to have them in their yards. These tiny birds are also important pollinators, so attracting them to your yard is a great way to help the environment.

One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds is to offer them homemade food. Hummingbird food is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. This article will share some cheap and easy homemade hummingbird food recipes that will attract hummingbirds to your yard.

Basic Hummingbird Food Recipe

This is the simplest and most common hummingbird food recipe. It is also the most cost-effective recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 4 parts water

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a clean pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let the mixture cool completely before adding it to your hummingbird feeder.

Tips:

• Use filtered or distilled water to make hummingbird food. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
• Do not add red dye to hummingbird food. Red dye is not necessary to attract hummingbirds and can actually be harmful to them.
• Clean your hummingbird feeder every two to three days with hot, soapy water. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Fruit-Infused Hummingbird Food Recipe

This recipe is a bit more expensive than the basic recipe, but it is also a bit more attractive to hummingbirds. The fruit adds flavor and sweetness to the nectar, and it also provides hummingbirds with some nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 4 parts water
• 1/2 cup chopped fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a clean pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the fruit to the nectar and let it steep for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the nectar before adding it to your hummingbird feeder.

Tips:

• Use fresh fruit whenever possible. Frozen fruit can also be used, but it will not add as much flavor to the nectar.
• Avoid using citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Citrus fruits can be harmful to hummingbirds.
• Do not let the fruit sit in the nectar for more than a few hours. The fruit will start to ferment and spoil the nectar.

Hummingbird Nectar Gel Recipe

This recipe creates a gel-like nectar that is more difficult for ants to get into. It is also a good option for hot climates, as it will not evaporate as quickly as liquid nectar.

Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 4 parts water
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a clean pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Sprinkle the gelatin over the nectar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Stir the gelatin until it is completely dissolved.
5. Let the nectar cool completely before adding it to your hummingbird feeder.

Tips:

• Be sure to use unflavored gelatin. Flavored gelatin may contain ingredients that are harmful to hummingbirds.
• If the nectar is too thick, you can thin it down with a little bit of water.
• Do not let the nectar sit in the feeder for more than a few days. The nectar will start to spoil and can become harmful to hummingbirds.

No-Boil Hummingbird Food Recipe

This recipe is a great option for those who do not want to boil the nectar. It is also a good option for those who live in cold climates, as the nectar will not freeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 4 parts hot water

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and hot water in a clean jar.
2. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Let the nectar cool completely before adding it to your hummingbird feeder.

Tips:

• Use hot water to dissolve the sugar more easily.
• Be sure to let the nectar cool completely before adding it to your hummingbird feeder. Hot nectar can burn hummingbirds' tongues.

These are just a few recipes for cheap and easy homemade hummingbird food. You can experiment with different fruits and flavors to find what the hummingbirds in your yard like best. With a little bit of effort, you can attract hummingbirds to your yard and enjoy their beauty and company all summer long