How to Make Homemade Hummingbird Food That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

Hummingbirds are fascinating and beautiful 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.

hummingbird searching food on flowers

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 teach you how to make homemade hummingbird food that will attract hummingbirds to your yard.

What is hummingbird food?

Hummingbird food is a simple mixture of sugar and water. Hummingbirds have a high metabolism and need to eat frequently, so their food needs to be high in energy. Sugar is a good source of energy for hummingbirds, so it is the main ingredient in their food.

What kind of sugar should I use to make hummingbird food?

White granulated sugar is the best type of sugar to use for hummingbird food. Brown sugar and other types of sugar can contain impurities that can be harmful to hummingbirds.

What is the ratio of sugar to water for hummingbird food?

The standard ratio of sugar to water for hummingbird food is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This ratio produces a nectar that is similar in concentration to the nectar that hummingbirds find in flowers.

How to make hummingbird food

To make hummingbird food, simply mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water in a clean pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool completely before adding it to your hummingbird feeder.

Tips for making hummingbird food

• 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.

Where to place your hummingbird feeder

Place your hummingbird feeder in a spot that is sheltered from the wind and rain, but that is also sunny. Hummingbirds are attracted to the sun, so they are more likely to visit a feeder that is located in a sunny spot.

When to put out hummingbird food

Hummingbirds migrate in the spring and fall, so you should only put out hummingbird food during the summer months. In most parts of the country, you should start putting out hummingbird food in late April or early May and take it down in late September or early October.

How to attract hummingbirds to your yard

In addition to offering hummingbird food, there are a few other things you can do to attract hummingbirds to your yard.

• Plant native flowers that attract hummingbirds. Some good options include bee balm, columbine, coral bells, and trumpet honeysuckle.
• Create a water feature in your yard. Hummingbirds need water to bathe and drink, so a birdbath or small pond is a great way to attract them to your yard.
• Avoid using pesticides in your yard. Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and other birds.
• By following these tips, you can attract hummingbirds to your yard and enjoy their beauty and company all summer long.