How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

Many suppliers of birdfeeders also sell commercially-made hummingbird nectar. Most of this nectar is a perfectly good choice for filling your hummingbird feeders. (However, you should never purchase nectar that is colored with red dye. Not only is red dye unnecessary, it is harmful to hummingbirds!) But, you can also make your own hummingbird nectar with plain white sugar and water. The following recipe is easy-to-make and very inexpensive:

* Use ONE part white cane sugar to FOUR parts water.

* Boil some water for several minutes BEFORE MEASURING. Boiling the water helps retard spoiling. It is important to boil the water before you measure it because some water evaporates during boiling and will ruin the 1:4 ratio.

* Measure out your water in the amount you have decided to make (for example, 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water will make 4 cups of nectar).

* Stir the white sugar into the water while the water is still hot.

* Let the mixture cool completely before filling the feeder.

* Any unused nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.