Providing native plants is a great way to attract hummingbirds. But if you’d like to supplement those food sources, here are some tips!

What You Need

• hummingbird feeder
• pitcher
• stove and pot
• water
• white sugar

What You Do

1. Mix your hummingbird feeder nectar.
   Dissolve one part white sugar in four parts hot water. Boil the water if you plan to store the nectar in the refrigerator. Never use honey, which ferments easily, or artificial sweeteners, which have no food value for birds. Red food coloring is not recommended as it may be harmful to birds. Many hummingbird feeders are already red, the hummingbird’s favorite color.
2. Pour the nectar into the feeder.
   Let the solution cool to room temperature before putting it in your feeder. You can store homemade nectar for up to a week in the refrigerator.
3. Empty and rinse your feeder every two to three days.
   It’s important to keep your feeder clean, especially in warm weather, to prevent bacteria from growing in the feeder and making hummingbirds sick.