Easy No Boil Hummingbird Food Recipe in 5 Minutes

Easy No Boil Hummingbird Food Recipe in 5 Minutes

Ingredients

(Metric & Imperial Measurements)

  • 200ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) hot tap water (50°C/120°F or hotter)
  • 50g (¼ cup) white granulated sugar ONLY – no substitutes

(Ratio = 1 part sugar : 4 parts water)

Instructions

1. Mix Sugar & Water:

In a clean jar, combine sugar and hot tap water. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until fully dissolved (no granules visible).

2. Cool Completely:

Let mixture cool to room temperature (≈20 mins). Never fill feeders with warm nectar – it ferments faster.

3. Fill Feeder:

Pour cooled nectar into cleaned feeder. Hang immediately.

4. Refresh Schedule:

Replace nectar every 2-3 days (daily in temperatures above 32°C/90°F).

Extra Tips

  • NEVER USE honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners – they cause fatal fungal infections
  • NO RED DYE – feeders should have red parts instead
  • Hot Water Note: Tap water must be ≥50°C (120°F) to kill microbes without boiling
  • Clean Feeders: Scrub with vinegar + bottle brush weekly to prevent mold

FAQ's

Q: Is boiling water necessary?

No. Water >50°C (120°F) kills pathogens. Boiling concentrates sugar and requires cooling time.

Q: Why did my nectar turn cloudy?

Bacterial growth Discard immediately. Clean feeder with 1:4 vinegar-water soak.

Q: Can I make a large batch?

Yes Scale up evenly (e.g., 1 cup sugar + 4 cups water). Store refrigerated in glass jar 7 days max.

Q: How to attract more hummingbirds?

  • Place feeders near red/purple flowers
  • Avoid pesticides nearby
  • Use feeder with perches

Q: Winter feeding?

In freezing temps:

  • Use 1:3 ratio (lowers freezing point)
  • Wrap feeder in incandescent Christmas lights

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