Now that spring is near, attract hummingbirds to your homestead garden with this hummingbird feeder recipe. Plus, here are some useful tips on feeding hummingbirds and keeping them safe and healthy.
Hummingbird Feeder Recipe To Keep Hummingbirds Happy
are lovely little creatures that draw lots of interest to your homestead. I definitely enjoy watching them flitting around my yard, buzzing around my windows. The delight they give every time they’re around is just totally priceless, aside from the many benefits they give to my garden. So, I always take the time to give them a treat that I want to share with you, as well as some simple tips. I hope you’ll find this helpful!
The Best Hummingbird Feeder Recipe
What you’ll need for the best Hummingbird Feeder Recipe
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 3 or 4 cups spring water
- Spoon
- Pan
Directions And Tips For Making The Best Hummingbird Food
Mix water and sugar. Don’t add food coloring! You can bring it to a boil or just enough heat to totally dissolve the sugar. Store the unused mixture in a refrigerator, it’s good for about a week.
- Cane sugar is recommended, but beet sugar is acceptable.
- Avoid the use of any other kind of sugar, not the brown or turbinado sugar. And also never use artificial sweetener or honey.
- Spring water is a top choice, but it’s acceptable to use tap water.
- If there are lots of bees attracted, adjust the mixture with five cups of water and one cup of sugar.
- During fall, hold up until there’s no hummingbird even one for three weeks before bringing your feeders down to lessen the risks of late migrants.
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— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) September 25, 2016
Tips For Nurturing Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds cannot survive with only water, sugar, and nectar, they also feast on tree sap and eat tiny spiders and insects. Well, I guess supplying your hummingbird dwellers fresh tiny spiders and insects is not really your idea of a great time, so I’ve only included helpful tips for hummingbird feeders that will help you sustain your lovely little dwellers.
Feeder Type and Size:
- Pick a feeder you are willing and capable of keeping clean.
- Search for a feeder that has the ports on top of the pool of fluid to avoid drops.
- Your feeder should match the size of your hummingbird population.
- If the feeder is not being used, don’t fill it up.
- To help reduce territoriality, have more feeders that will support more hummingbirds.
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— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) September 23, 2016
Hummingbird Nectar Freshness:
- Replace the mixture every 4 to 5 days, but more frequently if temperatures are over 90° F.
- If you see mold and your fluid appears cloudy, clean the feeder immediately and thoroughly. Remember that mold is toxic to your poor hummingbird.
Location of Your Feeder:
- Make sure that your feeder is beyond the reach of cats and any other predators.
- To avoid predation, never put your feeder near the hummer’s nest.
- It would be great if you could place your feeder in a shady spot and where you see it. You know how fun it is to watch your hummingbird feed.
Maintenance of Your Feeder
- Always clean feeders between refillings, never “top off” without cleaning.
- When cleaning, use water and mild detergent, make sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Soak the feeder in bleach and water solution every once a month.
- If ants are attracted to your feeder, you can use a moat or ant guard to stop them.
Want more tips for making hummingbird feeders and keeping them clean? Then watch this video from StarryHilder:
There you go, my fellow homesteaders, a hummingbird feeder recipe, and useful tips to attract hummingbirds to your homestead garden! Having hummingbirds around your homestead only shows your heart for little creatures and the happiness surrounding your homestead. Don’t just let them pass by but welcome them into your homestead. Happy homesteading!
Thanks for checking our Hummingbird Feeder Recipe And More For The Outdoorsy Homesteader post! Did you find it helpful and interesting? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to become a better host for your feathery friends? Protect their food from the nasty squirrels and ensure that only them get to enjoy your treat. Check out squirrel proof bird feeder ideas to help you out!
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