Birdfeeding on a Budget - Make Your Own Nectar

Dollars are tight - we know that.  But giving up birdfeeding is something we're just not willing to do!  Not with all that the birds add to our life!  Whether we're enduring the shortest of winter days or the sweltering summer heat, birds add color and sound and life to our lives and to our yards.

In our Birdfeeding on a Budget segment, I'll provide hints on how to be able to continue feeding the birds in this tough economy.  I'll help you make smart decisions so you can continue to feed the birds.  Note that I said SMART decisions, not necessarily CHEAP decisions, since cheap decisions can sometimes cost us more in the long run, and that just doesn't make sense.  Let's Feed the Birds!

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Make Your Own Hummingbird and Oriole Nectar

Hummingbird and oriole nectar can be made quickly at home with two simple ingredients every kitchen has: white granulated sugar and water.

Birdfeeding hobby stores like ours sell boxes of sugar to make into nectar and we even sell pre-made nectar, but you can save money by just making your own.  Making your own nectar also removes the temptation to purchase RED nectar, which is not needed to attract hummingbirds and could very well be detrimental to birds.

Here's how to do it:

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR

The ratio to make hummingbird nectar is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. 

• Warm the water in the microwave (it doesn't need to boil - just warm enough to dissolve the sugar).
• Stir in sugar to dissolve.
• Cool.
• Fill feeders.
• Store remainder in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or use for oriole nectar "starter" (see shortcut below)

Easy Conversion Chart
To Make           Water      Sugar
1 cup nectar       1 cup      1/4 cup
2 cups nectar     2 cups     1/2 cup
3 cups nectar     3 cups     3/4 cup
4 cups nectar     4 cups     1 cup

 

ORIOLE NECTAR

The ratio to make oriole nectar is 1 part sugar to 8 parts water.

Easy Conversion Chart
To Make           Water      Sugar
1 cup nectar       1 cup      2 tablespoons
2 cups nectar     2 cups     1/4 cup
3 cups nectar     3 cups     6 tablespoons
4 cups nectar     4 cups     1/2 cup

Shortcut to oriole nectar:
1) Start with a batch of hummingbird nectar from recipe above.
2) Double-up on the water only.

NECTAR TIPS

• Store prepared nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Change nectar and clean feeders every 4-5 days whether the nectar is being consumed or not.
• Change nectar and disinfect feeder immediately if you see black spots in the feeder.
• Change nectar immediately if you see cloudiness in the nectar.

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Joyce, I don't use soap personally, I use the 9:1 water/bleach ratio to clean feeders. However, I have seen reputable sources say soap is okay. If I were to use soap, I'd use a real mild soap and make sure to rinse well. Bleach is just easier!

[Joyce]

Nancy, I read somewhere (it might even have been here), that I shouldn't use soap to clean my feeders. Just want to make sure this is true.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Slimline, thank you.

[slimline]

just found your lovely blog :) i like-y what i see!