What are some of the safest hummingbird nectar recipes? What about Blue Agave Nectar mixed with sterile water?

Here is the recipe recommended by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC





Hummingbird Nectar Recipe


Directions for making safe hummingbird food:





Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present.


Cool and fill feeder.


Extra sugar water may be stored in a refrigerator.


Red dye should not be added.

What are some of the safest hummingbird nectar recipes? What about Blue Agave Nectar mixed with sterile water?
1 cup sugar to 4 cups boiling water. Let cool, color with a drop of red color to attract them to the feeders, then it is not needed.





Boiling the water sterilizes it already, you don't need to use sterile water.
Reply:I would have to go with the Honey salt nectar mix. I find thats the best
Reply:I use tap water. I put red vegetable coloring and sugar. The red attracts the humming birds.
Reply:sugar water. it's a common misconception that the color red or any other color attracts them.
Reply:The best hummingbird nectar recipe is 1/4 c sugar in 1 c of water. You don't need to use red food coloring, and many people believe it is not good for hummingbirds to have it.





It is really important to boil the mixture and then let it cool. This sterilizes the water. Also be sure that the feeder is cleaned every time you replace the nectar and that you replace the nectar often enough that it doesn't mold - you don't want your hummingbirds to get sick.





As a guide, I replace the nectar every week during the winter here in Seattle, and every 3 days in the summer - since mold grows faster in warm weather.





Enjoy your hummingbirds!