How to Start Feeding Hummingbirds

4. What Recipe Should I Follow to Make Hummingbird Food?

The basic hummingbird food recipe is simple: one part sugar to four parts water. This combination will create the same balance of calories and hydration found in natural flower nectar.

One cup of nectar will fill most four-port hummingbird feeders. Since the nectar will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, it's a good idea to make more than one cup at a time.

To make a week's worth of hummingbird food, fill a 2 cup glass measuring cup with water. Microwave it for approximately six minutes, or just to boiling. Remove the water and slowly pour in 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir and allow the sugar to dissolve. When the nectar has cooled completely, you can refill the feeder or set the nectar aside in the fridge.