Hummingbird & Baltimore Oriole Nectar Recipe

Regardless of the choice you make, purchasing nectar for Hummingbirds or Orioles is not necessary. 

For your Hummingbirds, we recommend...1) Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present and to help dissolve sugar completely. 2) Cool to room temperature and fill feeder. 3) Extra sugar water may be stored in your refrigerator. 4) Please, red dye should not be added.

For Baltimore Orioles, we recommend...1) Mix 1 part sugar with 6 parts water. 2) Boil the water first, then measure and add sugar at the rate of 1/3 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water. 3) Cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use. 4) Orange coloring should not be added.

Although store bought Hummingbird and Oriole food is usually colored, please do not add food coloring, honey (which ferments) or artificial sweetener to these homemade recipes.  The appearance of your feeder and the aroma of the sugar nectar solution will do the work to attract Hummingbirds.  You will need to clean your feeders often, more in very hot temperatures.  At a minimum, wash with hot water.  A mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit mold is helpful.  Rinse thoroughly before refilling.