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Hummingbird Garden

How much sugar do you use?

11 years ago

I was looking at the birds at my feeders the other day, and I noted this little hummer just hanging there like he was asking where his food was. I had not put up a feeder because mine became broken the end of last season. I got another one yesterday and have to fix up some food. What do you use for a formla when making your own food with sugar and water. Do you have to put that much sugar in? Thanks Barb

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Comments (2)

mehitabel zone 6
11 years ago
The standard recommendation is for 4 water to 1 sugar.
morz8 - Washington Coast
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
One part sugar to 4 parts water is the recommended amount. I keep it simple, and bring 2 C sugar in 8 C water to a boil, let boil a couple of minutes, cool. That amount will fill my 3 saucer shaped oasis feeders twice so I only have to make it every other cleaning/filling. The rest of the batch is refrigerated until needed.

The 1:4 ratio is said to be close to the typical concentration found in many of the flowers from which they will feed. No honey, artificial sweeteners, sugar substitutes, just plain white sugar and water.....
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