Making hummingbird nectar at home is a fun, rewarding way to turn your backyard into a buzzing paradise for some of nature’s most fascinating little creatures. These tiny, energetic birds have incredibly high metabolisms and rely on sugary fuel for a constant supply of energy so they can keep those wings moving at lightning-fast speeds.
By offering a fresh source of nectar in your hummingbird feeders, you’re not only helping them out, you’re also ensuring your garden is a hummingbird hotspot, so you can enjoy all their zipping and zooming. The best part? Hummingbird nectar is incredibly simple to make on your own—and that’s coming from The Pioneer Woman herself.
If there’s one thing Ree Drummond knows how to do, it’s make quick, comforting recipes, and that includes whipping up a sweet treat for feathered friends. She revealed her recipe last spring while showing off her own hummingbird feeder, and keeps it just as easy as you’d expect, sticking with a tried-and-true nectar that the beautiful little birds absolutely love.
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Her method is classic: mix one part white granulated sugar with four parts water. That’s it! For instance, if you use one cup of sugar, you’ll need four cups of water. No special ingredients, no fancy techniques—just basic pantry staples and a little bit of love. According to Ree, “Once one hummingbird shows up, you’re gonna need to fill this thing probably two 0r three times a week.”
Ree also notes, “No red dye because red dye is not good for birds.” So, avoid adding any food coloring or sweeteners like honey or artificial sugar. Hummingbirds don’t need any extra frills outside of what they may find in flowers.
Another tip: Boil the water first. Not only to help the sugar dissolve faster, but also to make sure the nectar stays fresh a little longer. Once your water reaches a good boil, stir in the sugar until it’s fully dissolved. After that, let the mixture cool completely before pouring it into your hummingbird feeder.
You’ll also want to keep your feeder clean. Dirty feeders can grow mold or ferment, which isn’t healthy for hummingbirds. So, give your feeder a good rinse with hot water and a bottle brush every few days and be sure to change the nectar frequently, especially when the weather gets hot.
With these few simple steps, you’ll have hummingbirds galore hanging around your yard in no time!
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Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.