Household Hints - How to Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder Nectar

I have always made my own Nectar for the hummingbirds at a 3 to one ratio of water to sugar. For example 3 cups of water to 1 cup sugar, and then I boil the mixture to prevent it from spoiling.(This will fill 2 feeders).I have also seen recipes that call for a 4 to 1 ratio, but I prefer to make it with the 3 to 1 ratio. Do not use honey or artificial sweeteners it must be sugar. You will cause malnutrition with honey or artificial sweeteners.I always have lots of hummingbirds around who really enjoy this nectar. (I have heard that red food colouring will ruin their kidneys, I don't know if this is true or not so I do not add it to the nectar just in case it is true, I just make sure the feeder is red.)

Submitted by Cheryl