FAQ - Hummingbird Nectar and Feeder Cleaning

Cavan Creek Market recommends that people take better care when preparing nectar for their hummingbird feeders after a bird suffered from a preventable and ultimately fatal fungal infection.

In a recent public advisory social media post, a wildlife rescue shared a photo of a hummingbird whose tongue had become stuck outside of it’s beak, unable to retract due to a fungal infection likely caused by an improper sugar-water mixture.

The hummingbird was unable to retract it’s tongue due to fungal spores that had germinated on it’s tongue or in it’s gullet caused by folks mixing honey or anything other than plain white sugar with water. Sadly the bird will die because it can no longer feed.

The most common mistake people make is using the wrong kind of sugar in their hummingbird feeder mixtures. While it may seem healthful to use organic or unrefined sugars, those products, along with honey and artificial sweeteners, can cause harmful fungal growth in hummingbird’s mouths.

The recommended mixture is one part plan white sugar to four parts water, which closely mimics the sucrose content of natural flower nectar or purchase our Hummingbird Nectar which contains no artificial preservatives or dyes. Contains a natural micronutrient that keeps the nectar fresh much longer.

Cavan Creek Market also stresses the importance of cleaning feeders and replacing the nectar regularly, especially during hot weather when sugar water can quickly ferment.

If you’re unable to do this, we ask you to please not put out a feeder!

Experts say keeping feeders clean is just as important as using the right nectar mix. 

Every time a hummingbird dips its tongue into the feeder, it introduces microbes that thrive on sugar and before long, the nectar can turn into what they describe as an “acidic, microbial cloud.”

Take a look at the feeder and ask yourself, would I drink that?’ If the answer is no, it is time to get busy.

We recommend cleaning your feeder every time you refresh the nectar, which is encouraged every three days during the hot summer and at least weekly. A simple solution is to keep a small stock of properly mixed nectar in the fridge and only pour in as much as the birds will use in a short period, making regular cleaning faster and more manageable.

Avoid dishwashers or harsh disinfectants like bleach, which can leave behind harmful residue. Instead, use warm, not hot water, dish soap and a brush to scrub all parts of the feeder, including the tiny feeding ports.