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a kennedy

(36,352 posts)
Sun Aug 24, 2025, 07:14 PM Aug 2025

How much of a boil should be ok when boiling my hummer syrup??

I do use 1 cup granulated sugar and 4 cups of water and let it boil. I do just turn it off once it just starts rolling. Is that enough time?? Or should I let it go longer?? Thanks. 🤷🏼‍♀️

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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How much of a boil should be ok when boiling my hummer syrup?? (Original Post) a kennedy Aug 2025 OP
Once it is boiling, that is good enough. Just turn it off and cover it while it cools. RockRaven Aug 2025 #1
Whew, thanks, didn't really ever hear how long to boil, so I am doing it right. a kennedy Aug 2025 #2
Boil hummingbird mixture for one minute. Picturelady Aug 2025 #3
Separate SuzyandPuffpuff Aug 2025 #4
The main reason for boiling water for hummingbirds is to clear the water... Enter stage left Aug 2025 #5
Hummingbirds are migrating right now, Callalily Aug 2025 #6

RockRaven

(19,755 posts)
1. Once it is boiling, that is good enough. Just turn it off and cover it while it cools.
Sun Aug 24, 2025, 07:32 PM
Aug 2025

You want to avoid over-boiling to avoid excessive evaporation which will make it more concentrated than intended.

Picturelady

(13 posts)
3. Boil hummingbird mixture for one minute.
Sun Aug 24, 2025, 07:50 PM
Aug 2025

Boil one minute. Thanks for asking, and for using the correct ratio. Be sure to keep the feeder free of mold, but don't use bleach. Use a bottle brush and then a small brush for the holes, maybe soak in white vinegar if it's real bad.
I'm not assuming that you don't know this, just sharing general info.

SuzyandPuffpuff

(673 posts)
4. Separate
Sun Aug 24, 2025, 08:21 PM
Aug 2025

Add boiling water to the sugar. Makes better blend and no risk of too much heat burning the sugar.

Enter stage left

(4,636 posts)
5. The main reason for boiling water for hummingbirds is to clear the water...
Sun Aug 24, 2025, 09:27 PM
Aug 2025

Of impurities and the chlorine we use to protect ourselves.

They recommend a good boil of 1-2 minutes.

You're using the correct ratio. Stronger ratios dehydrate the birds.

Thanks for helping our flying jeweled friends.

Callalily

(15,421 posts)
6. Hummingbirds are migrating right now,
Mon Aug 25, 2025, 07:37 AM
Aug 2025

so you'll see more activity than usual at your feeders! I never get tired watching them.

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