Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water
Use plain water (tap is fine if it’s not heavily chlorinated)
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved
Optional: Bring to a boil briefly to help dissolve, then cool completely
Fill clean feeders with the mixture
Refrigerate any unused mixture and discard after 2–3 days
Clean feeders with hot water before refilling
Replace food every 2–3 days in warm weather and every 4–5 days in cooler weather
Do not use red dye
Do not use honey, brown sugar, molasses, artificial sweeteners, or other substitutes
Do not use boiling water in the feeder until cooled