Winterizing your hummingbird feeder allows you to provide a critical food source for hummingbirds who are late in migrating, or reside in cold climates year-round. Standard hummingbird nectar made from four parts water to one part table sugar will begin to freeze around 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Hummingbirds may feed on nectar that is slightly slushy. Keeping nectar free-flowing is optimal, however, and can be accomplished easily.
Purchase a 150-watt floodlamp, complete with bulb, and a fixture with spring-loaded clip and extension cord. Attach the floodlamp to the feeder pole, or somewhere sturdy and close to the hummingbird feeder.
Clip the floodlamp about 12 inches away from the hummingbird feeder bottle. Adjust the floodlamp so it is directly facing the feeder bottle. Plug the floodlamp in to an electrical source when temperatures are expected to be freezing. Adjust the light as needed to ensure it is shining on as much of the feeder bottle as possible.
Install heat tape to prevent your hummingbird solution from freezing. Purchase heat tape in a 3-foot length. Ensure the tape is safe for use on glass or plastic. Wrap the heat tape around the hummingbird feeder bottle. Plug the heat tape into an electrical source if freezing temperatures are expected.