Rufous hummingbirds hatch after an incubation period of 12-14 days. Rufous hummers fledge after 20 days in the nest. Thirty-one days is way longer than the nestling period for any other hummingbirds. I feel like McDonald's on the interstate in the spring, and a health resort in the fall for the migrants. The best solution to fill your hummingbird feeder is a simple mixture of granulated sugar and boiled water, prepared according to the directions below.
Honey spoils rapidly and can become poisonous.
Artificial sweeteners provide no calories, so a hummer may drink it but receive no nutritional value and thus starve. Food coloring is not recommended either, as studies show it may be harmful to the birds. The basic mixture is 1 part ordinary white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. Before mixing, it is important to first boil the water for several minutes to help keep the feeder sanitary and clean. After boiling, measure the amount of water you need.