A lot goes into keeping hummingbirds as pets or growing a community in your garden. They are high energy birds that require their daily dose of nectar to stay healthy and active. This means you need to get a suitable quality hummingbird feeder. You also need the right cleaning tool and decide on where to hang the feeder. Most importantly, you also need to choose the best hummingbird nectar to feed the birds with. For this, there are many options to consider. Below are some of the factors that will help you make a great choice. We have also reviewed some of the best hummingbird nectar, oriels, and similar birds.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Hummingbird Nectar
Read the Ingredient List
typically, hummingbird nectar should contain nothing more than sugar and water. However, some mixture may contain vitamins and electrolytes. The opinion about these types of products has always been divided. Some experts say hummers need nothing more than sugar. Others argue that calcium helps in egg hatching, and electrolytes keep the bird hydrated.
Watch out for Artificial Additives
some manufacturers add artificial coloring to their hummingbird nectar. This is believed to be useful for attracting the bird to the feeder. But Artificial ingredients may be harmful to birds and should be reduced to the barest minimum if not avoided entirely. Most clear solutions will still attract birds without artificial coloring of any kind. Hence, a clear mixture with no additives or preservative is recommended.
Consider Storage
since you may not use the entire hummingbird nectar powder or concentrate at once, it makes sense to consider storage. Typically, a product that comes in a plastic bottle, lidded can, or a resealable bag will be a smart option. This way, you don’t have to worry about the bottle breaking or the bag opening up and spilling its content while in storage.
Powder Vs. Concentrate Vs. Ready to Use Mixture
most hummingbird foods come in powder form or as a concentrate. These are quite easy to prepare. You need to add a little cold water (ordinary tap water will do), and the solution will dissolve. Alternatively, you can go for a ready-to-use mixture that you pour and serve. They come in liquid form and make an ideal option if you have limited time to spare preparing the powdered mix. However, they are typically more expensive. If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks for the convenience, then you should go for these types of mixture.
Reviews of the Best Hummingbird Nectar
Best-1 4 Jars Original Hummingbird Instant Nectar
This jar of natural and high energy food for hummingbird provides instant nectar for your bird. It is entirely natural and safe for hummingbirds with no additives or coloring added at all. Instructions for correct measuring and mixing are printed on the label. Storing this nectar jar is quite easy. It is free-standing and can be placed on a shelf with a lid that securely preserves the powder.
Pros
- 100% natural nectar
- Freestanding jar for secure storage
- Easy to prepare with clear instructions
Cons
- The price on Amazon may be inflated.
Audubon Hummingbird Concentrate Food 3 3Oz
This box of Audubon Hummingbird food contains three packets of premium quality nectar. Each 3-ounce bag contains powder made entirely from natural ingredients. There are no coloring or preservatives added. Each pack weighs 3 ounces and makes 15 ounces of nectar for your bird to keep it active and healthy. Mixing up the nectar is quite easy. You can do so with cold water, and it leaves no mess or fuss in the process.
Pros
- Easy to prepare
- Boxed for easy storage
- Made with natural ingredients.
Cons
- It is in powder form and not concentrate as advertised
Hummingbird Market 5 lbs Hummingbird Nectar
This Hummingbird Market 5 lbs Hummingbird Nectar has been meticulously formulated by scientists to deliver healthy nutrition for your hummingbird. It is designed to be as close to natural as possible containing essential sugars like sucrose, glucose, and fructose. This mixture energizes your birds and keeps them hydrated all day long.
Pros
- Scientifically blended formula to replicate natural nectar
- No preservatives
- Quite easy to use
Cons
- May contain some contaminants
Birds Choice 24oz. Oriole/Hummingbird Nectar
This jar of Birds Choice nectar is a combination of Oriole and hummingbird nectar. It comes in powder form in its most natural state with no coloring, or artificial preservatives added. This jar can be used to prepare 3.75 quarts of hummingbird nectar or 5.25quarts oriole nectar. It is quite easy to make, and you can mix a fresh batch in no time at all. The mixture is very clean and clear, with no coloring.
Pros
- Natural with no preservatives
- A fresh and clear mixture
- Easy to prepare-no need to boil
Cons
A lot is required to fill one feeder which is not cost-effective
Sweet-Seed, LLC Nectar Fusions Hummingbird Food
Made from natural cane sugar, this blend of natural hummingbird food is infused with everything bird needs to stay active. It is made from food sources similar too what your birds will seek in the wild. Additionally, it has been further fortified with nutrients like calcium and electrolytes. This nectar is free from artificial coloring. No additives or preservatives were added to this nectar. To keep it fresh and ensure maximum shelf life, this product has been hot-packed.
Pros
- Pre-mixed for easy serving
- Naturally formulated from the most desirable ingredients
- Comes in an environmentally responsible pack
- Hot packed for maximum shelf-life
Cons
- Expensive product
Perky-Pet 234 Original Instant 2-Pound Hummingbird Nectar
Perky-Pet 234 is made with 100% natural sweeteners formulated to attract hummingbirds and keep them coming for more. It is made entirely from sucrose with no additives of any kind. 6 packs of this hummingbird nectar mixed with the right quantity of water gives you 1 quart of sweet hummingbird syrup. Preparation is straightforward, as indicated on the package, with no boiling required. It easily mixes and dissolves instantly, even in regular tap water.
Pros
- Instant powder, mixes easily with water
- 100% natural
- Good price
Cons
- This product is not dye-free
- The product packaging is not resealable
Songbird Essentials SE645 24 oz Oriole Nectar
This all-natural nectar has been specially formulated for hummingbirds and orioles. This product comes in a 24 oz can. It is made entirely from natural sucrose with no artificial additives of any kind. The fact that it comes in a can instead of a packet means storage is a lot easier, and the powder stays fresh. Its orange colors attract birds to the feeder a lot faster. This is a natural coloring and not artificial orange dye.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Comes in a can for easy storage
- Natural orange color
- Pack includes a cup for scooping
Homestead 32 oz Oriole Grape Nectar Concentrate (Liquid)
This natural grape nectar concentrate from Homestead contains a blend of sugars from different flowers that birds love. It also includes extra nutrients like calcium, which is essential for successful egg hatching. This product comes in a resealable plastic bottle. This makes storage easy. You only take the quantity you need, add a little, and your sweet nectar is ready. The rest of the concentrate is preserved in fresh condition till it is needed again
Pros
- Easy to prepare concentrate
- Formulated always to stay fresh
- All-natural sugar concentrate
Cons
- It is pricey
First Nature 6-Pack 3050 Red Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate 16 oz
The First Nature 6-Pack 3050 Hummingbird Nectar concentrate has a bright red color, which helps to attract the birds to the feeder in no time. The nectar itself is made from food-grade sucrose ideal for various birds. This concentrate is easy to prepare. It can be mixed directly with water in the feeder, leaving no mess as at all.
Pros
- Brightly colored to attract birds
- Easy to mix
Cons
It has artificial coloring
Homestead 64 oz Ready To Use Oriole Orange Nectar
If you prefer a ready to use mixture instead of powder or concentrate, then this product is an ideal option to consider. The 64oz bottle contains an all-natural ready to use nectar fluid with no preparation required at all. Simply pour into a feeder, and you are good to go. The container is resealable, so the liquid always stays fresh at all times.
Pros
- Pour and serve
- No additives added
- Resealable plastic bottle for secure storage
Cons
- Artificial coloring used
Perky-Pet 16 fl oz Clear Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate
This 16oz bottle contains a concentrate of clear hummingbird nectar by Perky-Pet. It is a super-sweet formula that provides 100% sucrose. The product is an ideal formula for feeding hummingbirds, Oriel, and other birds. The concentrate is clear and pure, with no additives added at all. It is easy to prepare, and the fact that it comes in a bottle makes it quite easy to store.
Pros
- Clear concentrate; no coloring or additives
- Formulated to attract hummers
- Contains 100% sucrose
Cons
- This product may contain preservatives
EZNectar – The Only Ready-to-Use Hummingbird Nectar
The EZNectar is a patented ready-to-use hummingbird nectar mixture designed for easy, instant feeding of hummers. Just like homemade nectar, this syrup contains only pure cane sugar and water. Hence, it is a healthy, stress-free alternative to homemade mixtures that may be quite messy to prepare. It contains no dyes, electrolytes, and there are no chemical preservatives. This makes the nectar quite safe for birds. Although more expensive, it is still an economical option as it lasts longer than powder or concentrates and is much easier to preserve and store.
Pros
- Ready to use; no preparation required
- Contains sugar and water only
- Pure and healthy
Cons
- It is pricey
Pennington 100510152 ElectroNectar Ready to Use Hummingbird Nectar
The Pennington 100510152 ElectroNectar for hummingbirds looks and tastes just as good as natural flower nectar. This clear liquid contains no artificial coloring agents. The only ingredients are water, sugar, and electrolytes that have been added to make birds healthier, hydrate, and generally more active. You will love how convenient using this product is. It comes ready to use with no mixing required at all.
Pros
- Formulated to attract hummingbirds
- Ready-to-use a mixture
- It is dye-free
Cons
- Contains electrolytes, a somewhat controversial ingredient
Kaytee 100506148 Electro Hummingbird Nectar, 64 oz
This product is one of the best selling hummingbird nectar in the market. It is ready to use a formula, which means you don’t need to add any water or sugar to mix. Simply pour the desired quantity into a feeder, and you are good to go. This naturally clear blend includes electrolytes as one of its ingredients. It contains no coloring, and no artificial preservatives were added.
Pros
- Naturally clean formula
- Ready to use
- Electrolytes included in the blend
Cons
- It is a bit pricey
Natural Springs 100080659 Hummingbird Nectar Ready to Use 64oz
One of the significant issues with ready-to-use mixtures is possible concerns over the quality of water used by the manufacturers. This product contains top-quality non-fluoridated water. This means you don’t have to worry about the birds ingesting flouring or any other chemical for that matter. In addition to natural sugars, this mixture has is fortified with minerals and vitamins.
Pros
- Ready-to-use mixture
- Made with non fluoridated water
- Contains minerals and vitamins
Cons
- Artificial coloring present.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds need as much food as they can get in early spring and late fall. You may also leave the feeder up through early winter for the birds that migrate late. In all, buying the right food will ensure that the birds don’t just ignore your feeders and fly past. It’s also good that you are feeding them the right stuff, so they are healthier and stronger.
