10 best hummingbird food

Hummingbird food, also known as hummingbird nectar, is a specially formulated sugary solution that is used to attract and feed hummingbirds in backyard birding and wildlife observation. Here's what you need to know about hummingbird food:

  1. Ingredients: Hummingbird food is typically made using two basic ingredients:

    • Sugar: White granulated sugar is the primary ingredient. It provides the necessary energy in the form of sucrose to hummingbirds.
    • Water: Tap water is suitable, but it's best to use distilled or boiled water to ensure it's free of impurities or contaminants.
  2. Recipe: The most common recipe for hummingbird food is a simple 4:1 ratio of water to sugar. This means you mix four parts water with one part sugar. For example, you might use 1 cup of sugar dissolved in 4 cups of water. Boil the water and sugar together briefly to dissolve the sugar, and then let it cool before filling your hummingbird feeder.

  3. Avoid Red Food Coloring: There's no need to add red food coloring to the nectar. The color of your hummingbird feeder is sufficient to attract hummingbirds. Food coloring can be harmful to them.

  4. Cleanliness: It's crucial to keep your hummingbird feeder and the nectar clean. Change the nectar every 3-5 days, even more frequently in hot weather. Wash the feeder with hot water and a small brush to remove any mold or residue.

  5. Feeder Types: There are various types of hummingbird feeders available, from simple plastic ones to decorative glass designs.Choose one that suits your backyard decor and is easy to clean.

  6. Placement: Hang the feeder in a location that is easily visible and accessible to hummingbirds. They are more likely to visit if they feel safe and can see the surrounding area for potential predators.

  7. Migration Season: Hummingbirds migrate, so the timing of setting up and maintaining your feeder can vary depending on your region. In North America, many hummingbirds migrate in the spring and fall, so having a feeder available during these times can be beneficial.

  8. Planting Flowers: In addition to providing nectar in feeders, you can also attract hummingbirds by planting nectar-rich flowers in your garden. Some popular choices include trumpet vines, bee balm, and salvia.

  9. Winter Feeding: In some regions, it's possible to feed hummingbirds throughout the winter if you have a resident population that doesn't migrate. However, you may need to use heated feeders to prevent the nectar from freezing.

  10. Health and Safety: Avoid using artificial sweeteners, honey, or brown sugar in your hummingbird food, as they can be harmful to hummingbirds. Stick to the simple sugar and water mixture.

Providing hummingbird food in your backyard can be a rewarding experience as you attract these fascinating and colorful birds to your garden. It's essential to follow best practices for preparing and maintaining the nectar to ensure the health and well-being of the hummingbirds that visit your feeder.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hummingbird food on the market
  

Perky-Pet 238CL Clear Hummingbird Nectar 32 oz Concentrate – Makes 128 fl oz

Perky-Pet

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Perky-Pet 32 fl oz Clear Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate is made of 100% sucrose, the ideal energy source for hummingbirds after flower nectar. Each 32 fl oz bottle of concentrate makes up to 128 fl oz of hummingbird nectar. Perky-Pet is the leading supplier of wild bird feeders and accessories. Perky-Pet wild bird feeders lure birds by providing an inviting opportunity to eat. In turn, you get hours of joy as birds flock to your feeder.

  • Dye-free
  • No artificial colors
  • 100% sucrose replicates flower nectar
  • 32 fl oz bottle
  • Each bottle makes 128 fl oz of clear nectar
  • Mix 3 parts water with 1 part concentrate

User questions & answers

Question: Does this require refrigeration after opening
Answer: Once opened, we recommend storing this liquid nectar in the refrigerator. It can be good for up to one month after opening.
Question: Do I have to add boiling water to mix, or will tap water do
Answer: Simply mix with water! The water does not need to be boiled first.
Question: How often should the nectar mix be changed
Answer: If you live in very warm temps change nectar once a week if cooler temps 80 and under it can last for 2 weeks. I never fill feeders to Max so I don’t waste.
Question: Is it supposed to be this tarte versus sweet with a slight carbonated taste? That's how mine is? do they truly like it? or is it spoiled
Answer: I don't know. I have never tasted it. I did use this product for a while but this year switched to sugar water which I make myself. It is much more economical and the hummers do love my mix of 1 part sugar to 3 parts of water (do not add food coloring).

Product features

Perky-Pet Clear Hummingbird Nectar

Perky-Pet clear liquid-concentrate nectar helps get your hummingbird feeder up and running fast. Hummingbirds will appreciate the beneficial food source, and hummingbird enthusiasts can put their feet up and enjoy watching the dazzling birds buzzing about and dining at the feeder.

Time-Saving Convenience

The 32-ounce bottle of concentrate makes up to 128 fluid ounces of clear hummingbird nectar. To use, simply combine one part concentrate to three parts water and fill the feeder, storing any excess pre-mixed nectar in the refrigerator for later use. Be sure to clean and refill your hummingbird feeder on a regular basis to ensure healthy, happy hummingbirds and repeat visits.

Dye-Free Formula

Made from 100% high-energy sucrose (sugar) with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, the Perky-Pet clear liquid-concentrate nectar mimics the natural flavor and appearance of flower nectar, offering an ideal and necessary food source for hummingbirds. It's free of any artificial coloring or dyes, and hummingbirds will find and enjoy the clear nectar just as much as red-colored alternatives.

Kaytee 100506148 Ready to Use Hummingbird ElectroNectar, 64 Ounces, Clear

Kaytee

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kaytee Hummingbird Electronectar is the first ever, hydrating energy drink for nature's tiny acrobats. It goes beyond traditional feeder-nectars to not only attract hummingbirds, but also nourish & hydrate. Kaytee Electronectar contains electrolytes and no added coloring. Made in the USA.

  • Hummingbirds are attracted to the color of your feeder, not the color of the food
  • Naturally clear hummingbird nectar formula not only attract hummingbirds, but also nourish & hydrate
  • Ready to use. Do not add sugar or water
  • Shake well before use and refrigerate after opening
  • Clean your hummingbird feeder prior to filling for best results
  • Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question: The analysis on the bottle sez 80% moisture, assuming that means water, so the feeder cannot be left outside in winter in the pacific nw
Answer: I leave my feeder outside in winter. I rotate them more frequently in winter, with ones I keep inside. Works for me. Hope this answer was helpful.
Question: how can hummies drink this out doors when the bottle says refrigerate? made me pause after i bought it. don't want to give them food poisoning. anyone
Answer: The nectar does have a preservative in it to help keep it fresh. Depending on how many birds you have coming to the feeders refrigeration after opening keeps it fresh for months, even over the winter if in higher latitudes. I'm in St. Louis and my feeders are in full sun so I only put enough in the feeders to last 10 - 14 days then clean rinse and refill. It was amazing how much more the birds liked the Kaytee clear nectar. I'll never use anything else. BTW if the nectar gets too old they will just stop feeding.
Question: How long does this stayed "good" after opening? I've tried other stuff that the birds seem to stop liking after it sits out for so long. thanks
Answer: I put mine in the fridge after opening. I fill my feeder as full as it will take & the birds feed until it's empty. It lasts just over a week & my hummers LOVE this stuff!!! I'm going to order a larger feeder to see if they demolish the additional food or if I'll have to cut back on how much I fill. I've got a feeling that I won't have to cut back!
Question: Does it have to be refrigerated after opening
Answer: Hi, Sam! Under storage, it states "Refrigerate After Opening." I always purchase the 64 oz container and have a special place for it in the refrigerator. The is such an outstanding product that making refrigerator room is such a small accomodation! Enjoy, Elaine Brown!

Product features

Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar

Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar mimics flower nectar with added electrolytes and no artificial colors. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color of your feeder, not the color of the food.

We put animals first.

That's nothing new. Kaytee's commitment to small animal pets, pet birds, and wild birds has inspired nutritional innovations for more than 150 years. A complete line of products - food, treats, bedding, toys, habitats, and accessories - helps keep your treasured friends active, comfy, and safe. Our expertise and state-of-the-art processing means quality is built into every product, ensuring the health, security, and comfort of each pet and bringing peace-of-mind to all pet parents.

Perky-Pet 244SFB Hummingbird Original Instant Nectar, 2 lb

Perky-Pet

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

With such a high-energy lifestyle, hummingbirds need to eat constantly. Perky-Pet Original Red Instant Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate is made of 100% sucrose, so your hummingbirds get just the essential energy they need to thrive. Hummingbirds easily digest sucrose, so the energy is delivered faster than artificial nectar mixtures! This concentrate makes feeding hummingbirds simple, just add water to the powder to create your desired amount of nectar. The 2 lb bag makes up to 192 ounces of hummingbird nectar. There’s no need to boil it and our nectar requires no refrigeration, making storage a breeze! In addition, this nectar features a bold red color that mimics the vibrantly colored flowers that hummingbirds imbibe from in nature. They won’t be able to resist stopping for a drink.

  • Simply mix powder with water – no boiling needed
  • Made of 100% sucrose – an essential energy source for hummingbirds
  • Made of 100% sucrose – an essential energy source for hummingbirds
  • Powder concentrate makes up to 192 oz of hummingbird nectar
  • Comes in a 2 lb. bag

User questions & answers

Question: Hay que refrigerarlo luego te preparado
Answer: Once mixed, unused nectar should be refrigerated.
Question: What can you use in a outside feeder so the water will not freeze
Answer: This is Texas. Hummingbird’s arrive in May and leave 1st cold snap in October. Water barely freezes in Dec/Jan. It’s 73 out right now.
Question: Does this product have expiration date
Answer: I don't know about an expiration date. I dumped it in a baggie and labeled it. However I will let you know that I didn't get any hummingbirds with this mixture but after making my own I had quite a few everyday. 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water, bring to boil for 2 minutes and then let cool. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. I just adjusted the quantities and made enough for 2 feeders.
Question: What makes it red? I have heard that when making your own hummingbird nectar, that you should forego putting food coloring in it
Answer: Please don't buy anything with artificial red color. The Audubon Society recommends making your own with regular sugar. 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. (1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup boiling water).

Product features

Perky-Pet Instant Red Hummingbird Nectar

Perky-Pet instant red powder-concentrate nectar helps get your hummingbird feeder up and running fast. Hummingbirds will appreciate the beneficial food source, and hummingbird enthusiasts can put their feet up and enjoy watching the dazzling birds buzzing about and dining at the feeder.

Time-Saving Convenience

The 2-pound bag of powder concentrate makes up to 192 fluid ounces of red hummingbird nectar. To use, simply measure the powder, stir in water, and fill the feeder, storing any excess pre-mixed nectar in the refrigerator for later use. Be sure to clean and refill your hummingbird feeder on a regular basis to ensure healthy, happy hummingbirds and repeat visits.

100% Sucrose

Made from 100 percent high-energy sucrose (sugar) with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, the Perky-Pet red liquid-concentrate nectar mimics the natural flavor and appearance of flower nectar, offering an ideal and necessary food source for hummingbirds.

Pennington Electronectar Ready-to-Use Hummingbird Nectar 64 oz, Clear

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pennington ElectroNectar Ready-To-Use Hummingbird Food has no artificial colors and is naturally clear hummingbird nectar. It was developed to mimic flower nectar, fortified with healthy electrolytes, just like flowers! It goes beyond traditional feeding nectars to not only attract hummingbirds, but also nourish and hydrate them. It's ready-to-use and requires no mixing. For best results shake well and refrigerate after opening your bottle. Made in the USA.

  • Naturally clear hummingbird food, just like flower nectar
  • Contains no red dye or artificial colors
  • Added electrolytes keep hummingbirds healthy and hydrated
  • Product is ready to use - no mixing required
  • Refrigerate after opening

Hummingbird Ring Feeder (Purple)

ZUMMR

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Hummingbird Ring by ZUMMR is a NEW and unique product that allows the user to attract and feed hummingbirds right from their hand. Fill the Hummingbird Ring with store bought nectar or make your own at home. Hours of fun for the whole family. Also great for seniors and children. One size fits all. Comes in 7 different colors.

  • Made in the USA
  • Hand Feed Hummingbirds
  • BPA Free and Fade Resistant
  • Top Shelf Dishwasher Safe
  • Seven Brilliant Colors

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with an instruction sheet, so a gift recipient will know how to get them used to it
Answer: If it is fulfilled by Amazon it does not. There is a tag attached to the ring to guide the recipient to my website where there are instructions. I could also send them to you or the person directly. Thanks.
Question: Are these fragile? Was about to buy several but have noticed all the breakages and shipping/return problems and no longer interested unless
Answer: So most of the shipping problems have been resolved. It was a packaging issue and I have changed it. I would not say they are fragile, they can be broken if you try. The are made of BPA Free Polyethylene that is safe for the hummingbirds.
Question: What size is the ring? If it fits a little girl well enough to stay upright, it won't fit most people
Answer: The size is a bit smaller than my ring finger so it fits everyone. As for kids, when they place it on their ring or middle finger the other fingers hold it in place.
Question: Some of the comments say that this is not returnable, even if it comes broken or missing a piece. Is this true
Answer: I was told I could return it but was responsible for shipping. My choice not to send it back. Additional postage not worth it. The packaging was a slim, no padding, flat plastic bag.

Pennington ElectroNectar Ready to Use Hummingbird Nectar, 64 oz, Clear

Pennington

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pennington Ready to Use Electro Nectar Clear 64oz Mimics flower nectar with added Electrolytes. Helps to keep the hummingbirds health and hydrated. No artificial colors. Ready to use.

  • Designed to attract hummingbirds to your feeder
  • Naturally clear hummingbird food, just like flower nectar
  • Contains no red dye or other artificial colors
  • Product is ready to use – no mixing required
  • Added electrolytes keep hummingbirds healthy and hydrated
  • Ingredients: Water, sugar, and added electrolytes

User questions & answers

Question: how is this different than sugar + water
Answer: Hi. i just pulled it up on amazon- and the ingredients are listed. This " receipe " is better for hummingbirds . In different areas of the country, the water you might use may have additives that are harmful... and the sugar used doesn't have the minerals they need, plus no dyes either. Hummingbirds do better with this formula. Hope this answer helps. 🤓
Question: How long can this be kept in the refrigerator once open
Answer: I have multiple feeders and live in warm climate, they recommend changing out your feeders every 3 days or weekly...which I do. I have safely kept my nectar in the refrigerator for several weeks. This, however, is a good question that might be best answered by the manufacturer!
Question: I am trying to attract bees along with the hummingbirds. Is this a good product for that
Answer: I would like to keep the bees away from the hummingbird feeder BUT the bees are still there so I would say this product does attract bees!
Question: How is this different from the red
Answer: Oftentimes red contains dyes and preservatives that are not good for the birds. Our hummingbirds love this nectar.

Product features

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pennington ElectroNectar need to be diluted with water?

No, it is ready to use right out of the bottle.

How is Pennington hummingbird nectar different from sugar water?

Pennington ElectroNectar has added electrolytes to help keep the hummingbirds healthy and hydrated.

Will clear nectar still attract hummingbirds even though it’s not red?

While hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, the freshness and quality of the nectar are what get hummingbirds to drink. While we recommend hanging hummingbird feeders that feature red pieces and accents to catch their attention, red nectar isn’t necessary.

Perky Pet 255 Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate, 64 oz

Perky-Pet

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Perky Pet 255 Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate, 64 oz, Red

  • 64 oz. Of red concentrate makes up to 256 oz. Of hummingbird food
  • Easy to use - just add water
  • Hummingbird preferred - 100% high-energy sucrose
  • Use purified water for best results

User questions & answers

Question: Can somebody suggest why red dye is added to this? is there any valid reason to add something potentially toxic to this mix
Answer: I wouldn’t eat it so I wouldn’t give it to a bird. My feeder is red glass to attract the birds. Most feeders have red on them so you don’t need red food to attract them.
Question: Do you have to refrigerate any unused portions made ? How long is the solution in the feeders good for, or is it OK until used up
Answer: Once mixed, nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. We recommend cleaning feeders and providing fresh nectar at least once a week so it does not spoil or ferment. When outdoor temperatures rise, more frequent cleaning is necessary. Here is a quick reference guide to use when dealing with different climates: 70°-84°F (21°-28°C)… Change Nectar and Clean Feeder every 3 days 85°-87°F (29°-30°C)… Change Nectar and Clean Feeder every 2 days 88°-99°F (31°-37°C)… Change Nectar and Clean Feeder every day
Question: Red dye may not be good birds, nor is it necessary. Mix your own nectar 1/4 c cane sugar to 1 c of water. Is this true
Answer: I found out that red dye is unhealthy for hummingbirds. One cup sugar to 4 cups water, heat to almost boiling but remove from heat before it boils. Also clean the feeder each time before filling.
Question: Why hummingbirds will NOT eat perky-pet nectar
Answer: You can easily make your own in 3-4 minutes with plain water and white sugar. I bet you have some in your cupboard right now! Do you have a pyrex bowl or glass measuring cup? Fill it with two cups of water and add 1/2 cup sugar. This is a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Stir it and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir again and microwave a minute more. Cool it to room temp., and your (cheap$$) nectar is ready to fill your hummingbird feeder. Then, be patient. They may not come right away, but birds will tweet the location, and eventually you'll get visitors. Companies who sell red-dye nectar are profiting from a product that is both unnecessary and harmful. It is shameful and can be discouraged by simply refusing to buy them.

Product features

Perky Pet 255 Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate, 64 oz

Our 64 oz bottle of nectar concentrate makes oh-so-sweet hummingbird food that the little birds enjoy. Formulated with 100% sucrose, this hummingbird nectar can be a vital source of energy for hummingbirds. The bottle of concentrate can make up to 256 oz of red nectar.

Features

  • Bird preferred - 100% sucrose
  • 64 ounce bottle of nectar concentrate
  • Makes 256 ounces of red nectar
  • Easy to use - just mix with water

Sweet-Seed Sweet-Nectar Premium Hummingbird Food All-Natural & DYE Free Nectar Concentrate, 100 oz/Makes 300 oz, 4 Piece

Sweet-Seed

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stock Up and Save! [2-Pack includes 2 individual bottles] Gone are the mess and hassle of making your own hummingbird nectar just to be 100% certain that only the best of ingredients are being offered at your feeders. Our Sweet-Nectar hummingbird nectar concentrate makes over 76 oz. (3X) of hummingbird food by simply adding the appropriate amount of regular tap water. As always, each of our all natural Sweet-Nectar concentrates and ready-to-use formulas are dye-free and infused with our proprietary blend of hand steam-distilled floral and/or fruit extracts, carefully created from the flowers and fruits most visited by your hummingbirds, orioles or butterflies. Our blends also provide calcium to promote healthy egg growth, and much needed electrolytes to prevent dehydration...everything they need with nothing they don't.

  • SAVE WITH CONCENTRATE: One bottle of our concentrated hummingbird nectar formula makes over 2 (76 oz.) liters of hummingbird food
  • NATURALLY MADE WITH WHAT HUMMINGBIRDS CRAVE: Infused with chemical free, steam-distilled wildflower waters, naturally made from the most desirable food sources that hummingbirds actively seek out in nature
  • All of our nectars are made with pure cane sugar
  • EVERYTHING YOUR HUMMINGBIRDS NEED: We've carefully fortified our nectars with calcium and electrolytes to help aid healthy eggshell growth and eliminate dehydration
  • WITH NOTHING THEY DON'T: Our nectars are always dye-free and "hot-packed;" bottled in glass at a high temperature for maximum shelf life, and without the need for harmful preservatives or additives

User questions & answers

Question: What is shelf life
Answer: Not sure, but does say refrigerate after opening. Still have an unopened one that looks very clear like it is still fine. They are sealed so I would think they last for a while. They look just like wine in glass bottles. I can say that my hummingbirds love it though!!!
Question: what is the unopened shelf life of this product
Answer: Since I've already used up my supply, I cannot say for sure, but as I recall, the info was on the bottle. Once opened, it needs to be refrigerated.

EZNectar - The Only Ready-to-Use Hummingbird Nectar "Exactly Like Flower Nectar." Patented , Preservative & Dye Free, Hummingbird Food - Nectar (1 Piece) 33.8 FL OZ TOTAL

EZNectar

Based on 451 reviews Check latest price

Product description

EZNectar is the ONLY ready-to-use hummingbird nectar, EXACTLY LIKE FLOWER NECTAR. Patented because it is all-natural, and ready-to-use, containing no dyes, no preservatives, and no electrolytes. Sometimes preservatives are called electrolytes. Preservative and electrolyte additives are not part of a hummingbirds dietary needs. EZNectar uses only pure cane sugar and filtered water -- it is 100% pure. Your Hummingbirds will love it -- we guarantee it!

  • EZNectar will donate 100% of its profits to healthy bird and pollinator preservation causes
  • Now, finally available! The only ready-to-use hummingbird "just like flower" nectar.
  • U.S. Patented because it is sugar & water only, and ready-to-use. No chemical preservatives or dyes.
  • EZNectar uses only pure cane sugar and filtered water - 100% pure. Healthy alternative to homemade!
  • Requires no mixing. It's ready-to-use! "One-of-a-kind". Simply pour into existing feeder.

User questions & answers

Question: How did they patent sugar water?? 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiling water+no dye=expert recommended homemade nectar
Answer: I use home made nectar bought this when I bought feeder but now I use 1:4 sugar to water they love it just the same. This nectar however does not use dye it is clear as it should be.
Question: What's the shelf life (un-opened) of these cartons
Answer: Best used by date of 2 years after production.
Question: Does the nectaur need to be refrigerated? How long will it last after opening
Answer: The nectar does not need to refrigerated before it is opened. It only needs to be refrigerated after opening. It is best when used about 2 weeks after opening.
Question: How does it stay fresh if there are no preservatives
Answer: Because of our aseptic packaging. It is sterile filled, and sealed aseptically. Thank you for your question.

Natural Springs Hummingbird Nectar Ready to Use Food, 64 oz (Pack of 2)

Natural Springs

Based on 56 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ready to use no mixing. Contains no fluoridated water. Enriched with vitamins and minerals.

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