Hummingbird nectar is the primary food source for hummingbirds. It is made by mixing white granulated sugar with water at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This nectar provides hummingbirds with the carbohydrates they need to power their fast metabolisms and hover flight. However, like any food or beverage, homemade hummingbird nectar has a limited shelf life. Knowing when hummingbird nectar expires and how to store it properly can help hummingbird enthusiasts keep a fresh nectar supply available for their favorite visitors.
Does homemade hummingbird nectar expire?
Yes, homemade hummingbird nectar does expire. The sugar in the nectar provides an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow when left at room temperature for too long. In general, homemade nectar only stays fresh for 2-4 days after being mixed. After that point, it is best to discard old nectar and make a new batch. Leaving expired nectar in feeders can make hummingbirds sick.
Some signs that hummingbird nectar has expired include:
- Cloudiness
- Visible mold/fuzz
- Sour smell
If you notice any of these signs in your nectar, promptly empty the feeder and make a fresh batch. Expired nectar provides no nutritional value and can even be harmful.
How long does store-bought hummingbird nectar last?
Premade, store-bought hummingbird nectar typically has preservatives added by the manufacturer to extend its shelf life. With proper storage, unopened store-bought nectar can last up to 6 months past its printed expiration date before going bad.
Once opened, the nectar lasts:
- 1-2 weeks refrigerated
- 2-4 days at room temperature
As with homemade nectar, look for signs of cloudiness, mold, sour smell, or expiration dates to determine when commercial nectar has gone bad. Avoid leaving nectar sitting in feeders for prolonged periods. Change it out frequently, and clean feeders thoroughly with a mild vinegar solution at least once every two weeks. Keeping feeders clean helps prevent contamination.
How to extend the shelf life of hummingbird nectar
There are a few simple strategies to make your hummingbird nectar last longer:
Store it in the refrigerator
Refrigerating unused hummingbird nectar can extend its shelf life considerably. The cool environment retards microbial growth. Refrigerated homemade nectar may last up to 1-2 weeks before going bad. For commercial nectar, refrigeration prolongs freshness up to the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe after opening.
Use sterilized containers
Mixing and storing nectar in sterilized containers eliminates bacteria right from the start. Wash containers in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher before use.
Avoid contamination
Ensure utensils, funnels, etc. are also sterilized before contacting the nectar. Do not allow any foreign debris or insects to get into the nectar. Always cover nectar containers tightly.
Make smaller batches
A good rule of thumb is to only mix as much hummingbird nectar as you think will get used within 3-4 days. Smaller batches minimize waste if any nectar expires before getting consumed.
Use refined white sugar
While organic sugar may sound healthier, the minerals in it may actually shorten the nectar’s lifespan. Plain white refined cane sugar has a longer shelf life.
How to store hummingbird nectar properly
Follow these tips to store hummingbird nectar for maximum freshness:
- Store in airtight containers, away from light and heat
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks (store-bought, unopened), 1 week (homemade)
- Freeze for up to 3 months (thaw fully before using)
- Discard if cloudy, moldy, sour smelling, or more than 4 days old (homemade)
- Discard store-bought nectar after manufacturer’s recommended opened shelf life
Avoid leaving nectar sitting at room temperature or in direct sunlight. Only mix as much as your feeders require for a 3-4 day period.
Can you reuse old hummingbird nectar?
It is not recommended to reuse nectar that has expired or been left sitting in feeders. The contaminated nectar can transmit diseases to visiting hummingbirds.
However, you may reuse unused nectar that has been properly refrigerated and remains fresh. Simply give it a good stir or shake before filling feeders again.
If there is any doubt about the safety of the nectar, it is better to be safe and discard it. Make a new batch to provide the highest quality nutrition for hummingbirds.
Can you freeze hummingbird nectar?
Yes, prepared hummingbird nectar can be frozen for longer term storage. To freeze nectar:
- Fill sterilized, airtight containers
- Leave at least 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion
- Seal lids tightly
- Label with date
- Freeze for up to 3 months
When ready to use, thaw the frozen nectar completely in the refrigerator until no ice crystals remain. Shake or stir well before filling feeders.
Freezing prolongs the shelf life for several months. However, frozen nectar still eventually expires and should be discarded if left in the freezer too long. For best quality, use within the 3 month recommended freezing timeframe.
Can you refrigerate hummingbird nectar in feeders?
It is not recommended to pre-fill hummingbird feeders and refrigerate them. The nectar may take on a metallic taste from prolonged contact with the feeder mechanism and metal parts.
Instead, best practice is to fill feeders with fresh nectar only as needed, about every 2-3 days. Only refrigerate unused nectar stored in a separate container.
If you do pre-fill feeders, use them within that same day rather than trying to store them refrigerated with nectar for prolonged periods. Always discard unused nectar as soon as it reaches the expiration point of 4 days old.
Signs hummingbird nectar has expired
Watch for these signs that indicate your hummingbird nectar has gone bad and requires replacement:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Cloudy appearance | Nectar will look hazy, opaque, or milky rather than clear |
| Mold/fuzz | Visible mold floating or collecting around edges |
| Rancid smell | Smells sour or unpleasant, not sweet |
| Expired date | Exceeds printed expiration date or normal shelf life |
Dangers of expired hummingbird nectar
Allowing hummingbirds to feed onexpired nectar poses the following risks:
Nutritional deficiency
Expired nectar loses its nutritional value. The sugar content deteriorates and provides less energy. Hummingbirds need a fresh nectar supply to meet their daily nutritional demands.
Dehydration
Contaminated nectar may contain pathogens that cause vomiting or diarrhea. This leads to dehydration, malnutrition, and weakness in hummingbirds that ingest it.
Illness
Mold and bacteria thriving in old nectar can make hummingbirds sick. Diseases like aspergillosis may be transmitted at dirty feeders.
Death
In severe cases, expired nectar makes hummingbirds so ill it leads to death. The young and small species are especially vulnerable.
No visitors
Hummingbirds quickly learn to avoid feeders with old nectar. They associate that feeder with bad quality, and may not return even after you clean it.
How often should you change hummingbird nectar?
To provide fresh nectar at all times, follow these nectar change frequency guidelines:
- Every 2-3 days in hot weather above 90°F
- Every 3-4 days in moderate spring/summer weather
- Every 5-6 days in cooler spring/fall weather
- Clean feeders thoroughly every 2 weeks with mild vinegar even if nectar was changed regularly
When temperatures exceed 90°F, nectar spoils most rapidly. The more birds visiting the feeder, the faster the nectar is consumed and requires replacement as well.
Watch for signs of cloudiness or mold and change nectar immediately if it goes bad, regardless of timeframe. Deep clean feeders every 2 weeks to prevent disease. With proper hummingbird nectar care, you’ll attract healthy, happy hummers all season long.
Conclusion
Like any food product, homemade and store-bought hummingbird nectar has a limited lifespan and will eventually expire. Knowing the signs of expired nectar and properly storing unused portions is key to providing high quality nectar. Discard old nectar promptly to avoid sickness. Follow recommended guidelines to change nectar every 2-4 days in warm weather when spoilage happens fastest. Proper nectar management takes some diligence, but provides the energy-rich nutrition hummingbirds need to thrive.
