Quick Answer
Perky Pet hummingbird nectar concentrate does not need to be refrigerated before mixing and use. The nectar concentrate contains sucrose, water, and preservatives which allow it to be stored at room temperature unrefrigerated. Once mixed with water to make nectar, it does need to be refrigerated if not used right away. The nectar should be discarded and replaced every 2-3 days when refrigerated.
Explanation
Perky Pet hummingbird nectar is made up of three main ingredients – sucrose, water, and preservatives.
Sucrose, which is regular granulated white sugar, does not require refrigeration. White sugar has an almost indefinite shelf life if stored in a cool dry place. The sucrose in Perky Pet nectar concentrate is no different.
Water also does not need to be refrigerated. As long as the container is properly sealed, water can be stored at room temperature.
Finally, the preservatives added to Perky Pet nectar concentrate allow it to be safely stored unrefrigerated before mixing. Preservatives prevent microbial growth which could spoil the nectar. Common preservatives used in hummingbird nectar are sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and citric acid. All of these can keep nectar fresh at room temperature for a length of time before mixing.
Therefore, the combination of sucrose, water, and preservatives in Perky Pet concentrate allow you to safely store it in your pantry without needing refrigeration. It has a shelf life of 3 years unopened at room temperature according to the manufacturer.
However, once you mix the concentrate with water to make hummingbird nectar, refrigeration is recommended if you won’t use it all right away. Since the nectar no longer has the full concentration of preservatives, microbial growth can happen more quickly without refrigeration.
Proper refrigeration can extend the life of prepared hummingbird nectar, allowing it to last 2-3 days. It’s important not to keep nectar too long even in the fridge as it can still spoil. Change it out frequently for your hummingbird feeder.
So in summary:
Unmixed concentrate – shelf stable at room temp for 3 years
Mixed nectar – store in fridge and replace every 2-3 days
Why Refrigeration is Needed for Prepared Nectar
When the Perky Pet concentrate is diluted with water to make nectar, the concentration of the preservatives decreases. There is more available water for microbial growth.
While sucrose and water alone can support the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, the added preservatives in the concentrate help prevent this.
However, once diluted, the preservative concentrations drop to levels that may no longer fully prevent spoilage under warmer conditions over time. Refrigerating prepared hummingbird nectar slows microbial growth.
Lower temperatures make it harder for most microbes to thrive. This expands the shelf life of the prepared nectar from days to weeks when kept chilled in the refrigerator.
Without refrigeration, the nectar could start to ferment or grow mold in as little as 2 days at summer temperatures. Heating by the sun can accelerate the breakdown process as well.
Signs that prepared hummingbird nectar has spoiled without proper refrigeration include:
– Cloudy appearance
– Slimy texture
– Foam or bubbling
– Off odors
– Visible mold
Consuming spoiled nectar can be harmful to hummingbirds. It’s best to take the extra step of refrigerating unused portions of mixed nectar to keep it fresh longer. Follow the 3 day rule of thumb for an optimal balance of convenience and safety.
Proper cleaning of feeders between batches of nectar is also essential. Soak feeders in a 10% bleach solution before rinsing and refilling with fresh nectar. This removes any residual microbial contamination.
With refrigeration and clean feeders, you can safely provide delicious nectar that energizes hummingbirds throughout the season.
FAQs
Does Perky Pet nectar need to be refrigerated before opening?
No, unopened containers of Perky Pet nectar concentrate do not need refrigeration. The concentrate contains preservatives that prevent spoilage at room temperature for up to 3 years until opened.
Does mixed Perky Pet hummingbird nectar need refrigeration?
Yes, prepared hummingbird nectar made from Perky Pet concentrate should be refrigerated if it is not used within a day or two. Refrigeration extends the shelf life of prepared nectar to 2-3 days max before it can spoil.
What happens if you don’t refrigerate hummingbird nectar?
Without refrigeration, prepared hummingbird nectar from Perky Pet can start to ferment, grow mold, or become otherwise contaminated within 2 days. It is best practice to refrigerate unused portions.
How long does Perky Pet nectar last in the fridge?
Properly refrigerated Perky Pet hummingbird nectar will last 2-3 days at most. It’s important to replace old nectar in your feeders every 2-3 days with fresh refrigerated nectar.
Can you freeze Perky Pet nectar concentrate?
The manufacturer does not recommend freezing Perky Pet nectar concentrate. It is shelf stable at room temperature unopened for up to 3 years. Freezing could damage the product and make it difficult to mix properly when needed.
Tips for Making and Using Perky Pet Hummingbird Nectar
Mixing the Nectar
Always follow label directions when mixing Perky Pet concentrate into nectar. Most varieties instruct using a 1:4 ratio – 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water.
Use clean, fresh water and thoroughly stir or shake the solution until the concentrate fully dissolves. Granulated sugar won’t properly dissolve into cold water, so use lukewarm or room temperature water.
Avoid using hard water if possible as minerals in hard water can leave behind sediment. Filtered or distilled water is best for dissolving the sugar concentrate.
Don’t overfill your feeder with nectar. Leave room for expansion as the nectar warms up. Also avoid moving or spilling the feeder after filling to limit bubbles.
Storing Nectar
Store prepared Perky Pet hummingbird nectar in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Discard any unused portion after 2-3 days as the quality degrades over time.
Never leave nectar sitting out at room temperature for more than a day unless you plan to immediately use it all up. The warmer temperature allows microbial growth.
Refrigeration is key to ensuring the nectar stays fresh and safe for hummingbird consumption.
Cleaning Feeders
Every time you refill with a new batch of nectar, make sure to thoroughly clean the feeder. Soak all parts in a weak 10% bleach solution for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Let pieces fully air dry before reassembling and filling with fresh nectar. This sanitizing kills any bacteria or mold that could transfer to and contaminate the new batch.
Change the nectar out frequently – every 2-3 days. Just topping it off with new nectar can cause contamination. Fully clean and replace the nectar to keep your hummingbirds healthy.
Helping Hummingbirds
Follow these tips to get the most out of your Perky Pet hummingbird feeder:
– Make nectar fresh each time instead of trying to store it long term
– Refrigerate unused portions promptly after mixing
– Discard old nectar instead of topping off
– Rinse and sanitize feeders before refilling
– Use clean water without minerals for mixing
– Choose a shady spot to hang feeders away from direct sun
– Avoid areas where nectar could grow mold from humidity
Providing Perky Pet nectar in a clean feeder refreshed every 2-3 days will help attract and nourish hummingbirds in your yard all season long!
Conclusion
Perky Pet hummingbird nectar concentrate does not require refrigeration while in the unopened package. The included preservatives allow it to be safely stored at room temperature until you are ready to mix it.
However, prepared nectar made by mixing the concentrate with water should be refrigerated if it will not be used up within a day. Refrigerating unused nectar extends its shelf life to 2-3 days max before spoiling can occur.
Proper usage and storage of Perky Pet hummingbird products provide these energetic, beautiful birds the fuel they need. By following best practices around mixing, refrigerating, and cleaning, you can easily enjoy watching hummingbirds feed in your yard.