Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that rely on nutritional nectar to fuel their high-energy lifestyles. An important part of attracting and feeding hummingbirds is making sure you offer fresh, high-quality nectar. But how long can pre-made nectar actually last before it goes bad? Here’s what you need to know about the shelf life of store-bought and homemade hummingbird food.
The shelf life of store-bought hummingbird nectar
Pre-made nectar that you buy at the store in liquid or powdered form will come with best by dates listed on the packaging. These dates indicate how long the nectar will stay fresh and appealing to hummingbirds when stored properly.
For liquid concentrate nectar, this is usually about 6 months from the date of manufacture. Once opened, it should be used within 2 weeks.
Powdered nectar mixes can last up to two years unopened. After mixing with water, the shelf life decreases to about a month or less.
Of course, these time frames assume proper storage conditions. Keeping nectar out of direct light and extreme temperatures will help maximize freshness. The nectar can spoil faster than the best by date if it gets too hot or cold.
Tips for storing store-bought nectar
- Keep unopened concentrate or powder in a cool, dark pantry.
- Refrigerate opened liquid concentrate and use within 2 weeks.
- Mix powdered nectar as needed and keep unused portions in an airtight container.
- Keep nectar out of direct sun and away from heat sources.
- Don’t store ready-to-use nectar for longer than 1-2 weeks.
The shelf life of homemade hummingbird nectar
If you prefer to whip up homemade nectar, you’ll have a shorter window in which to use it compared to store-bought varieties. Homemade nectar lacks the preservatives used in commercial products and will spoil faster.
Most experts recommend tossing homemade nectar after just 3-5 days, even if refrigerated. The exception would be nectar made with organic cane sugar, which contains natural antibacterial properties and can often last up to two weeks.
Here are some general guidelines for homemade nectar shelf life:
- 1-3 days at room temperature
- 3-5 days refrigerated
- Up to 2 weeks if using organic cane sugar
Tips for storing homemade nectar
- Use fresh, clean containers.
- Refrigerate to extend shelf life.
- Keep nectar in the shade away from heat.
- Consider adding ascorbic acid for preservation.
- Never leave nectar at room temperature for more than a day.
How to tell if hummingbird nectar has spoiled
Although the above time frames provide good general guidelines, the surest way to tell if hummingbird nectar has gone bad is to closely inspect it.
Here are signs that prepared nectar has spoiled and needs to be discarded:
- Cloudiness or debris: Fresh nectar should look clear. Cloudiness, particles, or fizz mean fermentation.
- Mold: Check for fuzzy mold spots or film on the surface.
- Yeasty smell: Fermented nectar gives off a distinct sour, yeasty odor.
- Expired date: If past the best by date, toss it.
Trust your senses. If nectar develops an off appearance, scent, or texture, get rid of it right away so hummingbirds don’t drink spoiled mix.
Does spoiled nectar make hummingbirds sick?
Consuming nectar that has started to ferment won’t directly make hummingbirds ill. In the wild, these birds are accustomed to feeding on flowering plants that naturally ferment nectar over time.
However, spoiled nectar can contribute to other problems:
- It tastes bad, which may deter hummingbirds from feeding.
- Fermented nectar doesn’t provide nutritional value.
- It can attract ants with the sugary smell.
- If mold is present, it poses a toxicity risk.
To encourage healthy birds and regular feeding, always replace funky-smelling nectar right away rather than waiting for it to run out. Keep feeders clean and avoid wasting hummingbird energy on low-quality nectar.
Ways to slow down nectar spoilage
To help your homemade or store-bought hummingbird nectar last as long as possible:
- Refrigerate – Keep prepared nectar in the fridge to deter microbial growth.
- Use cane sugar – Nectar made with organic cane sugar resists spoiling longer than with white refined sugar.
- Add citric acid – A tiny bit of citric acid powder helps inhibit fermentation.
- Clean feeders – Prevent bacterial buildup by cleaning feeders thoroughly before use.
- Use small batches – Mix only as much nectar as you’ll use in a week.
While following best practices can maximize shelf life, remember to always err on the side of freshness. If in doubt, toss old nectar and make a new batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hummingbird food last in the fridge?
Refrigeration helps extend the shelf life of both store-bought and homemade nectar. Under ideal conditions in the fridge, pre-made liquid concentrate can last 2-3 weeks after opening. Homemade nectar may stay good for 3-5 days. Keep refrigerated nectar in a covered container and discard if it smells funky or shows signs of spoilage.
Can you freeze hummingbird food?
Freezing is not recommended for nectar. The freezing process can cause the sugars to break down, and thawing frozen nectar often leads to dangerous crystallization. It’s best to keep nectar refrigerated and make smaller batches intended for week-long use.
What is the best sugar for hummingbird food?
White, granulated cane or beet sugar makes excellent nectar. Organic cane sugar contains trace nutrients and has antibacterial properties that help homemade nectar resist spoiling for up to 2 weeks. Avoid using alternative sweeteners like honey, agave, or artificial sweeteners.
Should hummingbird feeders be cleaned daily?
In hot weather, it’s smart to clean feeders at least every other day. Use a bottle brush and mild soap and water solution, rinsing thoroughly. This prevents harmful mold and bacteria growth. In cooler weather when nectar lasts longer, aim to clean feeders at least weekly.
Can hummingbirds get sick from old nectar?
They won’t get sick directly from spoiled nectar, but it can deter feeding and attract ants. And if there’s mold in old nectar, ingesting it poses a toxicity risk. To keep hummingbirds happy and healthy, change nectar regularly before it ferments or molds.
Conclusion
From fresh homemade batches to store-bought concentrates, hummingbird nectar doesn’t stay good forever. While shelf life varies based on ingredients and storage methods, replace nectar within 5 days to be safe. Check nectar frequently for any signs of cloudiness, odor, or mold. With sound nectar practices, you can keep these special birds nourished all season long.
