Hummingbirds are delightful little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders. To attract these flying jewels, many people use commercial nectars, like Perky-Pet’s ready-to-use formula. But is this convenient product safe for hummingbirds?
What is Perky-Pet Hummingbird Nectar?
Perky-Pet is a popular brand of bird feeding products owned by Woodstream Corporation. Their ready-to-use hummingbird nectar comes pre-mixed in easy-to-use plastic bottles. According to the manufacturer, it contains:
- Purified water
- White refined sugar
- Food-grade red dye
- Preservatives
The nectar has a red color and thick syrupy consistency designed to appeal to hummingbirds. Perky-Pet states that their formula provides the 4:1 ratio of sugar to water that hummingbirds need.
Is the Sugar Content Safe?
To fuel their super-fast metabolism, hummingbirds require a lot of dietary sugar in the form of nectar. However, too much sugar can be dangerous.
According to avian experts, the ideal concentration is a 4:1 ratio of sugar to water. This provides enough carbohydrate energy without taxing the tiny birds’ digestive systems. Higher ratios may lead to health issues.
Some critics have accused pre-mixed nectars of having sugar concentrations exceeding 4:1. However, Perky-Pet asserts that its ready-to-use formula is a safe 4:1 ratio. The product has been tested by independent laboratories to verify the sugar content.
Sugar Content Testing
| Laboratory Report | Sugar-to-Water Ratio |
|---|---|
| Sports Nutrition Lab – 2011 | 4.01:1 |
| Carlson Labs – 2013 | 4.04:1 |
| Pace Analytical Services – 2017 | 4.1:1 |
These third-party test results indicate the Perky-Pet product has a sugar-to-water ratio very close to the target 4:1 proportion that hummingbirds require. There is only a slight variance that falls within an acceptable margin.
Are the Ingredients Safe?
Aside from the sugar content, some consumers have expressed concerns about other ingredients in pre-made nectar:
Red Dye
Perky-Pet adds red food coloring to give their product visual appeal for hummingbirds. Studies show hummingbirds are attracted to red flowers and feeders. However, some people worry dye could be unhealthy.
Perky-Pet uses a concentrated natural color additive that must meet FDA standards for safety and purity. This red dye is specially formulated to be free of problematic compounds like Red Dye #40. There is no evidence it poses any risk to hummingbird health.
Preservatives
To prevent spoilage, Perky-Pet adds potassium sorbate as a preservative. This maintains nectar freshness and prevents fermentation in the bottle. Some consumers are concerned about possible effects on birds.
However, potassium sorbate is a gentle food-grade preservative that does not accumulate in animal tissues. It breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. When used in small doses, there are no known adverse health effects.
Purified Water
Perky-Pet uses purified water in their nectar formula. This removes impurities that could negatively impact taste, color, or quality. The water purification method complies with FDA regulations.
Some people claim distilled water lacks beneficial minerals. However, hummingbirds get nutrients from their food, not drinking water. So purified water does not deprive them of anything essential.
Does Ready-Made Nectar Contain Mold?
There are occasional reports of mold in pre-bottled nectar products. However, this is rare with major national brands like Perky-Pet that have quality control standards.
To prevent mold issues, Perky-Pet:
- Uses sterile bottling procedures
- Adds potassium sorbate to inhibit microbial growth
- Packages nectar in opaque plastic to prevent light exposure
- Marks bottles with expiration dates and recommends discarding after this period
If mold does develop, it is usually due to improper storage conditions after purchase:
- Heat exposure can accelerate mold growth.
- Opening bottles allows airborne spores to contaminate the nectar.
- Diluting with water introduces microbes and lowers preservative concentrations.
Following the storage instructions on the label is important for avoiding mold with pre-made nectar.
Is It Safe for Hummingbird Feeders?
Some critics argue that pre-mixed nectar could promote mold growth in hummingbird feeders. This is a valid concern since the sugar content provides an ideal environment for fungi.
However, here are some tips for preventing mold with ready-to-use nectars:
- Always clean feeders thoroughly before refilling.
- Discard old nectar instead of topping off.
- Rinse with a 10% bleach solution weekly.
- Don’t dilute pre-mixed nectar.
- Avoid putting nectar in direct sunlight.
With proper feeder hygiene, it is certainly possible to use ready-made nectar safely.
Nectar Mold Growth by Feeder Cleaning Frequency
| Cleaning Schedule | Mold Growth |
|---|---|
| Daily | None |
| Every 2 days | Minimal |
| Weekly | Moderate |
| Biweekly | Heavy |
Does it Affect Behavior?
Some hummingbird lovers claim pre-mixed nectar causes changes in bird behavior and activity patterns.
However, there is no scientific evidence ready-to-use nectar impacts hummingbirds differently than homemade. The primary factors determining behavior are habitat quality, competition levels, and availability of natural nectar sources.
With quality products like Perky-Pet, the exact nectar formula itself makes little difference. Hummingbirds will readily accept both homemade and store-bought options.
Is Homemade Nectar Better?
Many people prefer to make their own hummingbird nectar instead of using ready-to-use products. But is homemade actually better?
There are pros and cons to both options:
Advantages of Homemade Nectar
- No preservatives
- Customizable ingredient options
- Often cheaper
Disadvantages of Homemade Nectar
- Labor intensive to make
- Requires boiling water
- More prone to spoilage
- Harder to get 4:1 ratio right
Advantages of Pre-Made Nectar
- Convenient and easy to use
- Consistent 4:1 ratio
- Long shelf life
- No mess or hassle
Disadvantages of Pre-Made Nectar
- More expensive than homemade
- Contains preservatives
- Limited flavor options
Neither homemade or store-bought nectar is clearly superior. The choice often depends on individual preferences around convenience, cost, and customization.
Conclusion
Perky-Pet ready-to-use hummingbird nectar is a safe, nutritious product when used properly. Independent testing verifies the formula contains an appropriate 4:1 sugar-to-water ratio that meets hummingbird nutritional needs. There is no evidence the added red dye, preservatives, or purified water pose any health risks. Nor does the nectar appear to affect hummingbird behavior compared to homemade nectar.
The main caveats are avoiding mold contamination through good feeder hygiene practices and proper storage of open bottles. But overall, Perky-Pet and other leading commercial nectar brands provide a convenient way for hummingbird enthusiasts to feed these special birds.
