When it comes to feeding hummingbirds, two of the most common nectar options are store bought pre-made nectar and homemade sugar water. But is one better for hummingbirds than the other? There are pros and cons to both options.
Store Bought Hummingbird Nectar
Store bought hummingbird nectar offers convenience – it’s pre-made and ready to pour into your feeder. Major brands like Kaytee and Nature’s Nectar offer hummingbird food that contains four main ingredients: sugar, water, preservatives, and red dye. The sweet liquid aims to mimic the natural nectar that hummingbirds feed on from flowers. Here are some potential benefits of using store bought nectar:
- Convenience – no mixing required, just open and pour
- Consistent formula – nectar has an optimal 20% sugar ratio for energy
- Added vitamins – some brands add electrolytes and vitamins
- Preservatives – keeps nectar fresher longer
- Red dye – attracts hummingbirds visually
However, there are some downsides to commercial nectar as well:
- More expensive than DIY sugar water
- Potential for artificial additives – preservatives, stabilizers, etc.
- Narrow sugar ratio – may not match natural nectar
- Red dye controversial – some think it’s unnecessary
Sugar Water for Hummingbirds
Many people opt to make their own homemade nectar by mixing white granulated sugar with water. This allows you to control the exact ingredients and ratio. Here are some benefits of using DIY sugar water:
- Very inexpensive to make
- Total control over sugar ratio – can adjust as needed
- Only natural ingredients – just sugar and water
- Easily customized – can add fruit for flavor
- No preservatives/additives
However, there are also some drawbacks with the DIY approach:
- Requires mixing – more effort than store bought
- Spoils faster – lasts 2-3 days max
- No vitamins or electrolytes
- Sugar ratio may be off if not mixed properly
- No red dye attractant
Comparing Sugar Content
One of the biggest differences between commercial nectar and homemade sugar water is the concentration of sugar, usually measured as a percentage sucrose solution. Here is how the sugar content compares:
| Nectar Type | Sugar Ratio |
|---|---|
| Store bought nectar | 20% sugar |
| Homemade nectar | 18-25% sugar |
Most commercial nectars consistently contain 20% sugar, as this ratio provides optimal energy and minimizes fermentation. However, natural nectar produced by flowers can vary from 18-25% sugar content depending on climate, genetics, and other factors. The DIY approach gives you more flexibility to experiment with different ratios.
Cost Comparison
One of the main advantages of homemade sugar water is the significant cost savings over commercial nectar. To demonstrate the difference in price, let’s compare the cost of making one cup (8 oz) of each type of nectar:
| Nectar Type | Cost per 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Kaytee Pre-mix Nectar | $0.60 |
| Nature’s Nectar Concentrate | $0.48 |
| Homemade Sugar Water | $0.02 |
As you can see, the DIY nectar is dramatically cheaper per cup compared to the commercial alternatives. Over a full season of refilling feeders, homemade sugar water can provide huge savings.
Simplicity of Preparation
Convenience is one of the major reasons people opt for store bought hummingbird nectar. Here is a simple comparison of the steps required to prepare each type of nectar:
| Nectar Type | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Store Bought |
|
| Homemade |
|
Clearly it’s much easier and faster to use pre-made nectar. But the extra effort to make homemade nectar may be worth it for many hobbyists who want to save money and control ingredients.
Risk of Fermentation
One significant difference between commercial and homemade nectar is the risk of fermentation. Yeasts and bacteria can grow in the nectar, converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This can lead to health issues for hummingbirds. Here are some key points:
- Store bought nectar has preservatives to inhibit microbial growth
- Sugar ratios around 20% minimize fermentation risk
- DIY nectar lasts 2-3 days before fermenting
- Proper cleaning helps prevent “moldy” nectar
- Fermented nectar has bubbles/clouding/slimy texture
With homemade nectar, vigilance is required to watch for signs of spoilage and promptly clean feeders. Commercial nectar lasts longer before going bad.
Conclusion
In the end, both store bought and homemade sugar water can be excellent options for feeding hummingbirds. Commercial nectar offers fool-proof convenience, consistent quality, and built-in feeding cues like red dye. However, DIY nectar gives you greater control over cost, ingredients, and nutrition ratios – but requires more diligence. Here are some final takeaways when comparing the two approaches:
- Store bought nectar is quick, easy, consistent, but more expensive
- Homemade nectar is ultra cheap, customizable, but requires effort and vigilance
- Commercial products inhibit fermentation better with preservatives
- Adjustable sugar ratios in DIY nectar can better match flowers
- Both can provide safe, nutritious fuel sources for hummingbirds
The “best” option depends on your personal needs and preferences as a hummingbird caretaker. With some care and smart practices, both homemade and commercial nectars can keep these special birds happy, healthy, and energized!
