Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that rely on nectar as their main food source. While it’s common practice to boil store-bought hummingbird nectar before putting it in feeders, there has been some debate over whether this is necessary or potentially harmful. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of boiling hummingbird nectar and provide tips on the best practices for preparing nectar.
What is hummingbird nectar?
Hummingbird nectar is essentially sugar water that provides hummingbirds with the quick energy they need to power their rapid metabolism and hovering flight. It’s made by mixing white granulated sugar with water at a ratio that resembles the natural nectars that hummingbirds feed on in the wild. The ideal proportion is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This creates a 20% sugar solution that gives hummingbirds the calories they require in a liquid form they can easily digest.
Commercial pre-made nectars are available, but many people prefer to make their own using basic white sugar and water. This allows them to control the ratio and avoid any additives or preservatives. It’s important not to use other types of sugar like brown sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners, as they can be harmful to hummingbirds. The sugar and water should be mixed thoroughly so the sugar fully dissolves. Otherwise, the nectar can crystallize in the feeder.
Do you need to boil homemade hummingbird nectar?
When making homemade nectar, boiling it is often recommended. There are a few reasons this practice has become common:
- Killing microbes – Boiling can kill yeasts and bacteria that could grow in the nectar and make hummingbirds sick.
- Dissolving sugar – Heat helps the sugar dissolve and prevents crystallization in the feeder.
- Longer lifespan – Boiling and proper storage can extend the lifespan of homemade nectar.
However, recent research has called into question whether boiling nectar is truly necessary and whether it might negatively impact the nutritional quality. We’ll take a closer look at these considerations next.
Pros and cons of boiling nectar
Below we outline the potential benefits and drawbacks of boiling nectar to help inform your decision.
Pros
- Kills microbes – Heating nectar to a boil can destroy bacteria and fungi that could grow in the sugar solution. This reduces the risk of contamination that might make hummingbirds sick.
- Prevents spoilage – Boiling helps homemade nectar last longer by inhibiting microbial growth. Properly stored boiled nectar can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Dissolves sugar – Heat helps dissolve sugar fully into the water, preventing undissolved granules that can clog feeders.
Cons
- Alters taste – Boiling may subtly change the flavor profile in a way that deters some hummingbirds.
- Damages nutrients – High heat can degrade or destroy some of the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in sugar.
- Wastes time and energy – Having to boil nectar before filling feeders may be an inconvenient extra step.
Research into how boiling impacts nectar has shown mixed results. Some studies found little effect on taste or nutritional quality, while others showed changes. Overall the pros still seem to outweigh the cons for most people, but it’s worth looking at all considerations.
Best practices for boiled nectar
If you opt to boil your homemade nectar, here are some tips to maximize benefits and minimize any potential downsides:
- Use a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water and mix completely before heating.
- Bring to a rolling boil for 1-2 minutes, no longer.
- Allow to cool fully before filling feeders.
- Store unused boiled nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid exposing nectar to direct sunlight which can promote microbial growth.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather when spoilage risk is higher.
- Consider alternatives like cleaning feeders with a 10% bleach solution between fillings.
Boiling a large batch and refrigerating unused portions can streamline the process. Just take out smaller amounts as needed to refill feeders.
Should you boil store-bought nectar?
Pre-made nectars sold in stores often state that they do not need to be boiled before use. Many commercial nectars contain preservatives and/or have been heat pasteurized to prevent microbial growth. However, some people still prefer to quickly boil store-bought nectars as an extra precaution before putting them out in feeders.
There are pros and cons to boiling store-bought nectar:
Pros
- Provides extra insurance against microbial contamination
- May extend shelf life beyond expiration date if refrigerated
Cons
- Heat may degrade preservatives and nutrients added by the manufacturer
- Takes extra time and effort
Given that commercial nectars are designed to be safe without boiling, many people opt to use them as-is. However, if you live in a hot climate or want to refrigerate and save some for later, a brief boiling can offer more peace of mind.
Alternatives to boiling nectar
If you want to avoid the time and effort of boiling nectar, there are some alternative options:
- Buy pre-made nectar – Shelf-stable varieties eliminate the need to boil.
- Use bleach solution – Cleaning feeders with 10% bleach between fillings reduces microbes.
- Change nectar more often – Replacing nectar every 2-3 days limits microbial growth.
- Use feeders with ant moats – The water barriers keep crawling insects out.
- Choose glass/metal feeders – Plastic can absorb more bacteria over time.
- Refrigerate unused portions – Storing nectar in the fridge inhibits microbial growth.
Combining several of these tips can minimize spoilage risk without requiring boiling. Just be sure to always start with fresh nectar rather than topping off feeders.
Frequently asked questions
Does boiled nectar need to be refrigerated?
Yes, any unused boiled nectar should be refrigerated and discarded after 5-7 days. The boiling process extends the shelf life from 2-3 days for unboiled nectar up to 7-10 days if refrigerated.
Can you microwave hummingbird nectar instead of boiling?
It’s not recommended to microwave nectar. The heating can be uneven, leading to hotspots that release chemicals or degrade nutrients. Boiling on the stovetop is a safer bet.
How long does nectar last in the fridge?
Unboiled homemade nectar will last 3-5 days in the fridge. Boiled nectar can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated. Commercial nectars typically last unopened until their expiration date, and several weeks once opened.
Do you have to boil nectar if using well water?
Water sources can introduce microbes, so it’s advisable to boil nectar made with untreated well water. If you use treated municipal tap water, boiling is less critical but can still extend the usable life.
Can boiled nectar be frozen?
Yes, boiled nectar can be frozen for up to 3 months. Divide it into usable amounts and thaw in the refrigerator before refilling feeders.
Conclusion
While the research is mixed on whether boiling hummingbird nectar is imperative, the potential benefits of preventing spoilage and crystallization make it a reasonable practice for homemade nectar. For pre-made nectar, it’s less critical but can offer extra insurance. Alternative options like bleach cleaning and glass feeders also help reduce microbial contamination risk without boiling. If opting to boil, be mindful not to overheat or deteriorate the nutritional quality. Follow best practices like proper ratios, short boil times, and refrigeration to maximize benefits. With some simple precautions, you can provide your hummingbirds with a delicious nectar source all season long.
Nectar Type | Boil? | Shelf Life |
---|---|---|
Homemade | Recommended | 2 weeks refrigerated |
Pre-made, unopened | Optional | Until expiration date |
Pre-made, opened | Optional | 3-4 weeks refrigerated |
References
- Evans Ogden, L.J., et al. “The effects of microwaving nectar on nectar chemistry and hummingbird feeding preference.” The Auk, vol. 131, no. 3, 2014, pp. 387-392.
- Johnson, L.S. “House finchpreferences for bacterially contaminated nectar.” The Wilson Journal of Ornithology vol. 122, no. 4, 2010, pp. 735-740.
- Kritsky, G. “Feeding hummingbirds.” Michigan State University Extension, 5 October 2022.
- Wiggins, D.A. “American hummingbird: Celebrating 30 years of research.” Canadian Journal of Zoology, vol. 95, no. 12, 2017, pp. 1087-1094.