Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that are loved by many. To help attract hummingbirds to gardens, many people use commercially made nectar concentrates. These concentrates offer an easy way to make nectar that hummingbirds will enjoy. One popular place to find hummingbird concentrate is Walmart. Walmart carries a variety of hummingbird feeder concentrates at affordable prices. Understanding what hummingbird concentrate is and the options available at Walmart can help consumers make the best choice for their needs.
What is Hummingbird Concentrate?
Hummingbird concentrate is a commercially made solution designed to be mixed with water to make hummingbird nectar. The concentrate is thick and syrupy, composed mainly of sucrose and water. Some concentrates also contain additional ingredients such as artificial colors and preservatives. When mixed with water at the proper ratios, hummingbird concentrate forms a nectar that provides nutrition and energy for hummingbirds.
The thicker consistency of hummingbird concentrate allows it to be packaged and shipped. By adding water, consumers can easily mix up fresh nectar anytime it is needed. This makes concentrates a convenient choice for attracting hummingbirds. The nectar made from commercial concentrates provides a nutrient-rich food source similar to the nectar found in flowers that draws in hummingbirds.
Key Features of Hummingbird Concentrate
- Thick, syrupy liquid concentrate
- Main ingredients are sucrose and water
- May contain added colors and preservatives
- Designed to mix with water to make hummingbird nectar
- Concentrated form allows for shipping and storage
- Mixing with water makes fresh nectar for hummingbirds
Types of Hummingbird Concentrates at Walmart
Walmart carries a selection of popular hummingbird concentrate brands and types. Options include both red and clear concentrates with varying ingredients. Some key concentrates that can be found at Walmart include:
1. Kaytee Pre-Sweetened Hummingbird Nectar
This concentrate from Kaytee is one of the most readily available at Walmart stores. It has a bright red color and a sweet flavor to attract hummingbirds. The concentrate contains sucrose, fructose, and trace amounts of food-grade red dye.
2. Kaytee High Calorie Pre-Sweetened Hummingbird Nectar
Kaytee also makes this concentrate designed with added fats and carbohydrates to provide extra nutrition. It contains sucrose, fructose, oils, and food-grade red dye.
3. Sweetwater All Natural Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate
This concentrate from Sweetwater is non-dyed and contains only sucrose and water. It provides a clear nectar option for hummingbirds.
4. Perky-Pet High Energy Formula Hummingbird Concentrate
Perky-Pet makes this concentrate that includes added nutrients like amino acids and vitamins. It is red colored using food-grade dye.
5. Katee Liquid Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate
Another red colored concentrate made by Katee. It contains sucrose, water, and red food coloring as the main ingredients.
Comparing Hummingbird Concentrate Options at Walmart
| Brand | Main Ingredients | Color | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaytee Pre-Sweetened Hummingbird Nectar | Sucrose, fructose, food-grade red dye | Red | Popular pre-sweetened formula |
| Kaytee High Calorie Pre-Sweetened Hummingbird Nectar | Sucrose, fructose, oils, food-grade red dye | Red | Added fats and carbohydrates |
| Sweetwater All Natural Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate | Sucrose, water | Clear | No dyes added |
| Perky-Pet High Energy Formula Hummingbird Concentrate | Sucrose, vitamins, amino acids, food-grade red dye | Red | Added nutrients |
| Katee Liquid Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate | Sucrose, water, food-grade red dye | Red | Basic colored formula |
This table compares some of the main types of concentrates available at Walmart. The main differences are the ingredients, color, and any specialty additives the manufacturer includes. Most contain sucrose as the main sugar component along with water. Clear concentrates avoid dyes, while red colored concentrates use food-grade red dyes. Some concentrates also include additional carbohydrates, fats, vitamins or minerals to provide enhanced nutrition.
How to Use Hummingbird Concentrates from Walmart
Using hummingbird concentrate from Walmart is a simple process. Follow these steps:
1. Select a Concentrate
Choose the concentrate you want to use. Consider factors like ingredients, additives, and color. Make sure the product has not expired.
2. Mix with Water
Add concentrate to water using the recommended ratio on the package. Most instruct mixing 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water. Stir well to fully dissolve the concentrate.
3. Fill Hummingbird Feeder
Pour the nectar solution into your hummingbird feeder. Fill to the appropriate level based on feeder style. Hang or position the feeder in your yard.
4. Change Nectar Regularly
Empty and clean the feeder every 2-4 days. Remake fresh nectar by repeating steps 2 and 3. This helps keep the nectar from spoiling.
Tips for Using Hummingbird Concentrate
Use room temperature water
Mixing concentrate with room temperature water helps the solution blend smoothly. If water is cold, the concentrate may clump.
Make only what you need
Avoid making large batches of unused nectar. Unused concentrate does not store well after mixing. Mix only the amount you need for your feeder to ensure freshness.
Don’t overfill feeders
Nectar can ferment if feeders are overfilled. Follow fill lines and don’t exceed recommended amounts.
Store concentrate in cool area
Keep unused concentrate in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat or freezing. Check expiration date before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart sell hummingbird food?
Yes, Walmart sells several types of hummingbird nectar concentrates that can be mixed to make hummingbird food. Concentrates are available from brands like Kaytee, Perky-Pet, Sweetwater, and others.
What is the best hummingbird food concentrate?
The most recommended concentrate is made with just sucrose and water without dyes or preservatives. Kaytee and Sweetwater make concentrates like this. Some consumers prefer red-dyed concentrates while others like clear. Choose one based on your preferences.
Is it okay to use old hummingbird concentrate?
It is not recommended. Concentrate can spoil and grow mold if old or after being mixed. Use concentrates before the expiration date and make fresh batches of food every 2-4 days.
What ratio do you mix hummingbird concentrate?
Most concentrates recommend mixing a 1:4 ratio, which is 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water. Always check the package directions. Mixing a proper ratio provides the nutrition hummingbirds need.
Does Walmart sell hummingbird feeders?
Yes, Walmart has a selection of hummingbird feeders available. They sell both plastic and glass styles in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Feeders often are displayed alongside the concentrates in stores.
Conclusion
Walmart provides an easy and affordable option for purchasing hummingbird nectar concentrates. They carry popular brands in both colored and clear concentrate options. Concentrates should be mixed precisely with water to create fresh nectar. With proper hummingbird feeder care and nectar replacement, these Walmart concentrates can help attract beautiful hummingbirds to any outdoor space. The variety at Walmart allows customers to find the ideal concentrate to meet their needs and preferences.
