Perky Pet Products 230 8-Ounce Instant Nectar

If hummingbirds seem to prefer this mix over plain sugar water, it's probably because the sugar water has fermented--it must be changed and the feeder cleaned as soon as it starts getting cloudy--and the fresh mix is the lesser of two evils. Many, many people report getting several times more hummingbirds after switching from this mix to plain sugar water.

A 1:4 sugar water syrup is nearly identical to natural flower nectars from plants that hummingbirds use. The contents of Perky-Pet's mix are not listed, since none of the protective government regulations apply to animal food, but analyses of the mix usually show a host of bacteria and other contaminants, presumably from unregulated and unsanitary handling practices. Sugar is cheap--why take a chance on the health of your hummingbirds?

I would rate this product with negative stars if it were possible.


Waste of Money   October 10, 2000
Richard A Hallowell (Ridgecrest, CA USA)
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

This product is an overpriced box of sugar and food coloring. The same effect can be achieved cheaper by using 1 part sugar to 4 parts water and not using red food coloring. Hummingbirds will be sufficiently attracted to the feeder without the food coloring.


Unnatural, unnecessary and expensive   October 10, 2000
Sheri L. Williamson (Bisbee, AZ USA)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful

"Artificial nectar" mixes such as this are NOT recommended by hummingbird experts. They contain dyes and preservatives, chemicals that are not found in natural flower nectar and may have long-term effects on the birds' health. The red dye is not necessary to attract the birds (the bright color of the feeder will do that) and may have an unpleasant taste. Tests have shown that, when offered a choice, hummingbirds favor plain sugar water over dyed solutions. Any added "nutrients" are present in such small quantities as to be useless to the birds, which fill all their major nutritional needs by eating insects and other invertebrates. Also, there is nothing in these mixes to justify the price, which is 5 to 8 times the cost of ordinary white sugar (which is actually sucrose, the natural sugar hummingbirds prefer above all others). A simple solution of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar is convenient, inexpensive, and much more natural for the birds.

Sheri Williamson, author of "Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds"


waste of money   October 11, 2000
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

i love the perky pet feeders, they're my faves, but the nectar is a waste. i can mix 25% sugar to 75% water and get a cheaper, easier mix, without additives. do it yourself--cheaper and better for the birds.


Hummingbird Nectar   July 7, 2000
Lisa Hazen (Saratoga, CA United States)
8 out of 12 found this review helpful

I have used this brand for a long time now and the Hummingbirds will drain a 2 cup feeder in less than 2 weeks. They love it!