Hummer Nectar: Affordable & Must-Have Feeding Guide for 10 Hummingbirds
How Long Would a Quart of Hummer Nectar Last with 10 Hummingbirds in the Yard?
It appears Hummer Nectar is almost free, costing about 60 cents per quart—making it an attractive option for those who enjoy feeding hummingbirds. But how long would a quart of this nectar last if you have 10 hummingbirds visiting your yard regularly? To answer that, it’s important to understand how much nectar hummingbirds consume daily, how to manage feeding efficiently, and also how the Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker® fits into the equation by simplifying nectar preparation.
How Much Nectar Do Hummingbirds Consume?
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and fuel their energy-intensive flight with sugar-rich nectar. On average, a single hummingbird consumes about half of its body weight in nectar each day. That roughly translates to about 4 ml (0.13 oz) of nectar daily per bird. Given that the average hummingbird weighs approximately 3 grams, they require frequent feeding breaks to sustain their rapid wing beats.
With 10 hummingbirds in your yard, the total daily nectar consumption would be about 40 ml (1.35 oz).
Estimating How Long a Quart of Hummer Nectar Would Last
A quart contains 946 ml (32 ounces) of liquid. Dividing the total volume by the daily consumption offers a practical estimate of how long the nectar will last.
- Total nectar in one quart: 946 ml
- Total daily consumption for 10 hummingbirds: 40 ml
Calculation: 946 ml ÷ 40 ml/day = approximately 23.65 days
So, a single quart of Hummer Nectar would last roughly 23 to 24 days in your yard if only those 10 hummingbirds are feeding.
Are Hummingbirds the Cheapest of All Wild Birds to Feed?
Given the modest amount of nectar hummingbirds consume relative to birds that eat seeds or larger food volumes, hummingbird feeding can indeed be surprisingly economical. While seed-feeding wild birds like cardinals or finches might require several pounds of seed per week, the cost per serving for hummingbirds is lower due to their tiny size and small daily nourishment needs.
At about 60 cents per quart, hummingbird nectar is very cost-effective. Even when factoring in regular replenishment and occasional feeder cleaning, feeding hummingbirds may actually be cheaper than maintaining seed feeders for larger birds.
Using the Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker®—How Much Nectar Does It Make Per Batch?
For hummingbird enthusiasts who prefer making their own nectar, the Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker® offers a convenient and quick solution. This device is designed to mix the perfect ratio of sugar and water, ensuring a balanced, healthy nectar formula without overheating or nutrient degradation.
Each batch made with the Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker® produces about one quart (946 ml) of nectar at a time—ideal for maintaining consistency, reducing waste, and ensuring hummingbirds get fresh nectar regularly. This is especially handy if you have multiple feeders or a large hummingbird population to support. So making nectar this way is almost free at 60 cents per quart.
Tips to Maximize Nectar Usage and Keep Hummingbirds Happy
- Regularly Clean Feeders: Bacteria and mold can grow quickly in nectar, so clean feeders every 2-3 days, especially in hot weather, to keep hummingbirds healthy.
- Avoid Adding Red Dye: The natural color of the nectar attracts hummingbirds; artificial dyes can be harmful.
- Adjust Quantity Based on Bird Activity: During peak migration or breeding seasons, hummingbird numbers may increase, so more nectar might be needed.
- Position Feeders Properly: Place feeders in shaded areas to slow nectar fermentation and maximize freshness.
Conclusion
Feeding hummingbirds with Hummer Nectar, especially at about 60 cents per quart, is an affordable and rewarding way to support these energetic wild birds. With 10 hummingbirds consuming around 40 ml of nectar daily, a single quart should last nearly 24 days. When combined with practical tools like the Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker®, which conveniently prepares one quart per batch, hummingbird feeding becomes both simple and cost-effective. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or a curious beginner, providing fresh nectar is an enriching way to enjoy the lively presence of hummingbirds in your garden.
