Is your nectar spoiled?
Transcript
Cloudy nectar is a warning. Stringy bits, black specks, a sour smell — pour it out. Don't top it off. Clean the feeder and mix a fresh batch. In hot weather, check it more often.
Signs the nectar has gone bad
Fresh nectar looks completely clear and has almost no smell. Pour it out if you see any of these:
- Cloudy or milky nectar. Fermentation has already started.
- White strings or floating bits. This is early mold growth.
- Black specks on the reservoir or around the ports. This is black mold.
- A sour, yeasty or alcoholic smell.
- Birds that hover at the feeder but don't drink.
What to do
- Pour out all of the old nectar. Don't top it off with fresh.
- Clean the feeder with hot water and a bottle brush, including every port.
- Mix a fresh batch: ¼ cup NectarBloom per 1 cup water, stirred until clear.
- In hot weather, check the feeder more often and fill only what the birds will drink in a day or two.
