Prices verified Jun 22 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Wagner's 13008 wins for most backyard birders — a 4.7-star seed blend with 35,174 reviews that draws a colorful mix of songbirds. The Kaytee ElectroNectar is the go-to for hummingbird-specific feeding.
The Verdict
Best for most people
Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food
Attracts finches, cardinals, and chickadees with a proven seed blend backed by 35,174 reviews and 4.7 stars.
Pick the Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces instead if
- You're dedicated to hummingbirds — Kaytee's ready-to-use nectar draws them reliably.
- You want hassle-free feeding without mixing or cleaning seed mess.
- Your budget is tight and you only need a hummingbird-specific solution.
- You're in a region like the Pacific Northwest where hummingbirds outnumber seed-eaters.
Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food vs Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces, side by side
Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food
Pros:
- 4.7-star average from 35,174 Amazon reviews
- Attracts finches, cardinals, chickadees, and more
- Works in tube, hopper, and platform feeders
- Mid-range price point for broad bird coverage
Cons (honest weight):
- Requires a separate feeder (not included)
- Not for hummingbirds or suet-eating birds
Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces
Pros:
- 4.6-star rating with over 29,000 reviews
- Ready-to-use; no mixing required
- Electrolyte formula energizes hummingbirds
- More affordable than most seed blends
Cons (honest weight):
- Exclusively for hummingbirds
- Bottle may drip if feeder isn't perfectly level
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Wagner's 13008 takes 4; Kaytee Hummingbird takes 2.
| Dimension | Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food | Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceKaytee is cheaper per unit, but serves only one bird type. | $18.74 per bag | $9.99 per bottle | Kaytee Hummingbird |
| Target BirdsDepends on the birds in your area. | Seed-eaters (finches, cardinals, etc.) | Hummingbirds exclusively | Tie |
| ConvenienceKaytee pours directly into a hummingbird feeder. | Requires a separate feeder | Ready-to-use; no mixing | Kaytee Hummingbird |
| RatingWagner's edges out with slightly higher satisfaction. | 4.7 stars | 4.6 stars | Wagner's 13008 |
| Review CountWagner's has a longer track record. | 35,174 reviews | 29,309 reviews | Wagner's 13008 |
| ValueBoth offer great value in their niche. | Excellent value for diverse seed-eating birds | Good value for hummingbird-specific feeding | Tie |
| Pest ResistanceWagner's seed is easier to protect from pests. | Less pest-prone if used in squirrel-proof feeder | Ant moat recommended | Wagner's 13008 |
| Feeder CompatibilityWagner's is more versatile across feeder types. | Works in tube, hopper, and platform feeders | Requires a hummingbird feeder with small ports | Wagner's 13008 |
| Overall | 4 wins | 2 wins | Wagner's 13008 |
Price and Value — Kaytee is cheaper but limited
Kaytee ElectroNectar costs roughly half the price of Wagner's seed blend. per bottle, it's a budget-friendly entry point for hummingbird lovers.
However, Wagner's 13008, while more expensive, attracts a far wider range of birds. The extra cost is justified by the seed mix's universal appeal.
If you only care about hummingbirds, go Kaytee. For a mixed backyard flock, the extra spend on Wagner's yields more wildlife activity.
Target Birds — A tie, but choose your winner
Wagner's 13008 is formulated for seed-eating songbirds like finches, cardinals, and chickadees. It's a general-purpose mix that pleases a crowd.
Kaytee ElectroNectar is exclusively for hummingbirds, with a formula designed to energize their high metabolism. It won't attract other species.
If your yard already has a mix of birds, Wagner's is the smarter all-around choice. Hummingbird enthusiasts should stick with Kaytee.
Convenience — Kaytee takes the crown
Kaytee ElectroNectar is ready to use — just pour it into your hummingbird feeder. No mixing, no measuring, no mess.
Wagner's 13008 requires a separate feeder, which you'll need to buy, fill, and clean. Seed feeders also tend to scatter hulls and create ground waste.
If you dread prep work, Kaytee is the clear winner. The time saved adds up over a season.
Rating — Wagner's wins by a feather
Wagner's 13008 holds a 4.7-star average from 35,174 reviews. Buyers consistently report high satisfaction and bird activity.
Kaytee ElectroNectar scores 4.6 stars from 29,309 reviews. It's a strong rating, but slightly fewer total reviews mean less accumulated feedback.
The.1-star edge is minor, but Wagner's larger review base reinforces its reliability. Both products are top-rated in their categories.
Review Count — Wagner's track record is deeper
Wagner's 13008 has 35,174 reviews compared to Kaytee's 29,309. That's 5,865 more data points from verified buyers.
A higher review count often means a product has been on the market longer and proven itself. Wagner's has built trust over many years.
Kaytee's 29,309 reviews are still impressive, but Wagner's extra history offers peace of mind. First-time bird feeder buyers may prefer the more reviewed option.
Value — Both shine in their niches
Wagner's 13008 provides excellent value for anyone wanting to attract a variety of birds. The cost per ounce is reasonable, and the bag lasts a long time in a typical feeder.
Kaytee ElectroNectar is great value for hummingbird-only setups. It's an affordable, specialized product that does its job perfectly.
Neither is a bad buy. Value depends entirely on which birds you want to see in your yard.
Pest Resistance — Wagner's is easier to defend
Wagner's 13008 can be used in squirrel-proof feeders to deter rodents. Many buyers report success with baffles and weight‑activated perches.
Kaytee ElectroNectar, while not attracting squirrels, often invites ants. An ant moat is recommended with most hummingbird feeders.
Overall, Wagner's gives you more pest‑control options. Seed feeders have a mature ecosystem of deterrents.
Feeder Compatibility — Wagner's fits more setups
Wagner's 13008 is versatile: it works in tube, hopper, and platform feeders. You can choose the feeder style that best suits your yard.
Kaytee ElectroNectar requires a dedicated hummingbird feeder with small feeding ports. The bottle's wide mouth won't fit anything else.
If you already own several feeder types, Wagner's seamlessly integrates. Hummingbird feeders are necessary for Kaytee, adding cost if you don't have one.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want to see a colorful mix of songbirds | Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food | Wagner's attracts finches, cardinals, chickadees, and more. |
| You're a dedicated hummingbird watcher | Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces | Kaytee is formulated specifically for hummingbirds' high-energy needs. |
| You have a small budget | Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces | Kaytee costs about half the price of most seed blends. |
| You want minimal cleanup | Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces | Kaytee is liquid; no seed hulls to sweep off the ground. |
| You enjoy a high-diversity backyard habitat | Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food | Wagner's lures a broad range of bird species to your feeders. |
| You live in a region with few seed-eating birds | Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar Wild Bird Food, Ready to Use, 64 Ounces | In some parts of the Pacific Northwest, hummingbirds dominate. |
Wagner's attracts finches, cardinals, chickadees, and more.
Kaytee is formulated specifically for hummingbirds' high-energy needs.
Kaytee costs about half the price of most seed blends.
Kaytee is liquid; no seed hulls to sweep off the ground.
Wagner's lures a broad range of bird species to your feeders.
In some parts of the Pacific Northwest, hummingbirds dominate.
What if neither is right?
Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food with Cherry Flavor, 10-Pound Bag
$12.48
A fruitier seed mix at a lower price, favored by fruit-eating birds.
Perky-Pet 203CPBN Glass Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors with Perches, Ant Moat, Bee Guards
$8.97
The perfect companion feeder for Kaytee nectar — includes ant moat and bee guards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wagner's 13008 vs Kaytee ElectroNectar: which is better?
It depends on your bird-watching goals. Wagner's 13008 is better if you want to attract a wide variety of seed-eating songbirds like finches, cardinals, and chickadees. Kaytee ElectroNectar is the top choice for hummingbird enthusiasts who want a ready-to-use nectar. Both are top-rated, so choose based on the birds you want to see.
Is Kaytee ElectroNectar worth the lower price?
Yes, if hummingbirds are your primary interest. per bottle, it's a budget-friendly way to enjoy hummingbirds without any mixing or prep. Just keep in mind it won't attract other birds, so you'll need a separate feeder and possibly additional seed if you want a multi-species backyard.
Can I use both products together?
Absolutely. Many birders set up a seed feeder with Wagner's 13008 and a hummingbird feeder with Kaytee ElectroNectar. This dual approach covers all the major bird groups and increases the diversity in your yard. Just place the feeders at least three feet apart to reduce conflicts between species.
Does Wagner's 13008 require a special feeder?
No, it works in standard tube, hopper, and platform feeders. Choose a feeder based on the birds you want to attract and your willingness to clean it. Squirrel-proof designs help protect the seed, and a tray at the bottom catches falling hulls.
How do I prevent pests with these products?
For Wagner's, use a squirrel-proof feeder with a weight-activated mechanism. For Kaytee, add an ant moat to your hummingbird feeder — it sits above the ports and drowns ants before they reach the nectar. Both products are relatively low-maintenance with the right accessories.
How long does a bag of Wagner's seed last?
A 10‑pound bag of Wagner's 13008 typically lasts 2‑4 weeks in a busy feeder, depending on the number of birds. Store it in a cool, dry place, and avoid moisture to prevent mold. The resealable bag helps keep it fresh between refills.
How we compared. We analyzed over 64,000 verified Amazon buyer reviews for both products, examined manufacturer specifications, and evaluated real-world performance based on buyer feedback.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Our comparison draws from 64,000+ verified buyer reviews and manufacturer specs. Prices update weekly from Amazon.