Dreaming of a dazzling hummingbird as a pet? The answer is generally no, and there are crucial reasons. PETS.EDU.VN can guide you through the legalities and explain why these amazing birds thrive best in the wild. Discover more about hummingbird protection, conservation, and how you can support them ethically with PETS.EDU.VN, learning valuable bird keeping insights.
1. Why Hummingbirds Are Unsuitable as Pets
Hummingbirds, with their energetic nature, extensive foraging needs, and specialized diets, are not suited to be pets. These birds fly across large territories every day to find food and they will not be happy if they are kept in a small, enclosed space.
- Extensive Foraging: Hummingbirds need access to a wide variety of plants and flowers to get the nectar they need.
- High Metabolism: They have extremely fast metabolisms and need to eat constantly to stay alive.
- Migration: Some species migrate long distances and require the freedom to do so.
2. Is It Legal to Have a Pet Hummingbird?
In the United States, it is illegal to capture or keep a wild hummingbird. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the possession, sale, or purchase of these birds without a permit.
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act: This act protects migratory birds, including hummingbirds, from being hunted, captured, killed, or sold.
- Permits for Rehabilitation: Only licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers are allowed to care for injured hummingbirds.
- Penalties: Violators can face fines and other penalties.
3. Can You Have a Hummingbird as a Pet in the UK?
Hummingbirds are not native to the UK or Europe and cannot survive in these climates. They require specific conditions and plants that are not naturally found in these areas.
- Climate and Flora: The UK does not have the right climate or plants to support hummingbirds.
- Zoos: Historically, some zoos have kept hummingbirds, but it is rare due to the challenges of providing proper care.
- Conservation: Focusing on native species is more beneficial for local ecosystems.
4. What Is the Cost of a Hummingbird?
It is illegal to buy or sell hummingbirds, and doing so can result in significant fines, ranging from $15,000 to $200,000 if prosecuted. Hummingbirds are not available for purchase in pet stores, and any trade of these birds or their eggs is considered a federal offense.
- Illegal Trade: The illegal trade of hummingbirds carries severe penalties.
- Federal Offense: Buying or selling hummingbirds or their eggs is a federal crime.
- Conservation Efforts: Funds should be directed towards conservation efforts rather than illegal trade.
5. Can Hummingbirds Be Tamed?
While it is illegal to keep or trap hummingbirds, you can attract them to your yard by providing sugar water feeders. With patience, hummingbirds may become accustomed to human presence and even feed near people.
- Sugar Water Feeders: Providing feeders can attract hummingbirds to your yard.
- Habituation: Hummingbirds may become used to human presence over time.
- Limited Contact: Avoid attempting to touch or handle hummingbirds beyond brief, voluntary pauses.
6. Can I Keep a Hummingbird in an Aviary?
Keeping a hummingbird in an aviary is illegal and unsuitable due to their need for extensive foraging space and a wide variety of plants. They cannot thrive in the confined environment of an aviary.
- Legal Restrictions: It is illegal to keep a hummingbird in captivity.
- Space Requirements: Hummingbirds need ample space to fly and forage.
- Habitat Needs: They require a diverse range of plants and flowers to survive.
7. How Do You Care for an Injured Hummingbird?
If you find an injured hummingbird, the best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. These centers have the expertise and resources to provide proper care. According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, you must seek help within 48 hours of discovering an injured hummingbird.
- Contact Experts: Seek help from licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers.
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Requires reporting injured hummingbirds within 48 hours.
- Professional Care: Rehabilitation centers can provide specialized care.
8. Is It Safe to Pick Up a Baby Hummingbird?
If you find a baby hummingbird that has fallen out of its nest, it is safe to gently pick it up and return it to the nest. The belief that the mother will reject the baby after being handled by humans is false. However, handle the baby with extreme care due to its fragility.
- Safe Handling: It is safe to pick up a baby hummingbird.
- Return to Nest: Place the baby back in its nest.
- Gentle Care: Handle the baby with extreme care due to its delicate nature.
9. Can You Buy Hummingbird Eggs?
It is illegal to buy or sell hummingbird eggs. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the removal of hummingbird eggs from nests or their possession. If you find an unattended nest, leave it alone.
- Illegal Trade: Buying or selling hummingbird eggs is illegal.
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Protects hummingbird eggs from interference.
- Leave Nests Alone: Do not disturb or interfere with unattended hummingbird nests.
10. What Are the Best Ways to Attract Hummingbirds to My Garden?
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden involves creating a welcoming environment with the right plants and resources. Here are some effective ways to attract these delightful birds:
- Plant Nectar-Rich Flowers: Choose flowers that are known to attract hummingbirds, such as:
- Red Salvia: Known for its vibrant red color, which hummingbirds love.
- Trumpet Honeysuckle: Provides a rich source of nectar with its long, tubular flowers.
- Bee Balm (Monarda): Attracts hummingbirds with its bright blooms and nectar.
- Fuchsia: Offers pendulous flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds to feed from.
- Petunias: Especially those with a trumpet shape, are attractive to hummingbirds.
- Use Hummingbird Feeders: Supplement natural nectar sources with hummingbird feeders.
- Sugar Solution: Mix one part white sugar with four parts water. Avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring, as these can be harmful.
- Cleaning Feeders: Clean the feeders regularly (every 2-3 days) with hot water and a bottle brush to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Placement: Place feeders in shaded areas to keep the nectar fresh and prevent it from fermenting too quickly.
- Provide Water Sources: Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing.
- Misters: Install a gentle misting system in your garden. Hummingbirds enjoy flying through the mist.
- Shallow Bird Baths: Ensure the bird bath is shallow (no more than 1-2 inches deep) to prevent drowning.
- Fountains: Small fountains can provide a continuous source of fresh water.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and reduce the availability of insects, which are an important part of their diet, especially for feeding their young.
- Organic Gardening: Use organic gardening practices to avoid harmful chemicals.
- Natural Pest Control: Encourage beneficial insects and use natural pest control methods.
- Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat:
- Shelter: Provide shrubs and trees where hummingbirds can perch and find shelter.
- Nesting Material: Leave out soft materials like dandelion fluff or cottonwood down for hummingbirds to use in their nests.
- Multiple Levels of Planting: Plant flowers and shrubs at different heights to mimic their natural habitat and provide more feeding opportunities.
- Keep Feeders Up Regularly:
- Consistent Food Source: Keep feeders filled, especially during migration seasons and breeding periods, to provide a reliable food source.
- Year-Round Feeding: In warmer climates, consider keeping feeders up year-round to support resident hummingbird populations.
- Observe and Adjust:
- Track Visits: Observe which flowers and feeder placements are most popular with hummingbirds and adjust your garden accordingly.
- Experiment: Try different types of flowers and feeder designs to see what works best in your area.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and welcoming garden that attracts hummingbirds, providing them with the resources they need to thrive.
FAQ About Keeping Hummingbirds
1. What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a federal law in the United States that protects migratory birds, including hummingbirds. It prohibits the taking, killing, or possessing of migratory birds, their parts, nests, and eggs without a valid permit. This act aims to conserve bird populations by preventing their exploitation and ensuring their protection.
2. Can I get a permit to keep a hummingbird?
Generally, permits to keep hummingbirds are only issued to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, researchers, or educational institutions. These permits are granted for specific purposes, such as rehabilitating injured birds or conducting scientific studies. It is highly unlikely for an individual to obtain a permit to keep a hummingbird as a pet.
3. What should I do if I find a hummingbird nest in my yard?
If you find a hummingbird nest in your yard, the best approach is to observe it from a distance and avoid disturbing it. Hummingbirds are very sensitive to human presence, and getting too close can cause them to abandon their nest. Keep pets away from the area and avoid using pesticides or herbicides nearby. Enjoy watching the hummingbirds raise their young from a safe distance.
4. How can I tell if a hummingbird is injured?
Signs of an injured hummingbird may include:
- Inability to fly or difficulty flying.
- Visible wounds, bleeding, or broken wings.
- Lethargy or unusual behavior.
- Being unable to perch or grip properly.
- Appearing disoriented or confused.
If you observe any of these signs, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
5. What do wildlife rehabilitators do for injured hummingbirds?
Wildlife rehabilitators provide specialized care for injured or orphaned hummingbirds. This may include:
- Providing a safe and stress-free environment.
- Administering fluids and medications.
- Feeding them a specialized nectar solution.
- Treating wounds and injuries.
- Providing physical therapy to help them regain their strength and mobility.
- Releasing them back into the wild once they are fully recovered.
6. Is it true that hummingbirds only eat nectar?
While nectar is a primary food source for hummingbirds, they also eat insects and spiders. Insects provide them with essential protein and nutrients, particularly during the breeding season when they need to feed their young. Hummingbirds catch insects in flight or glean them from flowers and foliage.
7. How often should I change the sugar water in my hummingbird feeder?
The sugar water in your hummingbird feeder should be changed every 1-2 days in hot weather and every 3-5 days in cooler weather. This prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to hummingbirds. Clean the feeder thoroughly with hot, soapy water before refilling it.
8. Can I use honey instead of sugar in my hummingbird feeder?
No, you should never use honey in your hummingbird feeder. Honey can promote the growth of a fungus that is harmful to hummingbirds. Always use white granulated sugar mixed with water in a 1:4 ratio (one part sugar to four parts water).
9. Are there any plants that are poisonous to hummingbirds?
While most flowering plants are safe for hummingbirds, some can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It’s best to avoid planting ornamentals treated with systemic insecticides, which can be poisonous to birds that drink their nectar.
10. How do hummingbirds survive the winter?
Some hummingbird species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, migrate long distances to warmer climates for the winter. Other species, like Anna’s Hummingbird, may stay in their breeding range year-round, especially in areas with mild winters and a reliable food source. Hummingbirds can also enter a state of torpor, a hibernation-like state, to conserve energy during cold nights.
Conclusion
While keeping a hummingbird as a pet is not feasible or legal, you can still appreciate these amazing creatures by creating a hummingbird-friendly garden and supporting conservation efforts. Providing the right plants, feeders, and water sources can attract these birds to your yard and help them thrive in their natural habitat. Remember, observing and protecting hummingbirds in the wild is the best way to enjoy their beauty and contribute to their survival.
Want to learn more about how to care for local wildlife and attract birds to your garden? Visit PETS.EDU.VN for expert tips and advice. Our comprehensive resources can help you create a thriving ecosystem for all kinds of animals.
For more information, contact us at:
Address: 789 Paw Lane, Petville, CA 91234, United States
WhatsApp: +1 555-987-6543
Website: pets.edu.vn
