Hummingbirds are beautiful, delicate birds that have captivated people for ages with their iridescent plumage and remarkable flying skills. Their tiny size and high energy levels also make them intriguing as potential pets. However, while it may seem appealing to keep a hummingbird as a pet, there are many important factors to consider before attempting to care for one of these wild birds in captivity.
Is it legal to keep a hummingbird as a pet?
In most places, it is illegal to keep native wild hummingbirds as pets. In the United States, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful to possess any native bird species without proper permits. This includes all native hummingbirds found in the U.S. and Canada. Even if you find an orphaned baby hummingbird and want to care for it, you must obtain permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service first. It is typically illegal to remove hummingbird eggs or nests from the wild as well.
The only exceptions are non-native hummingbird species like the green-backed firecrown from South America. These exotic species may be kept as pets in some areas without permits. However, many places still ban or restrict ownership of any exotic birds due to concerns over disease transmission, invasive species impacts, and other issues.
Challenges of keeping hummingbirds
Beyond legal restrictions, there are many challenges that make keeping hummingbirds as pets highly problematic:
- Extremely specialized diet – Hummingbirds exist solely on nectar and tiny insects. Meeting these unique nutritional requirements in captivity is difficult.
- Susceptibility to disease – Hummingbirds have very fast metabolisms and higher body temperatures than most birds, making them more prone to fatal infections and disease.
- Stress – Hummingbirds are very energetic, territorial wild birds that may be stressed by confinement.
- Captivity risks – Their small size and fragile bones put them at serious risk of injury in confined spaces.
- Mortality rates – Mortality rates for captive hummingbirds, especially wild-caught ones, are distressingly high even in zoos.
- Complex housing needs – Hummingbirds require complex enclosures that simulate their natural environment.
- Release concerns – Once habituated to captivity, release back to the wild poses many challenges.
Even experienced avian experts struggle to properly care for hummingbirds in captivity. Meeting their physical and psychological needs over the long-term is extremely difficult.
Ethical concerns
Beyond practical difficulties, there are also strong ethical arguments against keeping hummingbirds as pets. Hummingbirds are not domesticated animals that have adapted to live with humans over generations like dogs or cats. Attempting to tame a wild hummingbird and keep it confined against its natural behaviors raises serious animal welfare concerns. Many consider it unethical and an injustice to the free-spirited nature of hummingbirds to attempt to turn them into pets for human amusement or enjoyment.
Requirements for care
If you do obtain permits to legally keep permitted non-native hummingbird species, specialized care is essential for their health and well-being. Some minimum requirements include:
- Very large enclosure – A minimal size would be a multi-level aviary at least 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet tall, with places to perch and hide.
- Proper temperature – Maintain temperatures between 65-85°F with access to heat lamps and cooling perches.
- Cleanliness – Thoroughly disinfect and clean the enclosure daily.
- Out of cage time – Allow time flying outside the cage each day.
- Specialty diet – Provide nectar mixes, fruit flies, tiny insects, pollen, and other foods tailored to their needs.
- Water – Multiple fresh nectar feeders changed several times daily as well as clean water for bathing.
- Enrichment – Provide vegetation, branches, mirrors, and other engaging additions to prevent boredom.
- Expert avian vet care – Have an avian vet examine them regularly for any health issues.
- Avoid other pets – Exposure to cats, dogs or other animals adds risk and stress.
Even with perfect care, captive hummingbirds may still struggle to thrive and often have short lifespans. Most experts advise leaving these remarkable birds in the wild and enjoying them there instead of attempting to tame them as pets.
Wildlife rehabilitator option
If you find an injured baby hummingbird, the best option is to contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator or avian specialist rather than try to care for it yourself. Reputable specialists have the proper facilities, diet formulations, and experience needed to give the young hummingbird the best chances of successful rehabilitation and potential release back to the wild. This is far preferable to keeping the wild bird permanently as an illegal pet.
Keeping hummingbirds in the wild
Instead of attempting to keep hummingbirds in captivity, here are some great ways to enjoy them in safe, ethical ways:
- Plant native flowers and shrubs they are attracted to in your yard.
- Set up special hummingbird feeders with quality nectar mixes.
- Create a water feature or small fountain for them to drink and bathe in.
- Sit quietly and observe their behaviors and interactions.
- Put up nesting boxes or simply provide protected areas for them to rest.
- Take photos and videos of them behaving naturally.
- Participate in citizen science projects to advance research on hummingbirds.
With a welcoming habitat and responsible actions, you can have amazing experiences with hummingbirds visiting your property without ever having to attempt keeping them captive as pets.
Conclusion
While their beauty and charm may tempt some people to want a hummingbird as a pet, it is neither legal nor responsible for most to remove them from the wild for this purpose. The immense challenges of properly caring for hummingbirds in captivity means few people can truly meet their specialized needs in a home setting. With extremely high mortality rates, severe risks of injury and illness, and serious ethical concerns, keeping hummingbirds as pets should be avoided in nearly all cases. Appreciating them in their natural environment and supporting their conservation are far better ways to responsibly enjoy these special birds.