Hummingbirds are some of the most captivating birds, known for their speedy flight and ability to hover in midair as they drink nectar from flowers. Their small size and stunning iridescent colors make them popular among bird enthusiasts. This leads many people to wonder – can hummingbirds be kept as pets in captivity?
The quick answer is yes, it is possible to keep hummingbirds in captivity. However, it requires specialized knowledge and equipment to properly care for them. In the wild, hummingbirds lead fast-paced lives visiting hundreds or even thousands of flowers a day. Replicating their natural feeding behaviors and diet in captivity can be challenging. Additionally, they have unique physiological adaptations for hovering flight that require ample space to exercise. For these reasons, keeping hummingbirds as pets has limited feasibility for most people. Only zoos, aquariums, or researchers typically maintain hummingbirds in captivity.
Below we’ll explore in more detail the possibilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of keeping hummingbirds in captivity. Key questions covered include:
Can hummingbirds be kept as pets?
Yes, it is possible to keep hummingbirds as pets, but it requires specialized equipment and dedication to their care. Very few people have the resources and knowledge to properly house hummingbirds for extended periods.
What are the challenges of keeping hummingbirds in captivity?
Providing their specialized diet, housing them in sufficiently large enclosures, and replicating behavioral enrichments are major challenges. High mortality rates make captive care difficult.
What are the ethicial concerns?
Many experts argue captive care of hummingbirds is unethical because it is nearly impossible to meet their complex physical and behavioral needs. Taking them from the wild also raises conservation concerns.
How can hummingbirds be housed in captivity?
Aviaries or enclosures must be sufficiently large, enriched, and meticulously maintained. Specialized feeding techniques are required to provide nectar and insects.
Do zoos and aquariums keep hummingbirds?
Some zoos and aquariums display hummingbirds in large, specialized aviaries that aim to replicate their natural habitat and behaviors. But most do not keep them.
Can hummingbirds be kept as pets legally?
In the U.S., it is illegal to keep native hummingbird species as pets. However, non-native species have been kept, and laws vary globally. Extensive permits are required.
By thoroughly covering these key questions, we will examine the possibilities and limitations of keeping hummingbirds in captivity compared to observing them in the wild.
Challenges of Keeping Hummingbirds in Captivity
Hummingbirds have exceptionally high metabolisms and highly specialized diets consisting of nectar and small insects. In the wild, they visit hundreds or even thousands of flowers a day to get enough nutrition. Replicating these feeding behaviors in captivity poses a number of challenges:
Diet
In the wild, up to 98% of a hummingbird’s diet consists of sugary nectar, with the remaining 2% made up of small insects for protein. To thrive in captivity, they require constant access to specialized artificial nectars and daily intake of insects. Formulating a nectar mixture that provides complete nutrition without artificial additives is difficult. The nectar must be continually changed and cleaned to prevent spoilage. Hummingbirds also require feeding every 15-20 minutes for up to 12 hours per day. Carefully regulating their food intake is critical to prevent obesity and other health issues.
Foraging and Feeding Behaviors
Hummingbirds have specialized anatomical adaptations like bifurcated tongues and elongated bills to forage nectar from certain flowers. In captivity, they are deprived of exhibiting these natural feeding behaviors that they would practice in the wild. Replicating the complexity of natural hummingbird foraging is nearly impossible in captive settings. Feeding them from artificial feeders prevents natural foraging enrichment.
Small Territory Size
Hummingbirds are solitary and territorial creatures. Each bird establishes feeding areas spanning hundreds of feet to over a quarter mile in the wild. Confinement leads to aggression and stress. Aviaries must be sufficiently large, enriched, and meticulously maintained to promote natural behaviors. But most captive enclosures restrict their movement and prevent establishment of territories.
Captive Diet Issues
Malnutrition and obesity are common problems seen in captive hummingbirds. Lack of exercise coupled with inefficient diets leads to healthcare issues. Diseases like atherosclerosis from high-sugar diets are problematic. Maintaining their specialized diet and food intake is challenging long-term.
Lack of Social Behaviors
Hummingbirds do not form lasting pair bonds and only interact for mating. Keeping them solitary in captivity deprives them of natural social interactions. Some zoos keep them in groups which leads to aggression. Their subtle social behaviors like chasing and vocalizations are lost in captivity.
Lack of Stimuli
Hummingbirds have evolved to live in complex environments interacting with flowers, outdoor environments, and rainforests. Keeping them in sterile captive environments fails to provide natural sensory and behavioral enrichments. This likely contributes to health issues and mortality.
Small Enclosures
Their unique physical adaptations include hovering flight which is energy intensive. In the wild they cover large territories and fly up to 25 mph. Restricted captive enclosures prevent them from exercising these specialized adaptations. Lack of physical activity coupled with inefficient feeding leads to chronic health issues.
Difficulty Breeding
Hummingbirds are challenging to breed in captivity due to their unique reproductive behaviors, territorialism, specialized diets, and other factors. Most captive populations rely on wild caught individuals which raises conservation concerns. Captive bred populations are not self-sustaining.
In summary, providing a sufficiently enriched environment and specialized diet to maintain hummingbird health is extremely difficult. Addressing these numerous challenges is why most attempts to keep them captive are unsuccessful long-term.
Ethical Concerns of Keeping Hummingbirds Captive
While it may be scientifically possible to keep hummingbirds in captivity with ample resources, many experts argue it is unethical to do so. There are a number of compelling ethical arguments against private individuals or organizations keeping hummingbirds as pets or solely for display.
Inability to Meet Complex Needs
Hummingbirds have extremely specialized adaptations related to feeding, flight, and behaviors. The vast majority of captive situations fail to meet these complex physical and psychological needs. Low captive survival rates and high morbidity demonstrate most captive environments are inadequate.
Lack of Scientific Justification
Most private individuals want to keep hummingbirds as unusual pets. But there is no compelling scientific justification for keeping them in captivity outside of temporary rehabilitation efforts. Their high mortality and challenges breeding make conservation-based captive breeding programs unfeasible.
Disrupting Natural Behaviors
Keeping hummingbirds in small cages with limited ability to fly prevents them from exhibiting natural behaviors related to foraging, establishing territory, reproduction rituals, and more. Lack of behavioral enrichments negatively impacts them.
Capturing from the Wild
Most captive hummingbirds are caught from the wild for the pet trade then die shortly thereafter. This removes them from their natural ecosystem and can negatively impact local populations in some cases. The capture adds to their stress.
Long Term Captivity Issues
Even if specialized aviaries can prolong their lifespan, the chronic stress, behavioral issues, and health impacts associated with deprivation of their natural behaviors and habitat arguably constitute animal cruelty.
Setting a Poor Example
When zoos, aquariums, or individuals showcase captive hummingbirds, it sets a poor example that inadvertently promotes taking these animals from the wild. It fuels the illegal pet trade.
For these ethical reasons, groups like the Humane Society strongly advise against and actively campaign against keeping hummingbirds (or any other wild birds) captive. Breeding them in captivity for the pet trade or personal enjoyment poses many ethical challenges and promotes wildlife trafficking. Appreciating hummingbirds in nature preserves and zoos trying to replicate natural behaviors are more ethical alternatives to personal captivity in most experts’ opinions.
Housing Hummingbirds in Captivity
If someone attempts to keep hummingbirds in captivity, providing the largest possible enclosure, enrichments, and highly specialized care helps support their wellbeing. Here are some housing considerations:
Aviary Size and Design
Hummingbird aviaries should mimic outdoor conditions and be sufficiently large enough to allow ample flying room for exercise. They are best housed singly or in pairs. Enclosure dimensions of at least 6 feet x 6 feet x 12 feet high are suggested minimums for one bird. The enclosure should be enriched with potted nectar plants, flowers, perches, foliage for hiding, and more to promote natural behaviors.
Escape-Proofing
Hummingbirds are experts at finding the slightest opening to escape. Any aviary must be completely sealed on all sides with tiny mesh that they cannot squeeze through. A double door system helps prevent accidental escapes when entering.
Feeding and Watering
Multiple specialized hummingbird feeders providing artificial nectar should be changed and cleaned twice daily. Feeders should be located at different heights and locations to encourage natural foraging movements. A water mister helps supplement their fluid intake. Small live insects like fruit flies or gnats must be provided daily for protein.
Climate Control
Humidity around 50-60% and temperatures from 65-75°F suit most species. Providing full spectrum lighting on a natural daylight cycle supports health. The aviary should protect them from drafts, rain, snow, and other harsh outdoor weather that could lead to illness.
Enrichments
In addition to feeding enrichments, the aviary should include natural perches, branches, foliage, plants, flowers, running water features, baths, and shelters to allow natural behaviors. Rotating different toys, foods, or interactions helps prevent boredom.
Veterinary Care
A qualified avian veterinarian is required for regular checkups, disease prevention, and illness treatment. Cleanliness, balanced nutrition, and proper housing help maintain their health and reduce injury risk. Trimming flight feathers may be needed to prevent dangerous collisions.
When designed properly to meet their demanding and specialized needs, aviaries can sustain hummingbirds in captivity better than other housing options. But lack of natural stimuli and foraging remain issues needing improvement.
Zoos and Aquariums Housing Hummingbirds
Only a select number of zoos and aquariums attempt to house hummingbirds due to the substantial challenges involved. Those that do aim to provide visitors with a glimpse into their behaviors that cannot be easily observed in nature. Here are some examples:
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo maintains over 60 hummingbirds of 5 species in a specialized Hummingbird Aviary exhibit. Hundreds of plants provide nectar sources. It aims to allow natural foraging and breeding behaviors visitors can observe up close through glass walls.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian National Zoo previously exhibited hummingbirds in an aviary trying to replicate a cloud forest environment. Higher mortality led them to close the exhibit in 2017, though they may feature hummingbirds again in the future.
Brevard Zoo
The Tropical Jewels Aviary at the Brevard Zoo houses around 20 hummingbirds with 100 bromeliads. Their specialized feeding, aviary design, and controlled climate aim to provide an enriching captive environment supporting natural behaviors.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo maintains an indoor Hummingbird House with around 15 birds. It features edible flowering plants, even mimicking an artificial rainforest environment. Their design focuses on supporting hummingbird health and showcasing natural feeding behaviors.
Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo previously exhibited hummingbirds in the Hummingbird House. While closed for renovations, they plan to create a new free flight hummingbird aviary in the future focusing on their specialized needs and providing an immersive experience.
Zoos aim to replicate tropical habitats and naturally occurring food sources that allow natural flight and foraging behaviors visitors glimpse through protective barriers. But most experts acknowledge captivity deprives them of full natural behaviors. Exhibits also risk normalizing keeping wild hummingbirds as pets.
Legality of Keeping Hummingbirds as Pets
The legality of keeping hummingbirds as pets depends on the specific species and regulations in your geographic location. There are some common legal considerations:
Native Species Laws
In the United States, it is illegal to keep any native hummingbird species as pets under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Only licensed rehabilitators can temporarily house them. This act covers all 330+ species across the Trochilidae family native to North and South America.
Non-native Species Laws
A few states like Arizona, California, Georgia, and Tennessee allow keeping non-native hummingbird species like Green-breasted Mangos as pets with certain permits. Most states restrict or fully outlaw private ownership of exotic species.
International Laws
Regulations vary globally. Many Central and South American countries prohibit private ownership of wildlife but may allow some captive-bred non-native species in aviculture. Smuggling hummingbirds occurs across borders.
Captive Breeding Legality
In the U.S., captive breeding native hummingbirds like Ruby-throated Hummingbirds requires specific permits only granted to a few zoos and researchers. Breeding programs are limited. Non-native species require permits.
Special Exhibition Permits
Zoos or exhibitors must obtain special permits and provide extensive veterinary care and housing requirements to display hummingbirds, either native species or non-native.
Fines and Enforcement
Penalties for possessing hummingbirds illegally as pets in the U.S. can include fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months under the MBTA. Few individuals are prosecuted though.
Ultimately, keeping hummingbirds captive as pets is illegal in most regions globally due to wildlife protection laws and difficulties meeting their complex needs in captivity. Zoos require special permits and attempt to replicate wild behaviors and habitat. But experts agree observing hummingbirds in nature is ideal.
Conclusion
While it is possible to keep hummingbirds in captivity, providing the specialized feeding, housing, and behavioral enrichments they need poses substantial challenges. Most captive situations lead to illness, injury, or premature death for hummingbirds. Additionally, the practice raises ethical concerns regarding disrupting wild populations and failing to meet their complex physical and psychological needs.
For these reasons, most experts advise against private individuals attempting to keep hummingbirds as pets. Instead, they recommend appreciating hummingbirds in their natural habitat through activities like birdwatching, planting native nectar sources, and supporting conservation organizations. Limited zoos or aquariums can provide responsible exhibitory of hummingbirds for education but require extensive expertise and permitting. Sustaining their populations, behaviors, and habitat in the wild remains the priority.
