What causes hummingbirds to become dehydrated?
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to consume a lot of energy to power their wings during flight. They get this energy from flower nectar and tree sap which provide them with sugars. However, because they are so small, hummingbirds are at risk of dehydration if they don’t get enough water along with the sugars they consume. Some reasons a hummingbird may become dehydrated include:
- Hot, dry weather that causes their normal food sources to dry up
- Not being able to find enough flowers, feeders, or other sources of food
- Flying long distances without adequate places to stop for food and water
- Territorial battles with other hummingbirds that prevent them from feeding
- Illness that makes them too weak to feed properly
- Injury from predators or collisions that prevents them from feeding
Baby hummingbirds are especially prone to dehydration since their high metabolism requires so much energy. If the mother is not properly caring for and feeding the babies, they can quickly become dehydrated. Older or sick hummingbirds are also at higher risk if they are unable to get to food sources regularly. Monitoring your feeders and flowers and keeping them freshly stocked with nectar during hot, dry periods can help prevent dehydration in visiting hummingbirds.
How can you tell if a hummingbird is dehydrated?
There are several signs that may indicate a hummingbird is suffering from dehydration:
- Lethargy or weakness – The bird may appear exhausted, sitting still with eyes closed.
- Rapid or labored breathing – Dehydration stresses the body, so the breathing may seem strained.
- Sunken eyes – As the body loses fluid, the eyes may appear sunken and deflated.
- Wobbly or uncoordinated movement – Dehydration can cause muscle weakness and loss of balance.
- Fewer visits to feeders – The bird may not have the energy to feed as often.
- Feathers puffed up – In an attempt to conserve body heat, the bird may fluff out its feathers.
- Refusing to fly away when approached – Healthy hummingbirds are quite territorial and energetic.
The sooner dehydration is addressed, the better the chances of recovery, so contacting a wildlife rehabilitator is recommended if you suspect a problem. Do not try giving water by eye dropper yourself, as this action may stress the bird further or accidentally cause water to enter the lungs. Offering a nectar feeder nearby may help draw the bird in for emergency nourishment until help arrives.
How can you help a dehydrated hummingbird?
If you discover a hummingbird that shows signs of dehydration, here are some steps you can take to help before a wildlife rehabilitator is able to intervene:
- Place a small dish or feeder of fresh nectar near the bird. Use a ratio of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye.
- Mist the bird’s feathers periodically with a spray bottle of plain lukewarm water. Do not spray directly at the face.
- Move the bird to a quiet, sheltered area away from predators and direct sunlight.
- Avoid handling the bird. The stress of being held could worsen its condition.
- Call a wildlife rehabilitation center or hummingbird rescue group so they can provide professional care.
- Keep other pets away so the area remains quiet and safe for the sick bird.
- Do not attempt to give the hummingbird water or nutrition by mouth/eye dropper.
With quick supportive care and nectar to restore lost sugars and electrolytes, many dehydrated hummingbirds can fully recover. Some may need a few days of specialized rehabilitative care before being released back to the wild. Avoid trying home remedies and seek expert help as soon as possible for the best outcome.
What do hummingbird rehabilitation experts recommend?
Professional hummingbird rehabilitation experts have some specific tips for the successful recovery of dehydrated hummingbirds:
- Use an electrolyte solution instead of plain sugar water to help restore nutrients and minerals faster.
- Add just a pinch of salt to the nectar to help the bird retain fluid.
- Handle the birds as little as possible to reduce stress.
- House birds individually in small, warm cages lined with soft fabric.
- Use a syringe to drop feed nectar if a bird is too weak to self-feed.
- Keep cages in a quiet, dim area to promote rest and recovery.
- Release the birds only when fully recovered and active, usually after 1-3 days of care.
- Supplement feeding with high protein foods like mealworms or crickets to help the bird regain strength.
Following these tips under the guidance of an experienced rehabilitator provides the greatest chance of nursing a dehydrated hummingbird back to full health so it can be returned to the wild. Never hesitate to reach out for help with an ill or injured hummingbird. Time is of the essence!
What are some myths about reviving dehydrated hummingbirds?
When trying to provide emergency care for a dehydrated hummingbird, avoid myths and wives’ tales that may do more harm than good:
| Myth | Why It’s Harmful |
|---|---|
| Giving the bird water by dropper or mouth | Can cause aspiration pneumonia if liquid enters lungs |
| Giving the bird unnatural sugars like honey or agave nectar | Can cause digestive upset or toxicity |
| Leaving hummingbirds in direct sunlight to “energize” them | Can worsen dehydration and overheat the sick bird |
| Pulling feathers over beak to “force feed” nectar | Extremely stressful and may harm or drown the bird |
| Putting hummingbird in a box with a dish of water | Bird could drown if too weak to hold head up |
The best action is keeping the bird in a safe, quiet space and contacting an expert for proper rehabilitation care. Handling the bird as little as possible helps lower stress. Avoid any risky home remedies that could accidentally harm the fragile hummingbird.
What emergency supplies should you have ready to help a dehydrated hummingbird?
Having a few key supplies on hand will allow you to provide emergency care for a dehydrated hummingbird until you can get the bird professional help:
- Nectar – Pre-made nectar with an electrolyte solution or powdered mix to add to water
- Dropper – To place nectar in the bird’s mouth if it is too weak to feed
- Mister bottle – To lightly moisten feathers with room temperature water
- Heating pad – Set on low and placed under half of the habitat to provide warmth
- Small habitat – Such as a cardboard box or bird cage lined with soft cloths
- Wildlife rehabilitator contacts – Local phone numbers to call for assistance
Having these supplies ready in advance will make a huge difference in being able to respond promptly when encountering an ill hummingbird. Timely supportive care boosts the chances that the beloved bird can be nursed back to health. Don’t hesitate to call in an expert for guidance and takeover of rehabilitative care.
Conclusion
Dehydration is a serious threat to hummingbirds that can often be reversed with prompt, proper care. Look for signs of lethargy, sunken eyes, fluffed feathers and labored breathing which indicate a bird may be dehydrated. Offer fresh nectar in a feeder or dish and lightly mist with water without handling the bird. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible for expert guidance and specialized rehydration strategies. Avoid home remedies and diet changes that may accidentally harm the bird. With quick, supportive emergency care guided by a professional, many dehydrated hummingbirds can fully recover and be returned to the wild. Keep emergency supplies on hand so you’re prepared to take action if you encounter a hummingbird in distress. Your quick intervention could truly save a life!
