Assess the Situation
If you find an injured hummingbird, the first step is to assess the situation. Look for any obvious injuries or issues. Is the bird bleeding? Does it have any broken bones or damaged feathers? Is it struggling to fly or hold itself upright? Pay attention to the bird’s breathing and energy levels. A healthy hummingbird will be alert and have a rapid heartbeat.
It’s also important to consider how you found the bird. Was it attacked by a predator? Did it fly into a window? Understanding how the injury occurred can provide clues on how to help.
As you make your initial assessment, be gentle and avoid stressing the bird further. Don’t try to handle it more than necessary. The more details you can gather at first glance, the better.
Signs of an Injured Hummingbird
- Bleeding from the beak or nostrils
- Damaged or broken feathers
- Swelling around wings or legs
- Difficulty flying
- Unable to perch upright
- Lethargic or weak
- Ruffled feathers
Provide Immediate Care
Once you have a general sense of the bird’s condition, you can start providing some immediate care while you figure out next steps. Here are some tips:
Minimize Stress
Keep handling to a minimum and avoid making loud noises or movements that could further frighten the bird. You want to minimize stress as much as possible.
Contain the Bird
Gently guide the hummingbird into a small box, paper bag or bird cage covered with a light cloth. This will provide safety and shade while keeping the bird contained. Avoid direct sunlight. Make sure there is airflow.
Offer Sugar Water
Use an eyedropper to give the hummingbird a small amount of sugar water (1 part sugar dissolved in 4 parts water). This will provide much-needed calories. Just a drop or two on the beak is sufficient.
Keep it Warm
Use a heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to keep the bird warm. Chilling could be dangerous for an injured hummingbird. Monitor the temperature carefully.
Decide If You Can Treat at Home
The extent of the bird’s injuries will determine whether home treatment is an option. Here are some things to consider:
Minor Injuries
If the hummingbird is alert with no bleeding, fractures or other obvious severe trauma, you may be able to nurse it back to health yourself. Home care is most appropriate for minor injuries or exhaustion.
Major Injuries
Broken bones, bleeding, damaged feathers that impair flight or any serious injury means the bird needs a wildlife rehabilitation expert. Only specialists have the proper training, supplies and facilities to care for seriously hurt hummingbirds.
When in Doubt, Seek Help
Hummingbirds are extremely delicate. If you are uncertain about the severity of the injuries, always opt to contact a rehabilitator. It’s better to be safe. Don’t risk the bird’s life attempting home care that may be inadequate.
Care for Minor Injuries at Home
If the hummingbird appears to have minor injuries and is in stable condition, here are some tips for providing care at home:
Housing
Keep the bird in a small box, cage or large paper bag. Line it with soft cloth and make sure there is proper ventilation. Avoid direct sunlight and loud noises. Check frequently that the bird appears comfortable.
Feeding
Use an eyedropper to give sugar water every 20-30 minutes during daylight hours. This approximates their frequent feeding schedule. The solution should be 1 part white sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. No need to give it food – hummingbirds get nutrition from nectar, not solids.
Rest
Ensure the area is tranquil so the hummingbird can rest adequately. Proper rest will support healing. Do not disturb the bird’s napping and sleep.
Warmth
Maintain a warm environment between 75-85°F. Chilling prevents recovery. Monitor the temperature and utilize a heating pad, hot water bottle or lamp as needed.
Release
Once the bird is perching, flying and eating well again, you can release it. Pick a warm day and open the cage near some flowers or a feeder. If symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days, seek expert help.
Get Assistance from Wildlife Rehabilitators
For seriously injured hummingbirds that require professional care, the next step is finding an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. Here are some tips:
Research Local Options
Search online directories or contact wildlife conservation groups near you to find qualified hummingbird rehabilitators. Local wildlife centers that admit hummingbirds are also a good option.
Call to Confirm Capabilities
Contact rehabilitators to make sure they have the proper training, facilities and permits to accept wild hummingbirds. Confirm they have experience successfully rehabilitating hummingbirds.
Inquire About Costs
Wildlife rehabilitation can be expensive. When calling around, ask if they charge any fees associated with treatment or if they rely entirely on donations. This can help guide your decision.
Transport the Bird Properly
Place the hummingbird in a ventilated box lined with soft cloth for the transport. Avoid direct sunlight. Drive carefully to minimize bumps or jostling. Time is critical for injured hummingbirds.
Provide Proper Care at the Rehabilitation Center
Professional wildlife rehabilitators have the right supplies and expertise to nurse injured hummingbirds back to full health. Here is an overview of their comprehensive rehabilitation process:
Initial Exam and Treatment
The hummingbird will receive a thorough physical examination to diagnose all injuries and medical issues. Any needed treatment, medication or bandaging will be provided.
Fluid Therapy
Ill or dehydrated hummingbirds may be given subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. This stabilizes their condition.
Nutritional Support
Rehabilitators will provide an appropriate nectar formula via syringe or feeding tube. Convalescing hummingbirds require extra calories.
Housing
Hummingbirds are housed in small cages and kept in a warm, quiet environment away from stress, drafts and sun exposure. Perches allow them to rest their weakened muscles.
Monitoring
Staff closely supervise each bird throughout rehabilitation, tracking feeding amounts, activity levels and other health indicators. Progress is continually evaluated.
Physical Therapy
As the bird heals, its flight and muscle strength are rehabilitated through carefully graduated exercise tailored to the specific injuries.
Release
Once the hummingbird can feed and fly normally, the staff will select an appropriate outdoor release site with plentiful nectar sources.
Provide At-Home Post-Release Care
If you choose to take over care for a rehabilitated hummingbird and release it yourself, follow these tips:
Select a Release Site
Choose an outdoor area with native flowering plants that will provide nectar. Avoid releasing near windows, walls or high traffic areas.
Pick a Mild Day
Release on a warm, calm day without rain or storms in the forecast. Cool or windy weather could hinder flight.
Offer Extra Calories
Before releasing from its cage or box, use an eyedropper to give the hummingbird some sugar water for extra energy.
Monitor the Bird
Observe for 15-30 minutes post-release. Ensure it is able to fly to flowers and perch appropriately. Contact the rehabilitator if any problems are apparent.
Supplement Food
Consider placing a hummingbird feeder near the release site and restocking it for 2-3 days to aid the transition. Then let the bird forage naturally.
Know What Not to Do
When handling an injured hummingbird, there are also some important don’ts:
Don’t Give Water
Hummingbirds get needed hydration from nectar. Don’t attempt to give it water, which can be dangerous.
Don’t Give Insects
While they eat small insects for protein, injured hummingbirds cannot digest solid foods. Only give sugar nectar solution.
Don’t Handle Unnecessarily
Excess contact stresses the delicate bird. Pick up or move it only when absolutely required for transport or care.
Don’t Keep Near Pets
Dogs, cats and other pets could injure or frighten the hummingbird. Ensure it’s in an isolated, controlled area.
Don’t Delay Veterinary Care
Severe injuries need immediate expert assessment and treatment. Don’t waste precious time attempting complex care at home.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about caring for injured hummingbirds:
How can I catch an injured hummingbird?
Use a small net or your hands to gently corral the hummingbird into a box or paper bag. Always be extremely cautious handling their fragile bodies.
What if I can’t reach a wildlife rehabilitator?
Contact your state wildlife agency or humane society for assistance locating a permitted hummingbird rehabilitator to transport the bird to. Time is critical.
Are feathers important for hummingbird rehabilitation?
Yes, damage to their specialized flight feathers can severely impact recovery. Rehabilitators are experts at repairing feathers.
Can an injured hummingbird recover fully?
With proper prompt treatment, many hummingbirds make a complete recovery and can be successfully released back to the wild.
How long does hummingbird rehabilitation take?
It depends on the severity of injuries. But generally expect at least 2-6 weeks for broken bones and damaged feathers to properly heal.
Conclusion
Caring for an injured hummingbird requires specialized knowledge and care. Minor exhaustion or trauma can sometimes be nursed back to health with attentive at-home rehabilitation. More serious medical issues always warrant the help of trained wildlife rehabilitators who have the expertise and resources to give the bird the best chance of recovery. With appropriate treatment, many hurt hummingbirds recover fully and return to the wild.
