Hummingbirds are tiny, colorful birds that are only found in the Americas. They are known for their ability to hover in midair and fly backwards, as well as their fast wing-flapping and metabolisms. Baby hummingbirds, called hatchlings or nestlings, require special care and feeding. If a baby hummingbird is abandoned or orphaned, it can be difficult for it to survive on its own. However, with proper nutrition and care, an abandoned baby hummingbird can grow into a healthy adult.
Quick Answers
– Abandoned baby hummingbirds need a specialized diet of sugar water and protein to survive.
– Natural foods that provide carbohydrates include flower nectar, tree sap, fruits, and insects. Proteins can come from small insects.
– Artificial commercial hummingbird foods or homemade nectar can be fed to abandoned chicks in small amounts every 30 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
– As chicks grow, the amount and frequency of feedings can be gradually increased.
– Proper nutrition is critical, so advice from avian experts is recommended when caring for orphaned hummingbirds.
What Do Baby Hummingbirds Eat in the Wild?
In the wild, baby hummingbirds are fed by their mothers. Mother hummingbirds produce a protein-rich substance in their crop known as “crop milk” which they regurgitate to feed their young. Crop milk provides essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates baby hummingbirds need to grow and develop.
As the chicks mature, the mother hummingbird gradually introduces natural flower nectars and small insects into the babies’ diet. By two to three weeks of age, the young hummingbirds are adept at feeding on their own. They use their specialized long bills and tongues to slurp nectar from flowers and scoop up tiny insects like fruit flies, gnats, spiders, and aphids.
Natural Diet
In the wild, baby hummingbirds get nourishment from:
– Crop milk from mother – Provides protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals
– Flower nectar – Gives sugars and carbohydrates for energy
– Tree sap and juices from damaged fruits – Also provides fast energy
– Small soft-bodied insects – Supplies essential amino acids and proteins
This combination of high-energy sugars and proteins allows the fast growth and development hummingbirds require. Without this specialized diet, orphaned chicks likely would not survive.
How to Feed an Orphaned Baby Hummingbird
Caring for an abandoned baby hummingbird is possible, but challenging. If you find a nestling alone in the wild, the best option is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. However, if that is not possible, you can attempt to provide food and care until the bird can be taken to an expert. Here are some guidelines:
Housing
– Keep the chick in a small box or ventilated cage away from direct sunlight, pets, and noise.
– Line the bottom with a paper towel and provide a perch of a branch or stick.
– Keep the housing at 75-85°F degrees with a heat lamp or heating pad.
Hydration
– Use an eyedropper to provide sugar water and electronicytes. Gently drop solution along edge of beak.
– Avoid excess fluids that could choke the bird or lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Feeding
– Feed commercial hummingbird formula using a syringe or eyedropper.
– Alternate formula with sugar water to also provide hydration.
– Feed every 30 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
– Gradually increase amount at each feeding as chick grows.
Signs of Growth
– Rapid growth, doubling in size within a few days
– Increased energy and appetite
– Fuller crop after feeding
– Smooth feathers beginning to emerge around 10 days
– Increased vocalizations and movements in nest
Transitioning to Self-Feeding
Hummingbirds develop quickly. As they grow, orphaned chicks will become capable of feeding themselves. Here is what to expect:
Weeks 1-2
– Requires assisted feedings every 30 minutes about 0.1 mL per feeding
– Crop empties in 30 minutes indicating hunger
Weeks 3-4
– Increase feedings to every 1-2 hours and amount to 0.5 mL
– Chick is alert and active in nest
– Pinfeathers begin growing
Weeks 4-5
– Feathers emerge and start opening sheaths
– Baby is restless and may perch on edge of nest
– Can begin self-feeding by hovering near feeder
– Reduce assisted feedings
Week 6
– Fully feathered and able to fly short distances
– Able to use long bill to feed from flowers and feeders
– No more assisted feedings needed
– Can be released near natural food sources
Weaning and Release
Weaning an orphaned hummingbird and releasing it to the wild requires care and timing:
– Monitor weight and droppings to ensure baby is eating on its own
– Provide nectar in hanging feeder for bird to practice feeding
– Release near nectar flowers and water sources in the morning
– Continue providing supplemental feeder or food sources for 2 weeks after release
– Release only when bird is fully feathered, flying well, and feeding itself
Releasing a previously abandoned hummingbird can give it a second chance at life in the wild. With proper rehabilitation, even a fragile orphan can grow into an amazing, free-flying jewel of nature.
Homemade Emergency Baby Hummingbird Food Recipes
If no commercial formula is available, emergency food for an abandoned hummingbird can be made at home. Here are two recipes:
Basic Sugar and Electrolyte Solution
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated white sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Salt | pinch |
– Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan
– Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar fully dissolves
– Cool liquid before feeding to hummingbird
– Store unused portion refrigerated for up to 5 days
Nectar Plus Protein Recipe
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup white sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Pinch salt | 1 pinch |
| Unflavored gelatin powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Boiling water | 2 tablespoons |
– In a pot, heat first 3 ingredients until sugar dissolves, make nectar
– In a cup, stir gelatin powder into boiling water to dissolve, let cool
– When nectar is cool, slowly stir in gelatin mixture to provide protein
– Refrigerate unused portions up to 3 days
These recipes can help sustain an orphaned chick in an emergency until more suitable foods are available. Consult an avian expert because improper diet can quickly lead to illness or death of abandoned hummingbird babies. Home rehabilitation has risks, so wildlife centers are best equipped for caring for these delicate birds.
Key Takeaways
Caring for abandoned baby hummingbirds requires energy and commitment. However, some key strategies can help provide the nutrition they need:
– Feed commercial formula designed for hummingbirds every 30 minutes.
– Slowly increase amount at each feeding as chick grows.
– Provide nectar in a feeder as chick learns to self-feed.
– Release only after chick is fully feathered and feeding itself.
– Consult wildlife rehabilitators for guidance on diet and care.
With specialized care and feeding, even a fragile orphaned hummingbird can transform into a beautiful, free-living jewel of nature. While challenging, giving an abandoned chick a second chance at life can be deeply rewarding. With attention and effort, you may get to see an orphaned baby hummingbird thrive.
