Can You Have a Hummingbird as a Pet?
Is a Hummingbird a Good Pet Alternative?
The beautiful animal that is the hummingbird has intrigued people for ages, with their small size, fast wingbeat and their lovely feathers. But the question remains can it be kept as a pet and in this article we will answer that.
However, some concerns do come to mind; for example, how will they impact nature by owning such a pet. Is it safe for the bird or even for the owner. Quite a number of questions arise considering that it is an exotic bird and not a common one.
In this blog, we will see how to keep the birds away from harm while still being able to enjoy them watching it up close. At the same time we will answer the more important question, Can hummingbirds be pets or not.
1. Understanding Hummingbirds: Their Needs and Nature
Image by Philippe Donn
Having a hummingbird as a pet is a fascinating idea but there are a few things one should know about these pets before making this delightful decision! Hummingbirds are tiny, active, throughout their lives and are specific to the Americas. These birds are able to stay stationary mid-air while moving their wings in a circular motion up to 80 times a second.
This allows them to feed on nectar of flowers, as they have long beaks and a fast metabolism which allows them to take the sweet liquid out smoothly.
Establishing a lifestyle around flying is central to a hummingbird’s existence. They wouldn’t be termed migratory in the regular perspective but many species cover great distances in search of food and during breeding times. Because of such migratory tendencies, they have great seasonal demands, which requires large spaces and ample food spots.
2. The Reality of Keeping a Hummingbird as a Pet
Despite all the quixotic and romantic sound of bringing a humming bird in to your house as a pet, there are several problems that relate to this that make it all but impossible or rather immoral to attempt. Here are several reasons why:
a) Freedom of Flight
- Humming birds are not made to be placed in a cage. Unlike other birds, who can build up reserves that will allow them to survive with no flying for some time, the hummingbirds need to fly in order to exist. Actually to be in the cage would highly stress the bird; it would highly harm the bird either physiologically or psychologically.
b) Dietary Needs
- Unlike most birds, hummingbirds are much more selective with their diets. They mostly feed on nectar and they take small insects and spiders for their supplements proteins.
- They must feed constantly because, just like the hummingbird, they have a really high metabolism. There are so many intricate reasons why giving the correct type and quantity of Nectar and occasionally adding some good protein sources would be almost impossible without aping the conditions they are familiar with.
- A densely populated error most people fall into is placing them on bought nectar as the substance it contains: artificial sweeteners or a preservative may adversely affect the bird.
- The most appropriate treatment is to prepare a solution from water and pure cane sugar (1:4), but even in this case the food must be replenished from time to time as it tends to ferment or to become a source of contamination.
c) Environmental Needs
- Hummingbirds are accustomed to some specific weather conditions which as we can guess often live in the places with a lot of flowers and plants to eat. They are also territorial and might require substantial area space through which to roam about and look for what they require.
- It is virtually impossible to provide an environment in home setting which can replicate the natural habitat of the fish. A restricted space would limit the extent of their feeding and flying hence a sick stressed bird would be the end result.
d) Protection of Wildlife and Ethical Considerations
- Hummingbirds are protected species in most parts of the world. In the United States, for instance, hummingbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to capture, keep, or disturb wild birds, including hummingbirds, without special permits.
- Keeping a wild animal as a pet holds a tremendous ethical dilemma. Taking a hummingbird from the wild may disrupt the local ecosystems and hurt the species if not well taken care of or able to live in your home. The wild animal should be allowed to be free in their field and space, whereas most kept as pets interfere with their way of living and patterns of migrations.
Can You Have a Hummingbird as a Pet?
3. How to Enjoy Hummingbirds Without Keeping Them as Pets
Of all the natural wonders, the most interesting are probably the hummingbirds-with their bright iridescent plumage and extraordinary ability to stay in the air with no movement whatsoever-a pet, one would imagine, one of these energetic little birds could amuse; in reality, however, there is no possibility of keeping hummingbirds as pets.
There are many ways to appreciate their beauty and elegance without them being your pet, while still appreciating their nature and well-being, too. This article will now identify some of the most attractive means to attract them but appreciate the beauty without necessarily having to confine them.
Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
The best way to enjoy hummingbirds is by planting a garden that naturally attracts them. With the proper flowers, shrubs, and trees, you can make your outdoor space a hummingbird haven.
a) Plant Nectar-Rich Flowers
Hummingbirds are especially attracted to flowers with bright, tubular shapes containing lots of nectar. Among their favorite plants are:
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
These will not only supply nectar but also act as a natural insect source, which the hummingbirds also feed on to get proteins.
b) Native Species
Native plants are great for this purpose because they are already adapted to the local conditions and generally attract more hummers than those that are introduced. They support a more complex ecosystem by attracting many pollinators and insects that would add life to a garden.
c) Water and Shelter
As well as the flowers containing nectar, your garden will need to provide sources of fresh water for the birds, which can be birdbaths or shallow dishes. Sometimes, hummingbirds may wish to have shrubs or even trees for shelter and their perching places. It provides a resting place free from danger when not feeding or immigrating.
Mount a Hummingbird Feeder
Planting nectar-rich flowers in the gardens is perfect, but also you can feed the birds by putting up a feeder to provide extra nutrition. The Hummingbird feeder will help attract birds and be able to get food quite effortlessly, particularly when the time of the year does not bear many flowers.
a) How to Set Up a Feeder
Start with a feeder specifically made for hummingbirds. Most often these feeders are small with many feeding ports and also offer red coloring to their product, which can attract them. Fill it with the white sugar and water ratio of 1 to 4 mixture for filling. Do not put in artificial sweeteners, honey, and also food coloring, which the hummingbirds find poisonous.
b) Keep the Feeder in Good Condition
Mold and bacteria can collect inside of the feeder. To prevent this from occurring, clean the feeder every few days with hot water. It is highly recommended to clean it more often during hot weather conditions. If fermentation is beginning to occur with the nectar, remove the old and replace with new nectar.
c) Putting the Feeder
Place the feeder in a quiet, protected area, safe from predators, where the hummingbirds can feed without disturbance. Preferably, it should be placed near flowering plants or trees that provide natural sources of food.
Can You Have a Hummingbird as a Pet?
Let Them Be, and Observe from a Distance
Among the most rewarding things when it comes to watching hummingbirds, observing their beauty and behavior in their natural environment is an amazing experience. Here are ways you can enjoy them without disturbing their routines:
a) Minimize interference
The hummingbirds are pretty territorial around feeders. Keep their space open should you have a lot of feeders or flowering plants that they may be visiting. Do not chase the birds for proximity; give them space so that they can be secure and confident.
b) Set up a Viewing Station
Consider setting up an area in your garden for quiet sitting and observing of the hummingbirds without disrupting them. This could be a bench, a patio, or even a window to look out onto your garden when it is filled with such birds. A pair of binoculars or even a camera with a zoom could get you closer to observing these birds without disturbing them.
c) Learn About Their Behavior
Hummingbirds exhibit very interesting behaviors and territorial instincts. For example, they could chase other birds away from their feeding territories, and also perform acrobatic mid-air stunts. Bird watching is one great experience whereby you study about the ways of the birds and just leave them be, respecting their space.
Support Conservation for Hummingbirds
Most hummingbirds are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and environmental degradation. All this can be helped, at least in part, through contributions from ordinary people supporting conservation organizations such as Audubon Societies.
a) Give to Organizations
Many organizations are also in the race of saving hummingbirds and their natural habitat. Following is an example: ‘Hummingbird Society, BirdLife International strive to protect all of the hummingbirds of the world – their donation will help support efforts to provide natural habitat and to provide research into respective populations.’
b) Advocate for Hummingbird Habitat
Give support to the efforts that save or restore natural habitats of these birds. You will, in addition, be giving support to local wildlife protection when planting native plants, reducing using pesticides, and supporting such policies protecting biodiversity.
c) Participate in citizen projects regarding science.
Participate in the most rewarding citizen science, as it involves reporting sightings around you. One such monitoring program is the Hummingbird Monitoring Network that works on data collection with an understanding in relation to their population levels, migration pattern, or their environmental need. Let your observations support scientific ideas regarding the making of conservation initiatives.
Educate Others About Hummingbird Protection
The more you learn, the more you can share and help spread awareness about how important it is to provide for these birds and conserve them; you can teach others on how to create hummingbird-friendly environments and why hummingbirds should not be caged and kept as pets, which is not only utterly impractical but also hurts them. This may influence others to help in the care and protection of these little wonders.
a) Lead Workshops or Garden Tours
- If you get excited about attracting hummingbirds, you may want to offer workshops or garden tours to others to share the value of native plants and their worth in supporting local ecosystems. This is a fun, educational way to spread the word about hummingbird conservation.
b) Social Networking
- You can post information about hummingbirds, videos, and some interesting facts on social networking sites. You can share your experiences or beauty of the hummingbirds in your garden to inspire others to take an active interest in the protection of these incredible birds.
Conclusion:
Admire, Don’t Captivate
Having a hummingbird as a pet is a very alluring thing, but it is quite not practical nor ethical. These are magical creatures that fly free in the wild, foraging and following their instincts. Rather than trying to keep them as pets, the best way to enjoy hummingbirds is by creating an environment in which they will be able to thrive and visit you naturally.
Plant native flowers, set up feeders, or contribute to their conservation and enjoy the hummingbirds in your life without disrupting their natural way of life.
They are not to be captive for their beauty, but to remain wild and be just as beautiful. Let their beauty be appreciated as a wild animal, but show respect for their freedom and roles in nature.
