Can You Keep Pet Hummingbirds?

Understanding the Feasibility of Keeping Hummingbirds as Pets

As someone with extensive experience as a zookeeper, I can confidently state that hummingbirds are not well-suited for captivity. These tiny, fascinating creatures require specialized care and living conditions that are nearly impossible to replicate in a home environment. In this article, we will explore why keeping hummingbirds as pets is not a viable option and highlight the reasons why they necessitate such high maintenance.

High Maintenance Care Requirements

Feeding Frequency and Diet
Hummingbirds have very specific and demanding dietary requirements. They require frequent feeding, approximately every 20 minutes, with a diet that includes small live insects like fruit flies. Commercial nectar is available, but it must be changed multiple times a day as it ferments very quickly. This constant attention to their nectar intake is a significant challenge for pet owners.

Inadequacy of Captive Diets
Commercial options for pet hummingbirds, such as nectar substitutes, often do not meet their nutritional needs. Low protein content in these commercial products can lead to starvation for these nectarivorous birds. Supplementing with live insects is crucial but far from simple, as they need to be fed small, live insects that mimic their natural diet.

Physical and Environmental Needs

Flying Space and Aggression
Hummingbirds are physically unable to walk or move their legs independently. They require ample space to fly and perform the complex movements that are innate to their species. Small cages can severely impact their well-being, potentially causing stress or injury. Aggressive behavior is also a concern; two hummers in a small space can become territorial and aggressive towards each other, leading to potential harm or even death.

Enlarged Housing Requirements
A single hummingbird in a large, well-designed enclosure mimics their natural environment but is impractical within the confines of a typical home. Specialized aviaries or large cages must be provided, and regular monitoring and maintenance are required. The social and physical requirements of these birds make them unsuitable as simple indoor pets.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Permits and Regulations
Keeping hummingbirds as pets is illegal in the United States without obtaining special permits from the Department of the Interior. This is to protect both the birds and the ecology. Hummingbirds are migratory birds, and the appropriate permits ensure their conservation. Keeping hummingbirds without the proper legal standing not only poses risks to the birds but also to the pet owner.

Animal Welfare
Hummingbirds, like any wild animal, are best left in the wild. Not only do they require specific care that is challenging to provide in a home setting, but petting and handling them can cause injuries, especially to inexperienced individuals. Additionally, capturing a wild hummingbird for petting is not only illegal but harmful to the bird's health and well-being.

Alternatives for Hummingbird Enthusiasts

Wildlife Rehabilitation
If you are passionate about hummingbirds, consider volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. These centers provide specialized care for injured or orphaned hummingbirds, and they can offer valuable insights into the care of these beautiful birds.

Creating Hummingbird-Friendly Environments
Creating a hummingbird-friendly environment in your backyard is a more feasible and ethical option. Planting native flowers, installing hummingbird feeders, and avoiding pesticides can attract these birds naturally and provide a safe environment for them to thrive.

While the notion of having a pet hummingbird may seem charming, it is important to understand the dedicated and specialized care required. As a former zookeeper, I emphasize that keeping hummingbirds as pets is not realistically or ethically feasible for the average person. Enjoy these magnificent birds by providing them with natural habitats and support for conservation efforts.