Hummingbirds are beautiful, fascinating creatures that many people wish they could keep as pets. Their diminutive size, stunning iridescent colors, and remarkable flying abilities make them seem like they would be the perfect pet. However, while it may seem appealing to have a tiny hummingbird that could fly freely around your house, keeping hummingbirds as pets brings up some important considerations.
Is it legal to keep a hummingbird as a pet?
In the United States and Canada, it is illegal to keep native hummingbirds as pets. Hummingbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it unlawful to possess any wild native bird, or their nests or eggs. This law covers all native hummingbird species found in the U.S. and Canada, including ruby-throated, Anna’s, rufous, Allen’s, Costa’s, and broad-tailed hummingbirds.
There are no permits or licenses available that would allow a private citizen to legally keep a hummingbird as a pet in North America. However, some people do report keeping hummingbirds illegally. This poses risks to the bird’s welfare and also carries potential legal penalties if caught.
Can you have an exotic pet hummingbird?
It is legal to keep exotic hummingbird species as pets in some parts of the world, though restrictions may apply. For example, specialty aviculturalists and facilities may be permitted to house hummingbirds like the green-tailed hummingbird or amethyst woodstar. These non-native species do not fall under protections like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Even where legal, keeping exotic hummingbirds presents challenges. These delicate birds require very specialized care to thrive. Most experts advise against casual private owners attempting to keep them as pets.
Ethical considerations of keeping hummingbirds
Beyond legal restrictions, there are ethical concerns to consider when keeping hummingbirds captive. Hummingbirds are not domesticated animals adapted to live with humans. Some considerations include:
- Stress – Hummingbirds are highly energetic, active creatures. The confinement of captivity could cause them chronic stress.
- Behavioral issues – They may not exhibit natural behaviors when caged and unable to migrate or establish wild territories.
- Loneliness – Hummingbirds are solitary and do not live or interact in groups. A single hummingbird alone as a pet could suffer lonely isolation.
- Captivity risks – Their small size and fragility make them prone to injury or escape in an artificial indoor environment.
- Complex needs – They have very specialized nutritional and housing requirements that would be difficult for most owners to adequately provide in captivity.
Due to these concerns, many experts on hummingbird care and welfare maintain it is unethical to remove hummingbirds from the wild or breed generations for life in captivity solely as pets or for human enjoyment.
Challenges of caring for a hummingbird
If you did attempt to care for a hummingbird, it would present many daunting challenges:
Diet
One major difficulty of keeping hummingbirds is meeting their specialized dietary needs. Hummingbirds exist on nectar and tiny insects and must eat very frequently. In the wild they may visit up to 1,000 flowers per day. Replicating this diet in captivity is demanding.
Artificial commercial nectars provide some nutrition, but lack the nutrients and phytochemicals of real flowers. Providing live insects also raises logistical issues. The effort and costs required to closely mimic their natural diet is prohibitive for most people.
Housing
Hummingbirds also require intricate housing tailored to their needs:
- Very large enclosure – They need ample space to fly and dart around as they naturally would.
- Proper temperature – Maintaining a sufficiently warm environment is vital.
- Adequate lighting – Full spectrum lighting should simulate daylight.
- Sufficient humidity – Their enclosure must have proper moisture and ventilation.
- Water features – They bathe and drink while flying, so sprinklers or fountains should be provided.
- Feeders – Specialized feeders are needed to dispense nectar and live insects.
- Plants – Vegetation, flowers, and perches should be included.
- Outdoor access – An outdoor cage allowing natural light and air would provide some enrichment.
Very few homes could accommodate the space and meticulous habitat hummingbirds need. Public zoos and aviaries with specialized staff struggle meeting these standards.
Handling
Hummingbirds are incredibly fragile. Their bones are hollow, their wings paper-thin, and their skin easily damaged by contact. They do not tolerate handling and must have minimal human interaction. Even specialized handlers only work with hummingbirds when absolutely necessary.
Veterinary care
Hummingbirds also require expert veterinary care from an avian specialist. But access to qualified vets can be limited, and expenses are considerable. Like any pet, they are prone to injury and illness that demands proper medical treatment.
Given their specialized needs, providing appropriate hummingbird care proves very difficult logistically, financially, and ethically. This helps explain why keeping hummingbirds as pets remains extremely rare.
Alternative ways to enjoy hummingbirds
For those enchanted by hummingbirds, there are many thoughtful ways to observe and interact with them without removing them from nature:
- Plant a natural garden using native plants they are attracted to.
- Install feeders and watch them visit – carefully follow instructions for proper feeding.
- Photograph them in the wild and document your observations.
- Hang a hummingbird nest to foster a nesting pair.
- Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation shelter that cares for hummingbirds.
- Donate to conservation groups that protect hummingbird habitats.
- Visit aviaries and sanctuaries ethically housing non-releasable hummingbirds.
With some creativity and care, you can find fulfilling ways to develop a meaningful connection with hummingbirds without the risks and difficulties of trying to keep them as pets.
Conclusion
While their beauty and appeal makes them seem like perfect pets, hummingbirds have extremely demanding needs that make them unsuitable for captivity. It is typically illegal, unethical, and impractical for the average person to attempt keeping them. Improper care risks the bird’s health and shortens its life. But those enchanted by hummingbirds can still find thoughtful, enriching ways to observe them by creating backyard habitats and supporting conservation efforts. With some creativity, you can invite hummingbirds into your daily life without removing them from their natural homes.