Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture people’s imaginations with their incredibly fast wing beats, their ability to hover and fly backwards, and their beautiful iridescent plumage. If you’ve had the good fortune to come across an injured or orphaned hummingbird, caring for it can be extremely rewarding. However, rehabilitating a hummingbird requires specific knowledge and care. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do if you rescue an injured or orphaned hummingbird.
Assess the bird’s condition
The first step when you find an injured or orphaned hummingbird is to quickly assess its condition. Look for any visible injuries, bleeding, or broken bones. Check if the bird is alert and attempting to escape or if it is weak, lethargic or unconscious. Without handling the bird, see if it can stand steadily and grip onto branches or perches. If the hummingbird appears otherwise healthy but you suspect it might be an orphan, look for a nearby nest. Fledgling hummingbirds typically remain on the ground for a day or more after leaving the nest while they build up flight strength.
Injured Adult Hummingbird
If the adult hummingbird has an obvious injury, carefully put it in a ventilated container and get it to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. Do not try to treat any injuries yourself. Licensed rehabilitators have the necessary training and resources to provide proper medical treatment and assess whether the bird can be released back into the wild.
Orphaned Baby Hummingbird
An orphaned baby hummingbird, or chick, is much more delicate to handle and care for. If the chick is featherless, it likely fell from the nest before it was ready to fledge. Try to locate and return the chick to its nest if possible. If the nest can’t be found or is inaccessible, the chick’s best chance of survival is at a wildlife rehab facility. Place the chick in a ventilated container lined with a soft cloth and keep it warm during transport.
Housing a rescued hummingbird
Properly housing a rescued hummingbird is vital for its health and recovery. Here are some guidelines on setting up appropriate housing:
Container
– Use a well-ventilated container or cage designed for small birds. Make sure there is enough room for the hummingbird to move around.
– For very young hummers, use a smaller container or modified bird house lined with soft cloth or cotton.
– Avoid wire mesh that could damage feathers; opt for plastic, acrylic or lightweight aluminum.
Perches
– Include perches made from natural branches and sticks at various heights.
– For chicks, add soft cloth perches low to the ground.
– Ensure perch surfaces are smooth, not abrasive.
Bedding
– Line the bottom of the cage with paper towels or unscented toilet paper that can be changed out.
Heating pad/source of warmth
– Place cage on a heating pad or other warm spot, maintaining air temp of 80-85°F for babies.
– Do not overheat; provide cooler areas to allow bird to self-regulate.
Location
– Keep the cage in a quiet, semi-darkened space away from direct sunlight, drafts, other pets, noise.
Feeding a rescued hummingbird
Feeding is one of the most crucial aspects of rehabilitating hummingbirds. They have very specialized nutritional needs that must be met.
Formula
– Feed homemade or commercial nectar formula specifically designed for hummingbirds.
– Newborns need diluted formula; gradually thicken as they develop.
– Clean and refresh feeders daily.
Feeding method
– Use narrow-tipped syringes without needles to feed drop-by-drop.
– Allow time for crop to empty between feedings.
– Gently open and massage beak/throat to initiate swallow reflex.
Frequency
– Feed babies every 20-30 minutes from sunrise to sunset for first 10 days.
– Slowly reduce frequency as they grow.
– Provide nectar in a feeder for adults; replace every 1-2 days.
Signs of hunger
– Begging noises, opening mouth, rapid breathing.
– If crop is full, do not feed more.
Weaning
– Start offering nectar in dropper feeder around 3 weeks.
– Introduce hanging feeder; teach hummer to feed itself.
– Monitor weight and taper off hand-feeding as it learns to self-feed.
Caring for a rescued hummingbird
In addition to housing and feeding, rescued hummingbirds require special care in other areas:
Grooming
– Gently clean any soiled feathers with warm water and non-scented soap.
– Avoid over-handling and damaging delicate feathers.
Interacting
– Minimize contact and avoid imprinting on humans.
– Quietly observe at a distance when interacting.
Exercising
– Let flying juveniles and adults freely fly around interior spaces for exercise.
– Limit time out for fledglings building flight strength.
Enrichment
– Provide leafy branches, smaller perches, gradually introduce plants.
– Set up safe areas for flight practice indoors.
Monitoring progress
– Keep detailed notes on feeding schedule, weight, behavior.
– Track feather condition and activity levels.
– Notify rehabber if any deterioration.
Releasing
– Ensure hummingbird can self feed and fly proficiently before releasing.
– Release at original location during daylight hours when active.
– Continue to provide supplemental food source near release site.
Common health issues
Some common health issues may arise when rehabilitating rescued hummingbirds. Being able to identify and properly address these will give the bird the best chance of recovery:
| Issue | Signs | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Weakness, lethargy, wrinkled skin, sunken eyes | Slowly administer electrolyte fluid under skin using sterile technique |
| Malnutrition | Low weight, lack of growth, weakness | Provide adequate nutrition, consider assist-feeding |
| Infection | Swelling, oozing eyes/nares, poor feather condition | Antibiotics from vet if severe; otherwise supportive care |
| Bone fracture | Swelling, bruising, inability to perch/fly | Stabilize with medical tape; see vet for recovery timeframe |
Preventing health issues
Many health problems can be avoided by providing the following proper care:
- Clean housing and fresh food/water
- Adequate nutrition
- Consistent feeding schedule
- Proper temperatures
- Exercise and enrichment
- Minimizing stress
Finding a wildlife rehabilitator
If it becomes clear you cannot adequately care for the rescued hummingbird yourself, seek help from a professional rehabilitator as soon as possible. Here are some tips for finding a qualified rehab expert in your area:
Online directories
– Search directories such as The Humane Society, The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
– Look for licensed rehabbers specifically experienced with hummingbirds and small birds.
Local resources
– Contact wildlife rescue hotlines and animal control in your area for rehabilitator referrals.
– Call local zoos, nature centers, veterinary offices and birding groups for recommendations.
Evaluating a rehabilitator
– Ask about their hummingbird rehabilitation experience and success rates.
– Ensure they have proper state and federal licenses to legally handle migratory birds.
– Request a facility tour to view their set-up and capabilities.
Transferring the hummingbird
– Carefully transport the hummingbird in a ventilated container with a soft cloth.
– Keep the bird warm and minimize disturbances.
– Provide the rehabber with details on how and when you found the bird.
Preventing hummingbird rescues
While helping an injured or orphaned hummingbird can be very rewarding, prevention is ideal. Here are some tips to help prevent hummingbirds from needing rescue in the first place:
Avoiding window collisions
– Place decals on windows to make them more visible to birds.
– Close curtains/blinds where possible to block reflections.
Keeping cats indoors
– Cats are a top predator of birds and can easily injure hummingbirds.
– Keep pet cats inside or supervise their outdoor time.
Hummingbird-safe pest control
– Use organic pest control methods in yards and gardens.
– Avoid harsh chemicals toxic to hummingbirds and their invertebrate food supply.
Minding construction seasons
– Avoid pruning trees or renovating buildings during critical nesting periods.
– This minimizes disturbing intact nests with babies.
Removing hazards
– Trim any tree branches or bushes that could impale a hummingbird in a collision.
– Clear away tangled wires, netting, or other entanglement risks.
Conclusion
Caring for a rescued hummingbird can be difficult but very rewarding. Do your research, reach out for help when needed, and always keep the bird’s best interests in mind. With some dedication and proper guidance, you can give an injured or orphaned hummingbird a second chance to return to the wild.
