Hummingbirds are delightful creatures to watch effortlessly hovering in the air constantly seeking a source of food. If you have a humming bird feeder near your dwelling it can be a joy to watch them hovering near the feeder, leaving to their nest and returning often.
As with any wildlife near your living area it is important to become familiar with some common problems and questions that may arise when dealing with hummingbirds. One common question and concern is what should you do in case you run across a humming bird injured by flying into a window or other stationary object? First of all it is important to understand more than three-quarters of all newborn humming birds die within the first year of life. Most die due to predators, accidents and disease, so it is important we minimize the chances of any human induced accidents.
Often the hummingbird will simply be stunned and can be rejuvenated. The first thing you should do is approach the bird with your hands out in an attempt to startle the bird into flight. If there is no movement from the bird then examine the bird closely for any signs of blood, broken wing or broken bill. If there are no signs of injury then you can try to rejuvenate the bird by giving it a drink of sugar water. First, gently slide the bill in and out of the feeder several times looking for any signs of rapid movement from the feathers or crown or any movement from the tongue.
If the bird will not show any signs of drinking then call your local rehabilitator for further information. If you can't reach them you can also try your local veterinarian for assistance. Some important information to be aware of is that humming birds need to feed frequently. If you are taking care of an injured bird make sure to feed it several times each hour. This can be a difficult responsibility and is better left to a rehabiliator or vet that deals with wild birds.
If you are taking care of an injured humming bird long term then it is important to know sugar water is not a sufficient long-term diet for hummingbirds. They also will need a source of protein and fats that typically come from tiny insects like fruit flies. The easiest way to provide a healthy diet is to purchase a hummingbird formula from your local veterinarian.
Last of all it is important to be aware it is against federal and state laws in the United States and Canada to keep a hummingbird in captivity without special permits.
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