Assessing the Situation
Accidentally stumbling upon a seemingly abandoned baby hummingbird can get your panic buttons hitting the roof. However, it’s crucial not to act impulsively. Oftentimes, what appears to be an abandoned chick is actually under watchful parental eyes, with the mother nearby gathering food.
Your first step should be observing the baby from a safe and non-threatening distance. Waiting patiently for about an hour is normally adequate. Hummingbird chicks take feeds every 20 minutes, therefore, if the mother is around, you’re likely to spot her within this timeframe. According to The Hummingbird Guide, one should only intervene if the baby is visibly injured, on the ground, or if the mother doesn’t return.
Safely Capturing the Baby Hummingbird
Careful handling of a baby hummingbird is crucial to avoid causing further stress or injury. Use clean hands or a soft cloth to gently pick it up, while taking care not to hold it too tightly. Examine it carefully for injuries and try to locate its nest. The nest plays a significant role in the bird’s survival— it shields it from harsh environmental conditions, predators, and provides warmth. Therefore, if the nest is intact and reachable, the bird should be put back.
As shared on Hummingbird Market, if the nest is damaged or lost, a makeshift nest can be created using a small container lined with tissue. The makeshift nest can be secured in the tree close to where the original nest was found.
Caring for the Baby Hummingbird
While waiting for professional help, it’s essential to keep the baby hummingbird warm and hydrated. Place it in a small box lined with tissue and provide it a source of heat, such as a heating pad set on low, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot. It’s also important to keep it hydrated by offering it small drops of electrolyte solution or distilled water.
However, refrain from feeding the baby, as improper feeding could lead to its demise. A young hummingbird’s diet is complex and needs to be administered in a specific way as detailed by The Hummingbird Guide. Let the rescuers handle the feeding.
Getting Professional Help
Always remember that professional help should be your first resort. They are trained to handle such situations and provide the best care for these delicate creatures. With informational platforms like the Belize Bird Rescue showing how professional organizations rescue and nurture hummingbirds back to health, it’s advisable to contact your local wildlife centers or animal rescue organizations before trying to care for the bird yourself.
These organizations have gemmed professionals who understand bird behavior, nutritional requirements, and necessary medical treatments. So, play your part in preserving nature’s beauty by stepping back and letting the professionals handle the baby hummingbird rescue situation.
<small>Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-bird-on-persons-hand-Njaci39hck0 </small>