Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures in the natural world. They are also very popular backyard birds, and many people wonder if they can be kept as pets. So, can you have a hummingbird as a pet?
The simple answer is no – hummingbirds cannot be domesticated and should not be kept as pets.
There are a number of reasons why keeping a hummingbird as a pet is not a good idea. For starters, hummingbirds are wild animals and are not used to being around humans. This means that they can be very skittish and may even try to fly away when someone comes too close.
While you cannot keep a hummingbird as a pet, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy these amazing creatures.
Watching them flit around your backyard is a great way to appreciate their beauty, and you can also attract them to your yard by planting flowers that they like.
If you are patient and lucky, you might even be able to get a hummingbird to land on your finger!
Can Hummingbirds Be Kept as Pets?
So, can you keep a hummingbird as a pet? No, unfortunately, you can’t. If you live in the United States or any other country that has signed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, then it’s illegal for you to keep these birds in captivity.
While it may be tempting to keep one of these little creatures in your home, it’s not possible to do so without breaking the law. If you’re caught keeping a hummingbird as a pet, you could be fined anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000.
There are very few people who are able to keep hummingbirds as pets, and they can only do so with a valid permit. Most of these permits are only given to people who work in zoos or other similar establishments.
So, if you’re looking to add a hummingbird to your family, you’re better off admiring them from afar. Enjoy watching them fly around and feed on nectar and insects. They’re truly amazing creatures to behold.
What Does The Law State About Capturing Hummingbirds?
The law states that it is illegal to hold these birds, their nests, their babies, or any part of their bodies in captivity without a valid permit.
This law is called the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The purpose of this act is to protect migratory birds from being captured and sold. The people who are found breaking this law can be fined anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000.
There are very few people who are able to keep hummingbirds as pets. These people have valid permits that allow them to do so.
However, most of these baby birds are bought by governments to be kept in zoos. In other words, you can look, but you can’t touch.
While most countries have adopted the same rules and regulations, there are some countries that do not follow these laws.
If you live in a country outside the United States, you should contact your local government offices to see if your country has signed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
The law made it illegal to capture birds in the wild and sell them as pets. The only way to get a permit to keep a hummingbird is if you are going to use it for research or educational purposes. Even then, it is against the law to sell the bird or its offspring.
Why Can Hummingbirds Not Be Kept As Pets?
The main reason why you can’t keep hummingbirds as pets is that they are wild animals. They can’t be tamed, and they can’t survive in captivity.
Another reason is that these birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law was created to protect birds from being hunted and killed. The law makes it illegal to capture or kill birds.
If you want to keep a hummingbird as a pet, you would need to get a permit from the government. However, these permits are only given to zoos and other similar organizations. Individuals are not allowed to keep hummingbirds as pets.
What Happens If You Get Caught With A Hummingbird?
If you’re caught with a hummingbird, you can be fined up to $200,000. The government takes these birds seriously, and they will not hesitate to prosecute you.
You can also be charged with a felony if you’re caught with a hummingbird. A felony is a serious crime that can result in a prison sentence. It’s best to avoid getting caught with a hummingbird. If you’re caught, you will be fined heavily, and you could also go to jail.
What If You Decide To Keep Hummingbirds As Pets?
If you still want to keep hummingbirds as pets, then you can get a license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This license will cost you $100, and it is only issued to those who have a genuine need for them.
To get the permit, you need to submit an application that includes your name, address, and telephone number; the name and address of the organization you represent, if any; and a description of the facilities where the bird will be kept.
You also need to explain how you will care for the bird and why you want to keep it in captivity. The permit application can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
If you are granted a permit, you will need to provide the bird with a cage that is large enough for it to fly, as well as food and water.
You will also need to take the bird to a vet for regular checkups. Keeping a hummingbird as a pet is a lot of work, so make sure you are prepared for the responsibility before you apply for a permit.
Can I keep A Hummingbird Inside My home if I have a permit?
No, you can not keep a hummingbird as a pet inside your home. These birds are too small and delicate to be kept as pets. They require constant care and attention, and it would be difficult to meet their needs if they were kept inside your home.
It is also illegal to keep them as pets in most states. If you want to see hummingbirds, you can attract them to your yard by getting some nectar feeders and placing them strategically in your compound. You can also put some flowers near the feeders to attract the birds.
Can A Hummingbird Be Considered As A Pet?
No, hummingbirds can’t be considered pets. These birds are exquisite creatures that should be admired from a distance and not kept in captivity.
They have unique dietary requirements that can’t be met when kept as pets, and they also have a violent streak, which makes them unsafe to keep around humans.
It’s better to appreciate these birds from afar and leave them to live their lives in the wild where they belong.
Considering the fact that the law does not allow for the keeping of hummingbirds as pets, it’s best to refrain from doing so. Not only is it illegal, but it’s also cruel to the bird.
These birds are delicate creatures that require a lot of care and attention, and they can’t be properly taken care of when kept as pets. It’s best to appreciate them from afar and leave them be.
Conclusion:
Hummingbirds are beautiful creatures that can be enjoyed from a distance. It is illegal and cruel to keep them as pets, and they require a lot of care and attention that most people cannot provide.
If you still want to keep a hummingbird as a pet, you can apply for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, be prepared for the responsibility of taking care of these delicate creatures.