Hummingbird Pets in the USA: Legal or Just a Dream?

Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating birds in the world, known for their tiny size, incredible speed, and stunning iridescent feathers.

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Many bird lovers in the USA wonder if they can keep a hummingbird as a pet. However, the reality is that owning a hummingbird is not just difficult—it’s illegal.

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Why Is It Illegal to Keep Hummingbirds as Pets? Hummingbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in the United States. This law makes it illegal to capture, sell, or keep migratory birds, including hummingbirds, as pets.

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These birds thrive in the wild, where they have access to their natural diet, which consists mainly of nectar, small insects, and tree sap.

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Challenges of Keeping Hummingbirds in Captivity Even if it were legal, hummingbirds would be incredibly difficult to care for.

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They require a highly specialized diet and need to feed every 10–15 minutes due to their fast metabolism. Keeping them in a cage would be harmful to their health and well-being.

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How to Enjoy Hummingbirds Without Owning One Instead of keeping a hummingbird as a pet, bird lovers can attract them to their backyard by planting nectar-rich flowers or hanging hummingbird feeders.

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Observing these beautiful birds in their natural habitat is a rewarding and ethical way to enjoy their presence.

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