Sick hummingbird sitting on my feeder for hours!?

Question

I have a hummingbird feeder in my backyard that is used by about five or six hummingbirds. This morning (around 8 am.), a new hummer was sitting on my feeder. I wanted to change the food, but he was sitting there so I left to visit my mother in the hospital. I came home at 4pm and he was still sitting there. It is an hour and a half later now and he is still there. So....I think he has been there all day. The food needs to be changed, but I am afraid to scare him away. Is there anything I can do? Should I just leave him alone or should I try to make him fly off? I feel so sad for him.

Answer 1

They eat insects to fulfill their need for protein. Hummingbirds
must eat often and may die quickly if no food source is available.


Hummingbirds can suffer from illnesses in the wild. Common ailments include fungal infections and the avian pox virus. Fungal infections can result in black bulbous growths on the bill. The bill looks thickened and many times the tongue will be thick and white, instead of its normal transparent appearance. Avian pox presents with cauliflower like looking growths at the base of the bill, around the eyes, under the wings and on the legs and feet. Normally, a hummingbird that is ill can be identified by its appearance. During the day, healthy hummingbirds should be be alert and actively preening, vocalizing, flying and defending territories. Hummingbirds that are seen constantly perching on a feeder, have body feathers that are puffed out like a cotton ball (during the day), eyes closed or have tongues extending out of their bills are most likely unhealthy birds. Hummingbirds showing any of these signs will most likely need treatment by a wildlife rehabilitator/center as soon as possible. The most important thing one can do for these birds is to provide heat and food. See Adult care instructions. To help avoid illnesses/ injuries in hummingbirds:

Maintain a clean hummingbird feeder at all times.

Provide fresh sugar water solution on a regular basis.

Use granulated sugar, no honey, artificial sweeteners or red food coloring.
(4 parts water to 1 part sugar)

If using an ant trap with feeder, fill only with water.

Avoid the use of petroleum jelly, cooking oil or tangle foot type products on feeders to deter insects.

Do not use pesticides in your garden.

Answer 2

In rare situations a hummingbird may need the expert care that only an experienced and licensed wildlife rehabilitator can provide. Hummingbirds have very specialized needs, and each year many sick, injured, and baby hummingbirds die slow, painful deaths in the hands of well-meaning but unqualified individuals. For the best chance of survival, the bird should be turned over to a rehabilitator as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of the time it was found. To prepare for a hummingbird or other wildlife emergency, contact your veterinarian or local nature center, humane society, zoo, or state department of wildlife office for the phone number of a wildlife rescue organization or individual rehabilitator near you, or look under "Animal Rescue, Relocate & Transport" in the yellow pages. For first aid information, read and print out or bookmark the guidelines for short-term care of hummingbirds provided by Project Wildlife of San Diego, California. Additional information, including a growing state-by-state directory of wildlife care centers and licensed individual rehabilitators, can be found in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory.

Answer 3

sick hummingbird sitting feeder hours

Answer 4

I got the same thing right now for the last few days. All day, goes away at night and all day again sitting on my feeder. I wonder if it is sick or just a young fledgling being lazy.

Answer 5

That is so sad...he is probably not feeling well. I don't even know what to say...I love birds and it so sad that we can't understand what they are feeling...I would let him stay right there, because a cat might come around and do the unthinkable...Poor thing...

Answer 6

I had the same thing happen to one of my hummers last season.
He did the same thing as yours...I found him dead under the feeded later on that day.
Sorry.

Answer 7

MAYBE HE IS DRUNK FROM FERMENTED DRINKS. OR HE COULD BE WAITING FOR THE SMORGASBORD TO BEGIN. I'D GO OUT WITH THE FOOD AND IF HE FLIES AWAY GOOD IF NOT HE'LL FALL OFF WHEN HIS BUDDIES COME BACK