A Baby Hummingbird's Diet

Adult hummingbirds, as is common knowledge amongst bird lovers, feed on flower nectar. However, when they are first hatched, baby hummingbirds must be fed a special substance provided by their mothers, according to WorldofHummingbirds.com.

  1. Baby Hummingbird Food

    • Mother hummingbirds feed upon nectar and bugs, and then they regurgitate it into a slurry substance which the babies can digest. Feedings average every 20 minutes.

    How They Are Fed

    • When a mother lands in the nest, the babies will feel the wind from her wings and open their mouths. The mother then inserts her long beak into the babies mouths and drop bits of bugs and nectar inside with an up-and-down pumping motion.

    Effect of Normal Nectar

    • If a baby hummingbird is fed only regular nectar it will grow severely crippled or even die. There is not enough protein in the regular nectar.

    When They Can Eat Normal Food

    • When hummingbirds are about three weeks old they are big enough to start flying. At this point, the mother will accompany them for another couple days out of the nest and show them where to find the best nectar and bugs to eat. Then she will shoo them away to live permanently on their own.

    Finding an Injured or Abandoned Baby Hummingbird

    • Watch the nest for one hour to be sure the mother does not return. However, if the chick cheeps constantly for more than 10 minutes, the baby may be starving and need help right away. Injured babies also need immediate care. Turn the bird over to a local professional, such as a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.

    Temporary First-Aid Feeding

    • WorldofHummingbirds.com states you can offer the baby a 4:1 solution of water and sugar for four hours, but no longer without possible crippling or death. Every 30 minutes carefully drop the sugar-water into its mouth--three drops for babies with no feathers and five drops for older chicks with feathers.