Nesting Materials You Should Never Give To Hummingbird
Synthetic Fibers: Avoid materials like polyester, nylon, or plastic fibers, as they can tangle and become harmful. These non-natural fibers don't break down and can harm the birds or their chicks.
Cotton Balls or Fluff: Cotton, especially synthetic cotton, can pose a suffocation risk and doesn’t offer the proper insulation needed for hummingbird nests. It also absorbs moisture, which could make the nest damp.
Human Hair: While it might seem like a good natural material, human hair can be too coarse, and its chemical treatments (like shampoo or dye) can be harmful to hummingbirds.
Wool or Yarn: Wool may seem soft, but it can be too heavy and compact, which prevents proper airflow in the nest. Yarn can also pose a strangulation risk to the birds.
Feathers from Domesticated Birds: Feathers from pet birds or any domesticated animal could carry diseases or mites that could infect wild hummingbirds.
Painted or Dyed Materials: Anything that is dyed or painted, including fabric scraps, could contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or used for nest construction.
– Thread or String: These materials can easily become tangled around the hummingbird’s tiny legs or wings, leading to injury or death.–
Shiny Objects or Tinsel: Hummingbirds are attracted to shiny items, but metallic materials like tinsel, glitter, or aluminum foil can be dangerous, cause injury, or create a mess that clutters the environment.