This year, our Raptor Hospital has been incredibly busy, caring for a variety of species of raptors with all sorts of ailments. Whilst we are prepared and equipped to look after Owls, Buzzards, Kestrels, Hawks and Kites, time is always critical, and unfortunately, this year we’ve had to deal with an increasing number of cases which have not been looked after correctly from the outset.
We understand that everyone wants to help wildlife in trouble, however, this is not always in the animal/bird's best interest as all require experienced specialist care for a release to be successful. Often, we become a last resort when the care provided has not worked, or the bird has gone downhill to the point it requires critical support to survive.
This year has seen a few specific cases where birds have been kept for prolonged periods in unsuitable environments which has either led to the bird being unfit for release or, worst case scenario, euthanized due to untreated or unrecognized injuries. This has led to a prolonged period in captivity which would have otherwise been unnecessary, thus leading to increased stress and loss of core fitness in extreme instances. Bird bones can heal incredibly quickly, and, if an injury goes untreated it can prolong the suffering of a bird that could otherwise be saved, or, cause massive deformities which will make the bird unable to survive in the wild without support.
We have also seen patients brought in to us who have been fed unsuitable diets whilst in care. Birds of prey require whole foods to have a healthy and balanced diet. This means that feeding them processed pet food, even if it is meaty, will cause complications, especially in younger birds that require sufficient bone content in their diet to grow their own bones.
For birds that are starving, a sudden intake of food may overwhelm their digestive system and hasten their demise. When these birds are brought in to us, we use a special solution to give them an energy boost to hopefully enable them to start feeding. This is often administered via a crop tube, which requires skilful practice to ensure that it is placed into the stomach and not the lungs. Syringing liquid into the mouth could result in the bird drowning as the openings for the stomach and lungs are very close.
Overfeeding can also promote obesity which is just as critical to their fitness as an injury is. Birds carrying too much weight can suffer a multitude of long term health problems and can hinder a successful release.
IF YOU FIND A BIRD OF PREY THAT REQUIRES HELP, PLEASE CALL US FOR ADVICE!
We are non-judgemental and will always do our best to support and educate wildlife rescues on the correct protocols and procedures for wild birds of prey. However, if you suspect that a bird’s welfare has been compromised, please contact us so we can endeavour to prevent further suffering.
And lastly, wild birds and animals should never be kept as pets or handled regularly. Any bird or animal that is taken from the wild must be given to a licensed specialist in wildlife rehabilitation for release, or a veterinarian for injury assessment. These animals do not want to be around us, and many show a stress response that can be mistaken for tameness. Please don't kill with kindness!
REMEMBER:
DO NOT give food or water
KEEP the injured bird in a suitable box in a quiet area
CALL US for advice - 03456 807 897