Rehabilitation Requirements Rehabilitation Requirements
for Raptors
1. Do you have a good knowledge of Raptors?
2. Can you accurately identify different species?
3. Can you differentiate between Males and Females?
4. Do you have access to a good Avian Veterinarian with
Raptor/Bird of Prey knowledge?
5. Do you have access to release sites?
6. Do you have access to a good reliable food source?
7. Do you have the required enclosures?
8. Do you have wooden treatment boxes?
DO YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND THE OBJECTIVES OF REHABILITATION?
It is far better to release one viable survivor than to release 10 individuals with a poor survival chance.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE REQUIREMENTS THEN YOU SHOULD SEEK ADVISE WITHIN 24 HOURS.
1. NO WIRE ENCLOSURES, under any circumstances (go to injuries we see).
2. Enclosures need to be 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.4m minimum.
3. Enclosure walls need to be lined with shade cloth or wooden lattice can be used, but it to must be lined on the inside with shade cloth. Wooden slates placed vertically about 40-50mm apart also can be used as a wall structure (shade cloth covering is not required). This prevents cere and feather damage and can hold Eagles relatively easily.
4. Perches must be of good quality e.g. stringy bark, paper bark, and tea tree or if unavailable cover perches with Astroturf or hemp rope. This is to prevent bumble foot (see picture right). Perches need to be of different diameters depending on the size of the bird’s foot.
5. Enclosures must be designed to give the Raptors/Birds of Prey some exposure to the elements. One quarter of the enclosure must be covered. 
6. Cleanliness is extremely important.
7. RAPTORS/BIRDS OF PREY (ESPECIALLY EAGLES) CANNOT BE RELEASED FROM AN ENCLOSURE OF THIS SIZE, although for small Raptors/Birds of Prey a hacking back method can be used. Majority of Shelters will NOT be familiar with this method, as it is quite involved.
1. Storage of foodstuffs. FRIDGE/FREEZER.
2. Access to plenty of rats and mice. (Minimum requirement).
3. Do not use day old chicks as the birds’ sole diet; there is not enough nutritional value in them.
4. Quality of food needs to be good, and if in doubt throw it out.
5. Hygiene is important.
6. Clean water needs to be provided daily.
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