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104 Hand-Rearing Birds

frequently. Food and feces often end up in ponds. Water must be kept clean, with pools being drained
and the water changed often. A good filtration system should be installed in larger ponds.

Keeping Predators Out

The best approach to protecting patients from predation is to take steps to exclude predators
and not attract predators to the pens. Do not leave excess food out and clean up spilled grain
outside the pen should it occur. Solid barrier fences will block visual attraction. Trees near or
bordering enclosures may allow avian predators to perch or climbing predators to use them as
a launching platform to access the enclosure; these should be eliminated. Digging animals,
such as skunks, can be discouraged with buried 1 × 0.5 in. (2.5 × 1.3 cm) galvanized wire. The
wire should be buried at a depth of 2 ft. (0.7 m), straight into the ground, and angled outward
from the pen another 2 ft. (0.7 m). The use of galvanized moderate‐ to heavy‐gauge wire is wise
because less substantial wire will deteriorate in the ground and require costly maintenance or
replacement every few years. Some rehabilitators have had success using multiple strands of
electric fencing on the outside of the perimeter fencing. This technique will discourage climb -
ing predators, such as raccoons, mink, and fishers. Several strands of electrical fencing starting
inches from the ground and going to approximately 5 ft. (1.5 m) from the ground are generally
adequate to discourage most predators. Check with local wildlife officials for a list of predators
that frequent the area and for regulations for legal means to control them. Humane trapping
using live traps or other methods may be needed for persistent predators. Local regulations
affect the translocation of live‐trapped predators. Under no circumstances should poison be
used to control predators. The chance of poisoning nontarget species is great, including the
patients being protected. The enclosure should be covered with wire on the top to prevent avian
or climbing predation, as well as wild visitors that may bring parasites or other problems to
pens, and premature release.

Release

Youngsters remain with the adult until fully feathered and, in some cases, through the first winter.
Fully feathered juvenile ducks, familiar with natural foods and proven to be waterproofed, can be
released into prey‐abundant natural habitat. Waterfowl releases are ideally done away from human
activity in protected wildlife areas. Release should be done in the morning to allow young birds
time to adapt, integrate with the wild population, and find cover for the night.
If the waterfowl in care must migrate from the area, keep the migration needs of each species in
mind and allow time for the young to integrate into a flock. Monitor release sites for local and
regional plans to assure no herbicide or pesticide programs for weed abatement have been or will
be used in the waterway. Check with local officials to assure damage control waterfowl population
abatement methods are not planned or underway in the release area.
Larger species may stay in family groups through the first winter. If migratory flocks can be
located, most species of geese can be successfully released into the flock. If larger numbers of geese
of the same species are reared together at a rehabilitation center, they form a “family group” and
do well released together. Rehabilitated adults can be integrated with juvenile birds and released
with the young birds. Swans can be aggressive with cygnets that are not their own. A close working
relationship with state and federal wildlife agencies is important to develop a release plan for larger
species that may require overwintering and a spring release for greater success.