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148 Hand-Rearing Birds

that cause injury. Injured birds that are bleeding also must be removed for their safety until no
fresh injury is visible.

Predator Guards for Housing and Enclosures

The first step in protecting patients from predation is to not attract predators to the area. Grain
spillage should be cleaned up and no excess food left outside the pens. Solid barrier fences block
visual temptation for predators. Trees bordering enclosures may allow avian predators to perch
and climbing predators to access the enclosure, so they should be carefully evaluated. Digging
animals such as skunks can be discouraged with 1 × 0.5 in. (2.5 × 1.25 cm) hardware cloth buried
2 ft. (60 cm) straight into the ground and angled outward from the pen another 2 ft. (60 cm). The use
of galvanized heavy gauge wire is wise because less substantial wire may deteriorate and require
costly maintenance. Some rehabilitators have success using multiple strands of electric fencing on
the outside of the perimeter fencing, starting inches from the ground and placed about 1 ft. (30 cm)
apart to a height of approximately 5 ft. (1.5 m), which is generally adequate to discourage most
predators. Check with local wildlife officials for a list of predators that frequent the area and regu-
lations for legal means to control them. Humane trapping using live traps or other methods may be
needed for persistent pests. Local regulations may affect the translocation of live‐trapped predators.
Under no circumstances should poison ever be used to control predators. The chance of poisoning
nontarget species is great. For the most complete protection, the enclosure should be covered to
prevent avian predation, premature release, or wild visitors that may bring parasites or other prob-
lems to the pens.

Release Criteria

Everything about wild Galliformes is unique – and release is no different. Most species do not fly
well, migrate, or move great distances; therefore, dispersal is not an option for these birds as it is
with many avian species. It is important for them to be released into a good habitat, with natural
food availability, and away from humans and domestic animals. Release should occur after the bird
is fully feathered, acclimated to outdoor temperature, and experienced with natural food.
Galliformes are prey for many animals in the wild. The formation of family groups offers the birds
protection and for some species, such as wild turkeys, are a key method of survival. This behavior
is especially true of hens; however, all young Galliformes benefit through their first winter or until
they can assimilate into the local population.
Many Galliformes are hunted. Consider the hunting season dates in timing release. For best
survival, release birds after the hunting season ends or a few weeks before to allow the bird to
acclimate without threat. Post‐release supplemental feeding is generally not needed.

Author’s Note

The rehabilitation of wild Galliformes can be challenging. Wildlife rehabilitators have contact
with species that are rarely handled, particularly as chicks. Working with these delicate species
gives the wildlife rehabilitator an opportunity to be a valued partner in natural history informa-
tion development and disease research. It is essential to keep good records of diet, housing, and