Page 603 - Hand rearing birds second

604 Hand-Rearing Birds

platforms to encourage natural elevated feeding positions. Diverse natural foods should be intro-
duced seasonally, more often than in previous steps, but supplemental (unnatural) foods should
continue to be given in sufficient quantities and locations for all birds in the enclosure.

Flight­Aviaries
These aviaries are where the fledged and weaned flock will spend their last 8–24 months of reha-
bilitation preparing for life in the wild, so they need to be spacious and robust (Figure 39.6).
Ultimately, aim for enclosures as large as resources permit: 50 ft. (15.2 m) in length and 30 ft. (9.2)
in height is a good size for up to 45 small or 35 larger birds. See Appendix 39.1 at the end of this
chapter for more information on aviary construction and perches. These birds fly great distances

Figure 39.6 A large footprint, tall aviary is needed for pre-release activity and social interaction. Note the
hatch that allows feeding at elevation.