Page 357 - Hand rearing birds second

348 Hand-Rearing Birds

Artificial­Nest­Platforms
The use of an artificial nest is useful if chicks were ejected from their nest and the natural nest was
either destroyed or inaccessible. An artificial structure should be considered if it can be installed at
or very near the original nest site. Raptors have defined territories that they defend vigorously. The
nest should be a strong and stable structure approximately 4 × 4 × 1 ft. (1.2 × 1.2 × 0.3 m). The nest
should be installed high enough that the parents feel comfortable to return and resume caring for
the youngsters. Generally, it is best to aim for a height of 25 ft. (7.6 m) at a minimum. There should
be enough cover to protect the youngster from weather and predation. The type of artificial plat-
form used will depend on the species, local habitat, and age of the chick. It can be as simple as a
box type platform with sturdy sides and drainage holes drilled in the bottom. Keep in mind the
structure must be large and stable enough to accommodate the eaglets as they grow and reach full
size, as well as their parents. Edges should be sturdy and extend 10–12 in. above the platform mate-
rial to protect eaglets from falling. Sides will also serve as a perch for the youngsters as they grow.
Place newly cut pine boughs or similar material native to the surrounding habitat in the nest to
cushion the eaglets, provide familiar surroundings, and allow the chick to begin using its legs and
feet for perching.

Wild­Fostering

This technique involves placing a chick in an existing, same‐species, wild nest with parents other
than their own. Wild fostering can be used with many species of raptors, including eagles, if the
species is amenable. When considering this technique, be certain the wild family is the same spe-
cies with a single same‐age chick. Different age chicks in the same nest may result in siblicide of
either the fostered or natural chick. It is not ethical to place chicks in a natural nest already at
capacity. The result will overburden the parents and jeopardize the success of the wild nest.

Foster­Parent­Reared­at­Wildlife­Facility
No one can raise an eaglet as well an eagle. A wildlife rehabilitator may try their best, but the
fact is we are humans not eagles and they are not humans. Experience has taught us that the
life of any species, including our own, is far more complicated than being supplied food and a
clean space in which to grow. We cannot teach an eaglet the social cues, vocalizations, and
other vital behaviors that will make them successful with their own species. If a chick is to be
raised in captivity for release to the wild, it is important the facility rehabilitating the chick
have a foster parent of the same species to raise the chick or immediately transfer the eaglet to
a facility that does. This is the only way to assure the young eagle has a future in the wild. Delay
in transfer of even a few days may affect the outcome of the eaglet in terms of being releasable
to the wild.
The foster parent or parents should be nonreleasable wild adults, and preferably have reared
chicks in the wild. The sex of the foster parent is not important other than males seem to be more
at ease with chicks than females; however, that varies with individuals. Human imprints are not
an option as a foster parent. Human imprinted eagles are not “normal” and therefore cannot teach
the chicks normal behavior or vocalizations. The chances of an imprinted adult killing the chick is
great. Education birds are acceptable; however, they must remain in the rearing chamber with the
eaglets with no interruption until the youngsters are fledged and ready to begin the flight
conditioning process.