Page 490 - Hand rearing birds second

486 Hand-Rearing Birds

minimum distance of 8 ft. in radius may provide a protective barrier against domestic predators
and human attention.
Unfortunately, owlets are commonly kidnapped due to their visibility on the ground and their
proximity to people and domestic animals. Uninjured owlets should not be considered orphans
unless the parent clearly and unquestionably rejects them. Captive‐rearing of the highest stand-
ards still tends to have a permanent impact on their learned abilities and skills, as well as their
general behavior. These factors are crucial for long‐term survival.
Many species have been known to readily accept young that have been gone for several days and
even extended periods. In 2001, the author rehabilitated a nestling Great Horned Owl with a frac-
tured ulna for 22 days and then successfully reunited it with the family group where it fledged
naturally.
Young owlets that are repeatedly forced from the nest, or those that have been actively ignored
by parents, are often candidates for intervention. Those with large numbers of ectoparasites or
those attracting flies are also candidates for rehabilitation, as this is a common indicator of paren-
tal absence.
If captive‐rearing is the only option, owlets that are to be released into the wild should never be
raised alone. Every effort should be made to house all sub‐adult birds with conspecifics and ideally
in view of the natural habitat. Regardless of the age or condition of the bird, human interaction
and all contact with people or domestic pets should be minimized whenever possible.

­ Record­Keeping

All records should include detailed information on the location where the bird was found as well
as the circumstances of the rescue. Regulating wildlife agencies should be consulted for specific
requirements or for local, licensed wildlife rehabilitation options.
In addition to basic legal documentation, records should be kept on individual animals through-
out their care. Birds should be weighed, aged as best as possible, and have a physical exam to iden-
tify or rule out any potential health concerns or injuries.
Proper development and general health status may be best assessed by closely monitoring and
documenting body weight, feeding habits and behavior, digestive function, and feather condition,
as compared to their wild counterparts. Physical development of most owl species has been
observed, documented, and is accessible for reference with minimal research. This information is
an essential resource when rearing any unfamiliar species. Special attention should be given to
diet, nutritional needs, and feeding behaviors throughout development, because these factors
impact bone growth and behavioral maturation.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

New patients that appear to be stable should be assessed for thermal needs and then should be left
alone to settle down and de‐stress. Covering the box or cage with a dark towel and moving it to a
quiet room for a few minutes is often sufficient.
Once the animal is warm and calm, it should be weighed, rehydrated, and given an initial physi-
cal exam. Record its initial body weight in grams or in the smallest and most accurate unit available
(Figure 31.1). Check the bird’s keel and pectoral muscle to assess its overall state of health. The