Page 605 - Hand rearing birds second

606 Hand-Rearing Birds

here in Belize; flooding precludes access to many nesting grounds where common species are
known to congregate.
Timing of the release is gauged on flock behavior and attitude, diminished or ceased vocaliza-
tion, and perfect physical condition including feathers and flight. Weather patterns and seasonal
hazards such as fires, floods, or hurricanes are additional considerations.

Release

Never hard‐release hand‐raised chicks or ex‐captives. It is ideal to soft‐release the birds at the cho-
sen release site. This necessitates building a suitably sized, predator‐proof, soft‐release cage at the
location with a trusted person close by who can monitor the release process and keep providing
food for the birds in the cage; field staff can also attend to the birds (Figure 39.7). The birds are
transported to the enclosure and will remain inside for a minimum of 14–21 days.
A drop‐down hatch doubles as the release opening and also a secure place to return for supple-
mental feeding until all birds have exited the enclosure and no longer return. Enclosures with
“normal” human doors are a nightmare for release; hence the hatch. If the opening does not go
right to highest point, then the birds may have serious trouble finding the exit. For the first few
nights, some birds may come back, in which case the hatch should be closed at night to avoid pre-
dation. Once they no longer return to the aviary (usually a couple of days), discontinue the hatch
and start supplemental feeding on alternate platforms nearby. Position platforms to give the secu-
rity of foliage while giving clear view of approaching predators and a fast escape route. Suspended

Figure 39.7 Smaller, modular aviary to allow birds to become accustomed to the release site prior to soft
release when the hatch is finally left open.