Page 643 - Hand rearing birds second

644 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 42.1 Healthy raven nestlings have a vivid pink mouth.

become critically ill unless the caregiver recognizes the cause of the problem and rehydrates the
bird. A healthy juvenile usually exhibits a vivid pink mouth lining (Figure 42.1).

­ Criteria­for Intervention

Corvids may be brought into captivity for a variety of reasons. Hatchlings, nest and all, may be
blown out of a tree during wind storms. Badly timed tree trimming or tree removal also accounts
for many disruptions to nests. If nestlings are relocated to a neighboring tree, or even put back
into the same tree but not in an identical nest, the adults may not continue to support the birds.
Older nestlings move about in the nest, stretching and flapping, possibly causing younger siblings
or even themselves to fall out of the nest. Predators may injure a nestling or cause it to fall out of
the nest.
During periods of low humidity and high temperatures, fledglings may become dehydrated and
disoriented. If the area where the fledgling has landed appears unsafe for adult birds to support or
assist the juvenile, the adults may vocalize to the younger bird but not give it supportive care.
Because most fledglings must spend some time on the ground before they master flight, even a
healthy fledgling may become frail from lack of food and hydration if parents are unwilling to risk
their own safety to support the bird. Fledglings must not only learn to fly but also to eat on their
own by following the example set by older birds and by trial-and-error pecking and exploring;
hence they are vulnerable to injury by predators, including domestic pets.
Fledglings may be docile, especially if they are stunned or injured from a collision with a win-
dow or other object, and many times they are picked up by humans. A physical examination must
be performed before reuniting a juvenile with its family, because a large percentage of corvids
found by humans have injuries to the skeletal or nervous system or are fatigued by a lack of food
and hydration. See Chapter 1 for information on performing a physical exam. If a corvid is simply
observed on the ground and adult birds are present, this may not be enough to ensure its safety.
Observe from a distance far enough away that adults are willing to approach the juvenile. If adults
are repeatedly feeding the juvenile, no predators are present, and the juvenile appears alert and
agile, it can be left undisturbed. But if adults are not actively feeding the juvenile or prodding it to
a safe area or branch, the bird should be captured and evaluated. Returning the juvenile to the nest