WILD RAPTORS

Question 1

Why is it important to treat wild birds?

Answer 1

Often trauma casualties due to humans (car crashes, collisions)
Cat predation is a big issue
Half of casualties are juveniles, who have lost parents and are orphaned
Starvation and nest disturbances from loss of habitat
Helps maintain ecosystem and food chain

Question 2

What can vets benefit from treating wild birds?

Answer 2

Legal responsibility from RCVS
Good PR for practice, community guidance
Can develop wide range of clinical skills

Question 3

Does the animal welfare act of 2006 apply to wild birds?

Answer 3

Yes, once under permanent or temporary custody of public

Question 4

How should the public be advised to bring wild birds in?

Answer 4

Covered dark box
No food
Away from predators
Hot water bottle if young or injured

Question 5

What are some of the most common birds brought into practice

Answer 5

Feral pigeon, wood pigeon, collared dove
Blackbird
Robin
Blue tit, great tit
Starling
Mallard ducks

Question 6

What are the different ages of birds

Answer 6

Nestlings —> bird too young to leave the nest
Fledglings —> just left the nest
Juvenile —> young birds
Mature —> fully grown

Question 7

What is the aim of triaging wild birds and who does it?

Answer 7

Both vets and vet nurses
To differentiate between wildlife that have a good chance of survival and eventual release, and those requiring immediate release

Question 8

What should the practice room look like when treating bird

Answer 8

Dark quiet room, no windows or doors open
Wear PPE

Question 9

What shouldn’t you do when you first get a bird brought in and why/

Answer 9

Feed it
Wild birds are on specialised diets and giving wrong food can be more dangerous

Question 10

What should you first do with Young bird?

Answer 10

Give oral fluids and warm it up

Question 11

What should you always consider when looking at cases?

Answer 11

Age of bird
Practice resources
What bird eats in wild
Disease risk in practice
Any medications or interventions required
Urgency of transfer required

Question 12

What is important to consider when giving fluids/

Answer 12

Make sure goes down oesphogous not trachea

Question 13

What is important about handling with wild birds?

Answer 13

Don’t compress diaphragm

Question 14

How to avoid imprinting

Answer 14

Don’t talk to bird
Avoid excessive handling
Have different people handle bird each time

Question 15

Why are perches so important

Answer 15

To avoid bumblefoot or tail feather damage

Question 16

Why can bird crop tubing be necessary and how can it be done?

Answer 16

To force feed birds that aren’t eating
Insert tube on right side of mouth, not plastic tubing as birds can bite through it