In early 2011 we received new hospital cages with special
sliding partitions which allow us to move the birds into an empty
cage without the need for contact whilst we clean out the cages. This
also helps in reducing human interaction even more, not to mention make
it safer for the staff, (if no less smelly and messy!) Thanks to a big help from Raptor Rescue, we have replaced our hospital
with a considerably larger one, including an 'isolation ward' which
allows us an area to do our day to day health work on both our own birds
and those we rescue. The added space means we can take in more injured
Raptors. Raptor Rescue In 2007 Gentleshaw joined Raptor rescue, a nation wide organisation
dedicated to treating injured wild birds of prey. Following an inspection
of our facilities Gentleshaw has now become a Raptor rescue approved rehabilitator.
As well as this Gentleshaw has also taken over the running of Raptor rescues
national helpline. The Hospitals
Work Gentleshaw bird
of prey hospital takes in sick or injured birds of prey. The casualties
come from vets and members of the public. The aim is to treat the
casualty and to rehabilitate it as soon as possible. Following treatment
and providing a full recovery has been made the bird is released
back into the wild. The wild birds must have only minimum contact
with humans in order for them to stay 'wild'. If a bird is in the
hospital for any length of time, a process known as hacking is required
to ensure the bird is fit and capable of hunting before returning
to the wild. Birds of prey are brought into the hospital for many different reasons.
Broken wings and legs are the most common, usually caused by the bird
being hit by a car. Birds of prey have little sense of road safety! We also get birds in which have flown into
windows, become tangled in netting or wire, are starving or have
fallen from nests. Sadly many of the so called 'orphans' we get
into the hospital were actually perfectly healthy and safe. Many
species of owl are excellent climbers, even when very young. They
will scrabble up and down trees and even when on the ground are
often still cared for by their parents. These chicks are found by
well meaning people, who thinking the chick has been abandoned,
pick it up and bring it in to us. We will hopefully soon be receiving new hospital
cages with special sliding partitions which will allow us to move
the birds into an empty cage without the need for contact whilst
we clean out the cages. This will help in reducing human interaction
even more, not to mention make it safer for the staff, (if no less
smelly and messy!) Our aim, should we be able to raise the funds,
is to extend the hospital considerably in order to create an 'isolation
ward' whilst still allowing us an area to do our day to day health
work on both our own birds and those we rescue. If you find an injured bird of prey,
pick it up with a towel or jumper, being very careful as their talons
are very powerful and sharp. Place the bird in a secure, dark box.
DO NOT attempt to feed the bird or give it water, this can cause
the bird to become even more stressed and will lower its chances
of survival. Unless you happen to have dead rats or mice in your
kitchen it is unlikely you will have the correct food anyway. (No..birds
of prey do not eat tinned pet food!). As soon as possible contact
a sanctuary or animal hospital which can cater for a bird of prey,
hopefully they will do the rest to ensure the bird receives any treatment
it may require. |