Release Criteria Medical Environmental Research Learning INstitute.

Release Criteria

Medical Environmental Research Learning INstitute

Lesson GoalsBe able to determine a patients’

readiness for release by the following

criteria: Feather Condition Flight Vision Legs and Feet Behavior Positive health scores

Medical Environmental Research Learning INstitute

Feather Condition Primaries and Secondaries – lift, propulsion Retrices – brakes & rudder Body contour feathers – aerodynamics,

communication, camouflage, water repellency Downy feathers – insulation Owls – wing tips and

silent flight

Medical Environmental Research Learning INstitute

Preventing Feather Damage Indoors

Medical Environmental Research Learning INstitute

Proper handling Designing indoor housing

Wire cages are not advised. Perch arrangements Protective tail wraps Isolating indoor cages Reducing stress

Preventing Feather Damage Outdoors

Tracking progress and advancing birds through the rehabilitation process

The location of outdoor cages Traffic, noise

The daily routine Feeding Cleaning Exercise

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Preventing Feather Damage Outdoors (Cont.)

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Outdoor cage

design – size, shape, materials

Capture techniques

& equipment

Flight

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Wing beats & extension Flight speed and gliding Proper use of the tail Motor coordination Stress vs. other factors Injuries involving joints Feather condition and its

impact on flight

Vision

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Diurnal species Nocturnal species Each patient is an individual Natural History, hunting

styles

Legs & Feet

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Two functional legs and feet Opposability Toe amputations

Orphans

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Practice prey capture Cage design appropriate “Wild” food items Proper social interaction Limited caretaker contact

Behavior

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Normal behavior towards con-specifics

No food begging No aggressive behavior

towards humans Evasive behavior near

human Consider the age

Physical condition

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Functional beak

Evacuate cloaca

Preen feathers

Waterproof plumage

Wounds

Conditioning

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Complete X cage flights Gliding speed where

appropriate Reach high perches Maneuverability

Health Scores

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Weight Keel Score Fat score Parasites PCV/TP

Questions?

Medical Environmental Research Learning INstitute

Carolina Raptor Center

P.O. Box 16443

Charlotte, NC 28297

704-875-6521