what kind of medicine can an injured red tail hawk take and how much at one time ?

Question

i found an injured red tailed hawk . no vet will take it and game warden told me to destroy it. but if i can help it i will. it lost an eye what kind of medicine can they have and how much at one time.if it lives i'll take care of it as it will be handicapped in the wild.
any info will be appreciated as there isn't much on the web about it.

Answer 1

I'd think you'd be able to find a rehabilitator somewhere. What state do you live in? Maybe search online? I think you have to have a permit to have one yourself, and if it's one-eyed, you'd never be able to release it.

The U of Minnesota has a big raptor center. Even if they are not located near you, you might be able to call them and talk to someone knowledgeable who can tell you what to do next.

http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/raptor/education/faqs/injuredraptor/home.html

Answer 2

If it lost an eye, the first thing it could need and use would be antibiotics to help prevent or fight off any infection. The injury, depending on how serious and deep it is, will heal on its own as long as its immune system is strong enough. Losing an eye might sound serious, but it the injury is only to the eye, not behind it or around it, then it's survivable.

Either way, the bird will be seriously handicapped in the wild and any government run agency will give you the standard "the bird must be destroyed" speech. They say this, not for the bird's sake, but for the fact that a crippled bird does not help THEM in any way shape or form.

On the other hand, wildlife rehabbers who specialize in Raptors might be willing to help. Many of them are allowed to keep "educational" birds they can care for and display to the public at educational events. There are strict guidelines they have to adhere to in order to keep these birds and many might not want "yet another" Red Tail. Ask around.

In my years rescuing these animals I have seen more injuries sustained by people trying to care for the animal then by whatever injured it. To help you and the bird along while you find the proper facilities for it, read on.

Food:

DON'T feed it chop meat!

Most of the meat we eat has way too much fat for a bid of prey. Ideally you would want to try to get a hold of freshly killed/frozen mice or other such creatures like the ones they eat in the wild. In a pinch, raw chicken will suffice.

Housing:

Find a spacious pet carrier and lay a towel along the bottom. Place a sheet over the top of the outside to keep out excess light and try to place in an area without a lot of foot traffic. Make sure there's no draft and keep the carrier warm with a heat lamp or heating pad underneath.

Stress will kill these birds more often than anything, so avoid any unnecessary stress. Keep the area quiet, don't move the carrier more than you need to and try to keep kids away.

When it's daylight, try facing the carrier towards window to allow direct sunlight to enter. Birds need sunlight in order to produce the nutrients their bodies need.

Handling:

AVOID THE FEET! They can break bones, rip out flesh and even kill creatures. That's what makes them raptors.

Find yourself a pair of welder' gloves and wear them. If he tries to "foot" you, you WILL feel the squeeze but at least not the talons. If you need to catch him, hold on to him by the legs, one hand around both, above the upper join. This will help to immobilize his feet.

And lastly....

For your sake and the bird's find a rehabber who is willing to take it in as an "educational bird". In fact, you can ask them specifically. This will ensure the bird's survival.

Answer 3

Try finding an experienced falconer and they will be able to help you. There are not many medicines you can give to bird of prey and depending on what type of injury, probably won't work. Many vets are a bit stumped when it comes to raptors because they are quite complex and specialist, You can find raptor specialist vets, we have quite a few in England and they have studied specially. You might be able to find a raptor rehab center, try to find somewhere that specializes or is known for dealing with birds of prey. don't send it to the RSPCA, they are rubbish.

Answer 4

Believe it or not, honey can be used as a topical antibacterial. The more raw the honey the better. I would try some of that, but be very careful! If you live near North Jersey, we have the Raptor Trust who may be able to help you.
You have a powerful creature who can break bones in your hand if it catches you right.

Answer 5

Do you have a wildlife rehab in your area? The vet may have a list of rehabs in your area. If you cannot find a rehab..maybe contact your local zoo, they may be able to take it in OR send it to a rehab. Who does this game warden work for? US Fish and Wildlife, Dept. of Fish and Game?? I cannot imagine what he told you was legal!! Anyway, it is illegal for you to keep the bird in your possession as they are protected by law.

Answer 6

Hi

First.. the answer above mine is also very good.. Here is an additional take on the situation...

Thank you for wanting to help this bird! He needs a friend right now..

Of course teh Game warden said kill it... its ther job.. if the animal is not endangered usually thats what they say

BUT call a raptor center or wildlife rehabber or sanctuary because THEY HAVE to treat it...

Hawks require special care.. they eat meat.. RAW only...

You could also try a falconers club in your area
The local Zoo or Ornithology department of your local University.

This hawk IF it recovers will try to fly and likely injure itself.. It has not been captive..

While I admire and respect your willingness to help it and keep it... You also could be in violation of certain laws, and would really need to read up on Bird care for this type of bird.

I know a Person who works for our Wisconsin, DNR but is also an Educator and a falconer and has Hawks... You can call him and ask him as He is very educated and a hec of a nice guy as well

Chris Cold 715-532-3911

Office Hours ( winter)
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:15-1:00 p.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m.
(Closed Monday & Wednesday)
You can also do a 411 search for Ladysmith for a home number.

He has voicemail at the office.

Do not give the hawk any meds.. nothing they are very sensitive...
You should try to find a Vet who treats Raptors,, falcons.. many will not treat because its wild.
Here is a link and info for one of OUR local Raptor centers they may be able to tell you what you can do anyway.. if you get voicemail leave a detailed message and they will get back or call the cells if they give the numbers out

http://www.raptoreducationgroup.org
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
EMail: [e-mail]

Its Marge Gibson and she rehabbs Eagles , Hawks you name it and if excellent! If she cant tell you waht to do to help it right off she may know of a VET or A rehab center near you that will treat it... also a call from her to a VET who would not treat before can sometimes change thier minds... She is a big deal,..been on PBS shows etc.. and shes got a heart of gold!

Also you can try calling local law enforcemnt and askig them who the local rehabers are.. wildlife ceenters etc.. Zoos BUT do not give the bird to a rehabber who is not licensed for Birds...

You do not say what the injuries seem to be,, how it was found or hurt etc.. I will check back here if you want to add more info maybe I can help more..
For now... Only offer it water.. I assume its standing on its own? it should not lay on its side if it needs to lay you should try to prop it a bit so its in a more natural position.. Hawks do not lay on sides naturally.. they need normal position to oxygenate properly.
Dont try to feed him anything just yet...
Try to get some help first...
Just offer water in a dish about 2-3 inches deep.. if he has trouble bending to get to it.. hold it up for him so he does not have to bend.. they need to be able to bend head down a bit and then lift it to let gravity put the water down the throat. Dont force water or anything else down him as he can asperate it into his lungs and die.
Good Luck.. Post more info and I will ty to help if I can...

Meanwhile keep it in a dark,, cool but not cold place, away from other pets that could get at him,..and Not near any things like room freshners, candles, cig smokes, teflon cook pans in use or wood burning stoves.. Birds are VERY sensitive to Air quality and can die quickly if its not ok .. you do not want to keep him anywhere too warm or too cold.. Hes used to being outside but as he is injured and not moving around.. maybe just a cool place 75F or less but not less than 60F I would think.. He may ty to flop.. if so close the box lid to keep him quiet.. but leave air holes... not big enough for his head to go through but plenty of them.

Wismom

Answer 7

Here are a few links which may help you.


Raptor Medicine and Surgery – a brief introduction
html link
http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:6zomW6RbAOAJ:zoovet.eusa.ed.ac.uk/birds%2520of%2520prey%25202.doc+birds+raptors+antibiotic+dosages&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=7

Download link
zoovet.eusa.ed.ac.uk/birds%20of%20prey%202.doc


This link also has a lot of raptor information
http://www.themodernapprentice.com/diseases.htm


Maybe someone from this organization will be willing to help you.
The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/raptor/about/home.html

Answer 8

In most places unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator it is illegal for you to care for this animal. You could accidentally hurt or even kill the bird. And that is a dangerous wild animal it can easily hurt you if it's talons or beak gets ahold of you.

Contact your local Humane Shelter or equilavent and see if they have a contact number for one nearby. If they don't search the web for one in your area.

Answer 9

... Contact your local Zoo !!! I know your heart's in the right place...but you keeping it, and trying to nurse it back to health, could be a bad idea....even fatal. I say the 'zoo', because you said that vets wont touch it, and the GAMEWARDEN told you to destroy it ?????!!!!!! Not much of a gamewarden if he / she is telling you "that" ! lol.