Rehabilitation Process

Initially the birds pass through the infirmary where are subjected to a first overview which is very systematic in order not to leave any body part unexplored and not to overlook any possible pathology.
This test can be completed with hematological, biochemical, microbiological, radiological and coprologic analysis to evaluate whether there are evidences of internal parasites. After examination we can get an idea of what happens to it, which can be very varied: fractures, electrocution, large parasitemias, etc.
After this examination, first aid protocol is applied to keep alive our patient and to stabilize it. They usually arrive in poor condition. These first aid protocol is usually based on an appropriate fluid therapy. In many cases is also applied analgesia to reduce pain, and then we start with a suitable pharmacological treatment.
Since the bird comes into the infirmary until we apply first aid protocol is rarely spent more than half an hour as they are wild animals without contact with human being and it might cause to the animal too much stress management and thus death.

During the first days and until the bird is with stable vital signs, it will stay in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), small facilities equipped for this period. During the stay in them, the animal will receive appropriate treatment for injuries it presents. It is typical surgery for fracture of any bone or cures of wounds.

Once the animal is fully recovered from his injuries, it has to go through a rehabilitation process. We have to think, for example, in the period of inactivity for which it has passed during veterinary treatment, or in ankylosis that might suffer a fractured limb after the period that has remained immobilized. The animal needs to be able to do everything it did before entering: fly perfectly, hunting, etc.
To do this, it will be introduced in an outdoor installation of adequate size to his own and his initial flight capability. These facilities are called flight cages, and they are like a small piece of nature in which we can control the hardness of the tests. During the process, the animal is continuously evaluated. Before being released, our patient must be qualified for surviving in the wild conditions.