Stapeley Grange nurse birds of prey back to health (From Crewe Guardian)

Stapeley Grange nurse birds of prey back to health

3:18pm Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Katie Durose

NINE birds of prey which were bred and raised as pets and then thought to have been dumped are being cared for at a Nantwich wildlife centre.

Three barn owls, two Harris hawks, two buzzards, a lanner falcon and an eagle owl were taken to RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange for help after they were found fighting for their lives after either escaping or being dumped by their owners.

The birds were all bred as domestic pets, meaning they cannot be released back into the wild. Most were likely to have died if they had not been rescued in the nick of time.

Lee Stewart, centre manager, said: “All the birds were struggling to survive.

“One of the buzzards had lost all balance and kept falling on its face, one of the barn owls had flown straight into a car and the eagle owl was discovered in the middle of a path with its wing hanging down.

“People may dump these birds when they realise they can’t look after them. For some it may be a consequence of current financial times as these birds can cost a lot to keep, especially when you consider veterinary bills. For others personal circumstances may have changed, such as having children or moving house.

“Whatever the reason – they can be very difficult to rehome afterwards as they need very specialist care.”

The RSPCA is now warning owners to do their research before taking on these type of birds as pets, as often their care is more than they can manage.

Animals which have been bred in captivity can struggle to adapt if they suddenly find themselves having to fend for themselves in the wild.

Sophie Adwick, Exotics and Trade officer for the RSPCA, said: “It is vital that anyone taking on an animal thinks very carefully about whether they will be able to care for properly for all of its life.

“Too many people buy on a whim without really doing any research into what the animal or bird eats, how big it will grow, and how difficult it might be to keep it in a home.

“This can lead to a raft of welfare problems as well as abandonments.”