Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Test

What should be the first nutrition given to a newly rescued, emaciated 780g red-tailed hawk?

1. Solid food

2. Rehydration fluids only

3. High protein diet

4. Healthy fats

The correct answer is: Rehydration fluids only

The first nutrition given to a newly rescued, emaciated red-tailed hawk should focus on rehydration fluids only. When dealing with an emaciated bird, it is crucial to address dehydration before introducing solid food or any nutritional supplements. Emaciated birds often suffer from significant fluid loss and must first be stabilized with fluids to prevent further physiological distress. Starting with rehydration fluids ensures that the bird's bodily functions begin to normalize and prepares the gut for the processing of actual food. This initial step is essential to avoid overloading the digestive system, which can lead to complications such as aspiration or gastrointestinal obstruction. Once the bird is adequately rehydrated and stable, solid food or a high-protein diet can be gradually introduced to support the recovery process. Healthy fats can also play a role in the later stages of rehabilitation, but the immediate focus should always be on rehydrating the bird to ensure its chances of survival.