If handled would parents abandon it?

[kielder]

I was just wondering whether if an injured chick was handled by humans, and put back in the nest, whether the parents would abandon it or take it back in most cases?

[jcd123]

Hi

no the parents would not abandon it 99% of the time so it is always best to put young back in the nest.

John

[kielder]

Thank you very much for responding, someone on here knows of a Kestrel chick being injured, and had been picked up for inspection, and was wondering if it would be the right thing to put it back, in the hope that it would be received okay.

[Adam Cheeseman]

If in doubt wear gloves.

Cheers,

Adam

[djackso]

I don't believe they would, usually - but you never know, there are some psycho parents out there - if you've been following Springwatch you'll know what I mean.

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

They often ring birds of prey as youngsters in the nest, so I wouldn't have thought it'd be a problem if you wore gloves

[Picidae]

If the chick is injured it needs to be taken to a vets/BoP rehab ASAP not put back in nest. An injury is far more likely to lead to rejection than smell of humans. If it has been checked over and is not actually injured, then it would be better placed back in the nest by a licenced ringer/or experienced raptor handler, to avoid unnecessary disturbance (and personal injury!). Raptor feathers can be damaged very easily, they need special handling if possible.

[kielder]

Actually, they were not going to put it back into the nest, it was going to be taken to a sanctuary or vets first. Thankyou for your repsonse.