JACKIE IS BRIGHT & ALERT WEARING HER NEW TAIL GUARD ACCESSORY! WING BUMPER GUARDS EXPLAINEDđź’• 7.30.26 [PvE4Ww53nuf]
From Ojai Raptor Center - Tail Guards & Wing Bumper Guards "Have you noticed the "tail accessory" Patient 26-519 has been wearing? A tail guard is made from a lightweight, rigid plastic sheet that is carefully sandwiched around a bird's tail feathers. It is typically used in hospital enclosures, where perches are kept low and the cages have solid bottoms to keep patients safe. The purpose of the tail guard is to protect the tail feathers from becoming broken or worn while the bird is recovering. Tail feathers are incredibly important, especially for raptors, as they play a vital role in steering, braking, and maintaining stability during flight. Damaged or tattered tail feathers can significantly impact a bird's ability to fly once it is ready for release. Interestingly, we do not use tail guards on Great Horned Owls. They are notorious for picking at anything attached to their bodies, and there is a risk they could pull off the tail guard and accidentally damage or even pull out their own tail feathers. In the case of Bald Eagle Patient 26-519, her "tail accessory" is being well tolerated and helps protect her tail feathers while she continues her recovery. She is bright and alert today We often get asked about the purpose of the tape seen on many of our raptor patients’ carpals, or the wrist area of the wing. These are carpal guards, also called bumper guards. Birds have the same bones in their wings that we have in our arms. When a bird is at rest with their wings folded, what may look like their shoulders are actually their wrists. The skin in this area is very thin and prone to injury, especially while a bird is in care and healing in an enclosure. To help prevent these common injuries, we place carpal guards over this area for added protection. They may look simple, but carpal guards are an important part of helping keep patients safe and supported during rehabilitation." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Many thanks to Ojai raptor Center, Dr. Kathryn Rasp and entire Ojai team, Resident bald eagle Spirit at CALM Zoo for the blood transfusion & the entire staff at CALM Zoo, Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG) in Ventura, especially Dr. Higgins and the staff. Jackie is a strong female who has a fighting spirit to recover and return to her territory, to her mate and family. Let's all keep her in our thoughts and prayers! Many thanks again to Ojai Raptor Center on taking care of patient 26-519 - Jackie the Queen of Big Bear & Lady of the Lake! Donation Links: San Dimas Raptor Rescue Donations: Ojai Raptor Center Donations: To make a donation to CALM ZOO for the life saving blood transfusion from the bald eagle Spirit: Thank you for watching! All credits for photos, video & update courtesy of Ojai Raptor Center