ADULT BIRD > REHABILITATORS > Kingfishers

Read the REHABILITATORS section of ADULT BIRD first
Extra species specific information for long term husbandry below

HUSBANDRY

• Housing

A small cage with space for the bird to stretch its wings comfortably
The floor can be covered with sand
Twigs MUST be provided for perching as kingfishers have syndactyl feet (two toes are joined)
Standing on a flat surface is difficult; a heavy shallow water bowl will enable them to perch comfortably
When recovered and no longer receiving treatment they should be moved to an outdoor aviary to assess their flying ability, and for the bird to acclimatise to the weather and build up its
flight muscles

RELEASE

Read ADULT BIRD Release section first

Species specific considerations
Kingfishers are difficult to keep in captivity so should be released as soon as possible
Ideally release back to the same river, otherwise back to a river which doesn’t freeze in winter
In an area suitable for kingfishers but not overpopulated with them as kingfishers are very territorial