Can you rasie wild birds then let them go?

While it may seem like a good idea to raise wild birds and then release them back into the wild, it can actually cause adverse effects on both the birds and the ecosystem. Here's why raising and releasing wild birds is generally not recommended:

1. Lack of Survival Instincts:

- When birds are raised in captivity, they don't learn crucial survival skills, such as finding food, building nests, and avoiding predators. Releasing them into the wild without these skills puts them at a significant disadvantage compared to wild-born birds.

2. Dependency on Humans:

- Birds raised in human care may become dependent on people for food, shelter, and protection. When released, they might not know how to fend for themselves and may not be able to successfully integrate into a wild population.

3. Disruption of Natural Behavior:

- Wild birds have specific behavioral patterns and migration routes that they learn from their parents and flocks. Birds raised in captivity may not develop these behaviors correctly, which can disrupt natural breeding and migration patterns.

4. Disease Transmission:

- Birds raised in captivity may carry diseases or parasites that wild birds have not been exposed to. Introducing these diseases into the wild can have detrimental effects on the entire population.

5. Genetic Dilution:

- Releasing captive-bred birds into the wild can lead to genetic dilution. If these birds successfully breed with wild birds, it could alter the genetic diversity and fitness of the wild population.

6. Competition for Resources:

- Introducing additional individuals to a wild population can increase competition for limited resources, such as food and nesting sites. This can put pressure on native bird populations.

7. Impact on Ecosystems:

- Some bird species play essential roles in ecosystems, such as controlling insect populations or dispersing seeds. Artificially altering bird populations can disrupt these roles and affect entire ecosystems.

8. Legal Considerations:

- In many jurisdictions, there are laws and regulations governing the keeping and releasing of wild birds. It is important to check local wildlife laws before attempting to raise or release birds.

For these reasons, it is generally best to leave wild birds in the wild. If you find an injured bird, it's advisable to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide proper care and ensure its successful return to the wild if possible.