What action should be taken to prevent lead poisoning in the raptor being fed?

Preventing lead poisoning in raptors is crucial for their health and well-being. Feeding only prey items that have not been killed by lead shot is essential because lead poisoning typically occurs when a raptor ingests lead pellets or fragments that are present in the carcasses of animals that have been hunted with lead ammunition. When a raptor consumes these contaminated prey items, the lead can enter their system, causing severe health issues or even death.

Additionally, while sourcing meat from approved suppliers or opting for organic prey items might seem beneficial, these practices do not directly address the specific risk of lead contamination prevalent in wild prey. Regularly checking food for toxins can also be valuable, but the specific concern of lead from hunted animals makes choosing non-lead-contaminated prey the most direct and effective method for preventing lead poisoning in raptors.