What should be avoided in the maintenance of raptors to prevent undue disturbance?

Excessive human contact should be avoided in the maintenance of raptors to prevent undue disturbance because these birds are naturally wild creatures that rely on their instincts and natural behaviors. Frequent interaction with humans can lead to stress and anxiety, disrupting their routines and potentially affecting their health and well-being. Raptors have specific instincts related to hunting and social interactions, and too much human presence can make them overly accustomed to people, which may impair their ability to function normally in the wild or affect their overall temperament.

Maintaining a distance and minimizing human interaction helps to ensure that the raptors remain more natural and less dependent on humans, fostering their natural behaviors which is crucial for their rehabilitation and success in the wild or in falconry settings. This practice also helps the birds maintain their wild instincts, promotes their mental health, and prepares them for potential re-introduction to their natural habitats if that is the goal.

While the other options may also have their implications—such as too much food leading to health issues, or bright lighting affecting their sleep cycles—excessive human contact is the primary concern regarding behavioral disturbance and mental health.