Steel Shot in food sources???

[LeeSlikkers]

I am not 100% sure this is the correct section to post this topic in but here goes…<br>
I was curious what others though about feeding small birds to your hawk, i.e. sparrows, starlings, etc. that had been shot with Steel Shot loads? Obviously it is not lead but do you think there are any other risks associated with feeding birds that have steel shot pellets possibly still in them? I would like to start using starlings as a food source but somewhere in the back of my mind I am not 100% comfortable with the idea of ANY shot ending up in Zuri’s food. Thoughts???

Thanks,
Lee

[Weasel]

I talked with a few folks about this and they said that it would be better to take out the shot if possible, but as long as it is steel only, then it should not harm the bird. I would feel safer if I consulted a vet first though.
Cheers,
Weasel

[LeeSlikkers]

Alright....I have similar thoughts about the stuff. Guess I'll call my local avian vet and get his thoughts on the matter.

Thanks~

Lee

[Jay]

I have talked to avian vets and they say steel is fine, the metal itself wont poison a bird, but they have had concerns about it not being cast up. It is possable for it to get stuck in the digestive track and cause serious or minor problems. Anything shot with steel I just cut up into managble peices and feel for the shot. Most people tell me it is unessicary, as the bird just cast up the pellets but I dont take the risk.

[arti]

Sorry if i am a bit dim hear but are we talking Air Rifle Shot.....177 .22 etc etc.

I have heard of many BOP dying from having consumed them whilst eating Pigeon etc.
So, its not as Fatal as Falconers make out then?

[Weasel]

Lead is very deadly to BOP, but if steel shot is used, it is not dangerous to the bird. Pellet guns and shot guns used both lead and steel shot...