Why should rehabilitators avoid raising baby birds in captivity beyond necessary?

The rationale for why rehabilitators should avoid raising baby birds in captivity beyond what is necessary primarily centers on the risk of habituation to humans. When young birds are consistently exposed to human caregivers, they may lose their natural wariness of people, which is crucial for their survival once they are released back into the wild. Birds that become too accustomed to humans might struggle to fend for themselves and avoid potential predators, leading to a decreased likelihood of surviving in their natural habitat.

This emphasizes the importance of minimizing human interaction during rehabilitation, as the goal is ultimately to prepare the birds for life independently in the wild. This practice ensures that they retain their instinctual behaviors and skills needed for foraging, navigating their environment, and avoiding dangers, all of which are critical for their survival post-release.

While the other options mention various concerns, such as costs or dependency on human care, the central focus must remain on maintaining the bird's natural instincts and behaviors, which directly relates to their ability to survive in their natural setting.