What can lead to unhealthy feet in raptors aside from poor perches?

Unhealthy feet in raptors can certainly arise from untreated bites or scratches. When a raptor experiences an injury to its feet—whether from interactions with other birds, equipment, or the environment—those wounds can become infected if not properly addressed. Infection not only causes pain and discomfort but can also lead to more serious complications, including the potential loss of toes or the overall functionality of the foot. Proper veterinary care is essential to treat these injuries effectively, ensuring a raptor's feet remain healthy.

The other choices, while they can impact a bird's overall health, primarily address different areas of concern. An overweight diet can lead to obesity, which affects a bird's overall physical health, but it does not directly correlate with foot injuries resulting from bites or scratches. Excessive exercise might lead to fatigue or stress but does not usually contribute to foot injuries from external sources. High temperatures can create stress and dehydration which can affect health in various ways, but again, they are not directly connected to injuries like bites or scratches. Therefore, untreated injuries specifically highlight an essential factor in maintaining healthy feet in raptors.