Florida Retirement Communities Love the Sandhill Cranes
Anyone living at Lake Ashton or who has visited Florida retirement communities has seen the Sandhill Cranes in its entire splendor. Although there are many birds that call Lake Ashton home, none stands out like the Sandhill Crane. The have a very distinct call and are very large, but like all wild birds and or animals you should not feed them.
In a recent meeting with Dr. Tom Schotman, MS, DVM at Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital, he shared enlightening information as to why it is imperative people stop feeding Sandhill Cranes. Sandhill Cranes have an abundance of natural foods, bugs, grubs, insects, and even small animals. They do not need handouts! We put them in harm ways if we attract these birds to our yards with feed or seed of any kind. Cranes can become dependent on humans and ultimately stop seeking their natural diet, thus endangering their health even further.
It is critical to the health of Sandhill Cranes that their diet have on protein and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorous. This is particularly important for the growth and development of their unborn offspring, as well as new chicks. If this balance is missing, or if their diet is supplemented with carbohydrates, the risk to these birds is nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, more commonly known as osteodystrophy or rickets. Growth plates in the legs become inflamed, curvature of bones can occur, and natural development is thwarted. Ever notice a Crane limping or one with bowed or splayed leg? They have rickets caused from a poor diet, most likely what humans fed them. While carbohydrates are horrible for them, even seeds do not provide the balance diet they require, and are detrimental as well. Only nature can give them what they need.
When you’re looking at Florida retirement communities, Lake Ashton has so much to offer including plenty of nature. Lake Ashton is set on over 1,200 acres with two 18-championship golf courses, a 26,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse with Movie Theater, ballroom, bowling alley and so much more. A new 30,000 sq. ft. Health & Fitness center is open with everything for your health including an indoor swimming pool.
Florida retirement communities has so much to offer the active adult looking for and exciting fun filled lifestyle and Lake Ashton is the Florida retirement community that makes all other Florida retirement communities pale in comparison.
A special thanks to Patty Wallner a Lake Ashton resident who wrote most of this blog regarding Sandhill Cranes.
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