What is the purpose of soaking food in cold water for a raptor?

The correct purpose of soaking food in cold water for a raptor is to prevent dehydration. Raptors, like all birds, can easily become dehydrated, especially in hot weather or if they are not consuming enough food with a high moisture content. By soaking the food, it absorbs water, which ensures that the raptor gets additional hydration alongside its meal. This practice is particularly important when raptors are being fed dry food, such as rodents or other prey items that may not have sufficient moisture on their own.

Soaking food does not increase its nutritional value, nor does it inherently make the food more appealing. While some might think that soaked food might help a bird lose weight, this is not a typical goal for raptors in care, as maintaining a healthy weight is essential for their overall health and hunting abilities. Therefore, the primary focus of soaking is hydration, which is critical to the bird's well-being.