Beef heart and chicken necks or backs from the grocery store are

Beef heart and chicken necks or backs can be considered an unhealthy option for hawks. While these meats may offer some nutritional benefits, they do not provide a balanced diet for red-tailed hawks or other raptors. Raptor diets should consist of whole prey items that include bones, organs, feathers, and fur to ensure a complete intake of essential nutrients. Whole prey provides the necessary vitamins and minerals as well as the appropriate ratio of proteins, fats, and other components that raptors need to thrive.

Understanding that a balanced diet for raptors must include these elements is crucial for their health and wellbeing. A diet consisting solely of beef heart and chicken necks or backs lacks these vital components, making it an unsuitable option for hawks in the long term.