Hi All
I am looking for some advice. About month ago I found owlet. I think she is she and her name is Scruffy. And I know lots of you will tell me I should leave it because parents were near by but it was matter of life or death as she was seconds away from cats getting her. I am the only person get close to her, and we got her large outdoor cage (4:3:2m). I would like to release her but I worry she doesn’t have any experience in hunting. Does anyone have any advice how to successfully release Scruffy back to the wild?
Cin J
Thanks, I will check it out
Hello Izabel, I don't understand if the parent birds were nearby as you have said why you would take this bird and put it in a cage despite cats nearby, surely you could have kept this owlet outside within range of where you found it and kept an eye on it (from distance) for a while so the adults could do what they do best to protect their offspring and feed it as nature intended. Adult owls are extremely protective of their young so lucky you were not attacked; the birds would be contact calling with one another. What have you been feeding it ? Was it on the ground when you found it - if so you could not have placed it at a slightly higher level off the ground which is safer away from cats. I see you have a young corvid too so is that another "rescue" you carried out and are you a registered rehabber ? you have to be extra cautious with Avian Flu around at the moment as it is not advisable to handle birds unless you are experienced. I'm sorry but the best way forward is to get urgent professional help and hope this owlet survives and is able to be re-released back into the wild. CJ has given you a good link where you should get the right advice. HERE's another link. Yes, they make very cute photos but it makes me extremely sad to see them.
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Regards, Hazel
Have you managed to find one near you and call a rehabilitater or are you still looking for one?
I have been warned about getting advice on sides like this and I learned my lesson. Thanks all for great advice.
Truth is not always easy to swallow it would be interesting to know what sites were recommended that would give you the answer you wanted to read
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can