Unlike other birds, owls have very specialized feathers that help them hunt at night. These feathers are called remiges, meaning “wry-tipped” or “remissus,” and they are located on the legs. They also have feathers around their eyes that help owls see better in low light conditions. However, feathery-design comes with its disadvantages too. Owls tend to get injured more than other birds due to their unique nature of flight and hunting. Here are some common injuries you might encounter from time to time if you own an owl as a pet:
How do you know if an owl is injured?
You can tell if an owl is injured by its appearance. Some signs include a swollen head or legs, difficulty flying, and pallor. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your owl to see a local veterinarian immediately.
What is the leading cause of death for owls?
One of the most common causes of death among owls is blunt force trauma. This can happen when an owl gets hit by a car or falls from a height. Another cause for death is starvation. Owls are nocturnal and their diet consists of mostly small mammals, which means they don’t get much food during the day. These animals are also wary creatures, so they avoid humans and would prefer to eat in the dark and then hide away when it’s light. Sometimes, owls just starve and die due to lack of nutrition.
Another leading cause of mortality is diarrhea and infections like salmonella or giardia that come from handling or feeding the owl improperly. If you have an owl at home, you should learn how to properly handle them so they live longer and stay healthy!
What are two of the biggest threats to the owl’s survival?
One of the biggest threats to the owl’s survival is their inability to see in low light. They have feathers around their eyes that help them see better, but these feathers are also very fragile. Another big threat are predators like hawks and owls of the same species. This happens because owls aren’t as camouflaged in their dark plumage as other birds. If you own an owl, it’s important to make sure they’re always kept in a safe and secure place so they can avoid predators.
What to do with an injured owl?
1) If an owl is bleeding, it’s best to keep the bird in a cage with a towel or cloth over there head. This will help prevent blood from getting on the feathers.
2) If your owl has lost or broken a feather or two, you can use hot water to clean away any loose bits of feathers and dirt that might be stuck in their feathers.
3) You could also put some antibiotic ointment on your owl’s injured area if they’ve been injured by another animal.
4) Lastly, you could take your owl to the vet for treatment if they’re experiencing pain or are nipping at themselves too much.
If you have any other questions about caring for your pet owl, feel free to call us at (770)-553-3362!
