If you’ve got a yard and a little bit of spare space, you could have yourself an owl sanctuary. Once you have a few owls in your backyard, they won’t leave again. If you’re one of those who have been blessed with the presence of these wonderful creatures, then great! But if not, it’s not too late to start caring for them. All it takes is some planning and some elbow grease—and a little luck.
If you don’t know much about owls other than that they are wise creatures and love to nest in the attic or in tree cavities, here are some tips that will help you take care of injured or orphaned owls in your yard:
What to do with an injured owl?
The first thing that you should do is to see if the owl has a broken wing or some type of injury. If the wing looks like it will heal, you can wrap it up in gauze and tape for about a week so that it doesn’t get dirty or wet. Keep your owls in an open-sided cage with a roof so they have plenty of room to fly and exercise.
If you notice the owl is bleeding, you should get it to the vet as soon as possible. If possible, take the injured owl to a vet on your own without having to wait for an appointment. You might want to ask one of your neighbors who is a bird enthusiast if they know someone who could help!
What to do with a baby owl on the ground?
If you see a baby owl on the ground, try to figure out why it’s there. Is it an accident? Did something happen to its mother? If you can deduce that the owl is orphaned or injured, then pick him up and keep him warm and safe until help arrives. If the bird isn’t as lucky as yours, don’t worry: most species of owls are able to take care of themselves in a few days.
What can I feed an injured owl?
If you have an injured owl in your yard, the first step is to feed him. Since these birds are nocturnal, they need food that is high in protein but doesn’t smell or attract predators.
Here’s a list of some options:
-Preferably dried mealworms or crickets, but other high-protein foods will work as well
-A hunting mouse (a live one not a frozen one) and a live fat ball (a rodent pellet) can work as well–if you can find a source for those
-A small mammal like a rat or shrew could also meet their dietary needs
How do you transplant an injured owl?
When an owl is injured, he may have a broken wing or feather. If you’ve got the time and ability to take care of it yourself, you can gently lift the owl and place him in a pillow case, then carefully sew the opening closed. If not, you’ll need to find someone who can help you out.
