Finding an adult bird in the wilds of Ontario is a wonderful thing. Finding a baby owl, on the other hand, can be frightening and exciting all at once. If you find a baby owl that has fallen out of its nest, there are things you should know before proceeding. These little birds are not only adorable but they will also require specialized care if you want to ensure they grow into happy, healthy adults. If you find a baby owl while walking in your own backyard or while enjoying nature at one of many public parks in our province, here’s what to do.
Do Baby Owls Need Water?
First, if you’re concerned that the baby owl might be thirsty, it’s important to know that they can go for a week or more without water. If there is any chance that this bird has fallen out of its nest and hasn’t eaten in a long time, then you should bring it home where it can get plenty of food.
If the bird isn’t hungry, on the other hand, it’s best to leave them in their natural environment and find a place with more suitable habitat for them. Baby owls need their freedom to fly and hunt before they can survive on their own. They also need space to perch so they learn how to deal with being away from their parents. These little birds require large open areas covered in trees as well as large prey like small rodents and rabbits for example. If you find an outdoor habitat like this near your house, then leaving the baby owl there is best.
What Do You Feed a Wild Baby Owl?
When you find a wild baby owl it will likely be hungry and thirsty. If you are able to provide food, that would be ideal but if you’ll need to go out and buy or make something for them, so be it. Give the owl a dish with clean water and wait for it to finish drinking before trying to put the meal in its mouth.
One of the best things to feed an owl is a mix of wet dog food, cooked chicken, ground up raw meat, oatmeal, egg yolk mixed with powdered milk, or any other nutritious concoction that can provide protein and nutrients.
If the baby owl does not eat on its own within two hours, this is when you should start worrying about its welfare.
It would also be wise to never feed a baby owl anything that might make it sick like chocolate or caffeinated beverages
Can Baby Owls Imprint on Humans?
One of the most popular questions that people ask when they come across a baby owl is whether or not they will imprint on humans. This is an important question because owl parents usually abandon their young if they find themselves in close proximity to a human, as owls can be territorial and may attack. Although there are many instances of owls sticking around for human contact, it’s not guaranteed and you should proceed with caution if you do find yourself walking through the woods with a fuzzy bundle in your arms.
If you don’t know how to tell the difference between an owl’s natural cry and a baby owl’s cry, it may be best to leave them alone without further action. If you’re familiar with bird calls, you’ll soon be able to distinguish between them. In the wild, a baby owl’s call will sound like an adult bird’s call but louder, which makes it easy to identify them.
It’s okay if you want to help out these little ones who’ve probably fallen from their nest. However, make sure that you assess the situation first before trying anything else. If there’s anything suspicious about how the birds are acting or where they are located, refrain from helping out at all costs.
What To Do if You Find Baby Owl on the Ground?
First, call the Wildlife Care Association of Ontario (WCIO) if it turns out that the baby owl is injured. If an animal gets hurt in the wild and you find them, you should call your local animal rehabilitation centre for help. The WCIO will come out to collect the bird and ensure it’s safe to have them returned to their home.
If you decide that you want to take care of a baby owl yourself, here’s what you can do:
– Don’t touch or handle any bird that has fallen out of its nest.
– Leave the area; avian wildlife are territorial and may attack if they feel threatened.
– Don’t attempt to take a photo with or next to a wild bird without getting permission from someone who works at an approved facility (i.e., zoo, avian rehabilitation centre).
