Capture and Handling
Sieders (2009) suggests that all capturing or handling be done early in the morning to avoid the warmer temperatures of the day. While nets may be used to catch these owls, inexperienced handlers may damage the feathers or wings of the individual. To avoid these injuries, a thick towel is suggested whenever catching or handling a barn owl. (Sieders, 2009).
Two or more people should guide the desired individual into a corner and down to the ground when possible. Once in this position, a net or towel may be placed over the bird. This should be completed as quickly as possible to avoid over-heating or stressing out the individual. Once secure, the head and body should be restrained to avoid injury. The talons, wings, and tail …show more content…
The following procedures are common within a physical exam: weighing, worming, blood tests, x-rays, body condition scoring, wing expansion, feather/skin inspection, and beak, wing, or talon trimming. While examining a barn owl, it is best if they are restrained in a normal upright position. This will allow easy access to the feathers, beak, feet/talons, and wings. These exams should occur indoors with as few people as possible to reduce stress on the animal. A bag, box, or towel wrap may be used when weighing the bird. The feathers of a barn owl may hide a malnourished individual. To diagnose malnourishment, pests, or disease, pellets may be examined or a fecal float may be requested. (Sieders, …show more content…
These should have at least 5 cm of sand or shredded paper and a hollow in the center for the chick to sit. Temperatures will need to remain high for the first few days, but may be gradually reduced each day. When kept together, behavioral cues will indicate if the temperature is correct; cold chicks will be huddled together and crying while hot chicks will pant and move away from each other. They will remain in a brooder for around 20 days, until they have most of their down and can retain their own body heat. All equipment and surfaces should be properly sanitized daily. Poor hygiene can be fatal to the owlets, primarily due to the bacteria from the pellets and fecal material. (Sieders,
Sieders (2009) suggests that all capturing or handling be done early in the morning to avoid the warmer temperatures of the day. While nets may be used to catch these owls, inexperienced handlers may damage the feathers or wings of the individual. To avoid these injuries, a thick towel is suggested whenever catching or handling a barn owl. (Sieders, 2009).
Two or more people should guide the desired individual into a corner and down to the ground when possible. Once in this position, a net or towel may be placed over the bird. This should be completed as quickly as possible to avoid over-heating or stressing out the individual. Once secure, the head and body should be restrained to avoid injury. The talons, wings, and tail …show more content…
The following procedures are common within a physical exam: weighing, worming, blood tests, x-rays, body condition scoring, wing expansion, feather/skin inspection, and beak, wing, or talon trimming. While examining a barn owl, it is best if they are restrained in a normal upright position. This will allow easy access to the feathers, beak, feet/talons, and wings. These exams should occur indoors with as few people as possible to reduce stress on the animal. A bag, box, or towel wrap may be used when weighing the bird. The feathers of a barn owl may hide a malnourished individual. To diagnose malnourishment, pests, or disease, pellets may be examined or a fecal float may be requested. (Sieders, …show more content…
These should have at least 5 cm of sand or shredded paper and a hollow in the center for the chick to sit. Temperatures will need to remain high for the first few days, but may be gradually reduced each day. When kept together, behavioral cues will indicate if the temperature is correct; cold chicks will be huddled together and crying while hot chicks will pant and move away from each other. They will remain in a brooder for around 20 days, until they have most of their down and can retain their own body heat. All equipment and surfaces should be properly sanitized daily. Poor hygiene can be fatal to the owlets, primarily due to the bacteria from the pellets and fecal material. (Sieders,