She is a baby owl and got hurt after falling from the nest; besides meat I do not know what to feed her or I do not know if she drinks water. She seems to be well up till now, but I am affraid that her mother will reject her if I put her back in her nest.
2006-07-05 07:29:23 · 6 answers · asked by slashyshore 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Food and Feeding: The Elf Owl's diet consists mainly of spiders, insects, and scorpions (if fed to the young, the stinger is first removed). Their diet is exclusively arthropods, which also includes beetles, moths, grasshoppers, and crickets. The Elf Owl does not have the typical feather structure enabling silent flight, as it is probably not necessary for their prey. They feed mostly at dawn and dusk (mainly crepuscular feeders) and a lack of eye shine suggests they do not have excellent night vision although they are basically nocturnal and will not be found out during the day.
2006-07-05 07:33:36 · answer #1 · answered by Jersey Girl 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Wild birds, owls in particular, are really hard to care for properly. I know you're trying to do the right thing, but only a specialist can help here. Baby birds can easily drown in their own food, because they are used to being fed regurgitated food from Mom, and she uses her beak to stick it directly into the croup. Just getting food into the bird's beak increases the risk of the food being aspirated into the lungs.
Besides the eating issue, she may have an injured wing which needs IMMEDIATE attention. Check out the vets in your area and see if any treat wildlife for free or at a discount. Many cities also have very good wildlife rehabilitation centers; check the internet or phone book for your area.
If you absolutely can't find anyone qualified to care for wildlife in your area, the owl is probably best back in the nest with Mom. No, she won't reject the baby- that is a myth. She will continue to fee the baby; the only downside to this option is that if the baby is injured, Mom can't do anything about that.
2006-07-05 07:38:17 · answer #2 · answered by wabbitqueen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should find your local bird rehab center. If the owl has not been out of the nest long and is not hurt you can put the owlet back in the nest and the parents should take care of it again. If not you should call the bird rehab center because young owls need blended food usually. There will be an expert to help you at the rehab.
2006-07-05 09:23:19 · answer #3 · answered by eva diane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend calling the SPCA and having them handle it. Not only do raptors need very specialized care, it's illegal to keep them unless you have a falconry license.
2006-07-05 07:35:41 · answer #4 · answered by shadowfist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give it to a rehabilitation center for birds and from there they can give it too a zoo or wildlife center
2006-07-05 17:17:10 · answer #5 · answered by CLBH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to a vet. he'll be happy to help.
2006-07-05 07:33:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋