In our area it has long been perceived exclusively as a wild, predatory bird, the main habitat of which is the forest. But everything changed dramatically after the release of the legendary epic about Harry Potter. In this film, barn owls appeared in the form of postmen, whose appearance was associated with the fabulous Horgwarts. Needless to say, almost every child immediately wanted such a real, live bird?
The barn owl, which needs special attention at home, has become a desirable pet for many adults. At the same time, few people think about the fact that she is a real predator, and its proper maintenance in a house or apartment may require certain victims from the owner.
Wonderful bird
In Latin, the name of this bird sounds like Tyto alba, which in Russian means "barn owl". This birdfound almost anywhere in the world and has another common name - barn owl barn owl. On average, its length reaches 33-40 cm, and the wingspan, as a rule, does not exceed 95 cm. It has a small weight - no more than 700 g.
Barn owls attract attention due to their pretty appearance, and they also have a very soft, pleasant to the touch plumage. And the main distinguishing feature of this species from others is the facial corolla, which has an original heart shape.
Different from other species
In addition to the facial disc, which has a pronounced heart-shaped shape, the barn owl, the photo of which can be seen in our article, differs from its counterparts in lighter plumage. These birds have a peculiar structure of the auditory apparatus: their right ear is located at the level of the nostrils, and the left ear is at the level of the forehead. Due to this arrangement of the organs of the barn owl, barn owls are the owners of truly perfect hearing. They are able to pick up the sounds of a potential victim in a huge range and from different angles.
Owl barn owl: where it is found
Most often the bird can be found in wastelands, ravines and swamps. Under natural conditions, the barn owl, whose photo is presented in the article, prefers to choose open plains for the village, where there is a small number of trees.
Also, these birds are very fond of settling near human habitations and rural farms. The activities of people in clearing forests and cultivating land, in contrast tomany other predators, barn owls only benefit. Human agricultural work makes it much easier for an owl to find food.
Features of behavior
In the wild, this species prefers to lead a solitary lifestyle. At the tips of their wings, these birds have specific flight feathers, due to which their flight is cushioned, becomes very soft, smooth and almost silent. These owls have near-perfect vision and can navigate both in daylight and in pitch darkness.
If a person comes close to a wild owl, then, as a rule, it immediately rises into the air, can begin to sway from side to side and even begin to build various funny grimaces. They prefer to lead a settled way of life and can live in the same chosen place for years. Only the absence of food can send an owl in search of a new place.
The barn owl shows its activity only at night, during the day it mostly prefers to sleep. During the breeding season, barn owls can make various sounds - shrillly scream, hoarsely "hoot", sniffle. During calm periods, birds like to click their beaks or click their tongues.
Food for cute owl
The cute heart-shaped face, funny habits and expressive eyes of an owl can be misleading for many. Being in a state of tenderness, people sometimes forget that this bird is a real predator. Those who think that a barn owl at home can eat like an ordinary parrot are greatly mistaken. Necessaryunderstand that oats, millet and fruits will not be enough for her.
The basis of the owl diet is made up of various rodents. It can be hamsters, field mice, gerbils, gophers, rats. In nature, these owls can prey on reptiles, invertebrates, shrews, possums. If necessary, the barn owl can also eat other small birds, frogs and bats.
Features of digestion
Even if a person is not embarrassed by the need to feed the bird with living creatures, then it is necessary to pay attention to the special process of digestion. The barn owl at home must definitely receive live food. Some owners try to cheat and feed the birds simply with fresh meat, chicken and rabbit hearts. Such food can completely upset the pet's digestion.
The barn owl, like other members of its genus, has a specific digestive tract that needs to digest wool and bones. After eating its prey for several hours, the bird forms a pellet. This is the pellet that an owl spews out after eating, and it consists mainly of undigested bones, wool and feathers. It is very important to ensure that after each meal the pellet goes out. After that, she should immediately be cleaned by the owners, because owls, foolishly, can eat her again.
How to choose the right pet and where to buy one
If (despite all the specifics of keeping an owl at home and the upcoming difficulties) it was decided to buy a bird, you need to know where it is being done. Today offeron these wild predators there is a large enough. But you should not buy an owl through the Internet or in the bird market. Firstly, it may be sick, and secondly, it may be a freshly caught, absolutely wild individual, which will be very difficult to accustom to life in an apartment.
Specialized nurseries are considered ideal for buying, where it is advised to buy young chicks. Also, employees will be able to advise the owners on any issues and tell you what to do next after the purchase.
Each owl taken from the kennel has a special ring with a number engraved on it. When buying, it is important to ensure that the numbers in the documents for the bird and on this ring are identical. If possible, after acquiring a pet, it is recommended to show it to an ornithologist or at least a veterinarian. The doctor can take the necessary tests, prescribe an x-ray and conduct a complete examination, which determines the general condition of the bird.
So, you delivered the owl to a new home. Naturally, she can be frightened and confused. Do not annoy her with your attention, constantly touching her. Place the box with the bird in her new room, open it and leave the owl alone until it crawls out on its own. Most likely, she will constantly hide, and this state of stress can last for about 3-4 days.
Arrangement of a cage or room for an owl
An ideal option for a bird to live would be a separate room. All sharp objects and corners that maypose a risk of injury to the bird during flight, must be taken out of the room or upholstered with soft material. It is also necessary to allocate a corner for sitting, but, as a rule, an owl chooses a perch on its own, having chosen some place.
If it is decided to keep a bird in a cage, it must be of a large size so that it can fly with its wings fully spread. Also, do not forget that when kept in a cage, an owl should regularly leave it, walk and fly around the apartment so that its wings do not atrophy.
Clean drinking water must be available at all times. Water is recommended to be changed at least twice a day.
Features of bird care
You need to carefully monitor the beak and nails of owls living at home. With any deformation or damage to the beak, the owl must be shown to the doctor. Regarding nails, almost all owners cut them to their pets, because they are very sharp in owls and often lead to various injuries. It is best if this procedure is carried out by a specialist. If it is not possible to turn to an ornithologist, the nails should be cut very carefully, removing only the white part. In the place where the nail darkens or streaks are visible, nothing can be touched. These veins are blood vessels and damage to them will be very painful for the bird.
How to properly feed an owl
You can only feed your pet after the pellet has passed due to the previous meal. ATotherwise, the owl may have a stomach obstruction. If she is fed the wrong food, after which a pellet does not form, this leads to a complete disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and the formation of a stomach ulcer. An owl with such a problem, unfortunately, will not live long and will suffer greatly.
During the day, an adult can eat about 2-4 mice. At the same time, you can feed her when she asks. One of the rare species that eats only when necessary and does not suffer from excessive gluttony is the barn owl. The chick of this bird, especially a small one, may have a completely different attitude to food.
Little owls at the age of about a few days need to be fed constantly, almost every half hour. At the same time, food must be given at their first request. It is believed that it is impossible to overfeed them. The larger the owlet becomes, the less frequent meals should be. For example, a bird at the age of one month is already fed only 5-6 times a day.
To feed little owls, sometimes mice need to be butchered first. The fact is that large rodents, fighting for their lives, will resist and can injure their paws, after which various inflammations and infections are possible.
What to prepare for if you decide to have an owl at home
As soon as an owl appears at home, it can be said without the slightest exaggeration and any doubt that the life of the owner will never be the same. This step must be very deliberate, and a person who buys a carnivorous animal that will be kept in captivity,should be aware of the responsibility he takes on.
It is necessary to prepare for the fact that with the onset of darkness, the pet will begin an active life. Constant stomping, clattering, rustling, knocking will become the hallmark of your apartment at night.
The owner of a domestic owl rarely has a chance to release a cleaning cloth from his hands. These birds go to the toilet very often, in some cases up to 15-20 times a day, and the droppings have to be cleaned constantly. Owls can defecate anywhere and at any time - sitting, flying, playing, bathing, playing or sleeping. To be fair, this droppings are very easy to clean up, leave no residue, and don't have a strong odor.
The owl will require constant attention to itself - daily you need to monitor whether the pellet has departed after eating, check the condition of the wings and nails. Most owls have a playful nature and constantly show their curiosity. It is for this reason that they should not be left unattended for long periods.
