On May 13, the owlet was admitted to the Center as patient #14-0668. The bird was bright and feisty, well-hydrated, and showed no signs of injury from falling out of its nesting tree. The owl made appropriate warning noises with its beak [a clacking noise] when the veterinary staff approached the bird’s cage.
The Wildlife Center is caring for an adult Barred Owl [patient #13-0004] that can serve as a surrogate for the young owl. On May 13, owlet #14-0668 was placed in a crate in an outdoor enclosure with the adult Barred Owl, allowing both birds to see and become comfortable with each other.
By May 14, the owlet’s crate door was opened so the two birds could interact. The owlet was observed perching on the low perches placed on the floor of the enclosure.
So far, interactions between the owlet and the adult have been appropriate. The owlet is still mostly fluffy with only a few of its adult flight feathers grown in. Once the owl has more feather coverage, the two owls will be moved to a larger flight pen.