Can't a person get any sleep around here?

[mirtlemist]

More snow fell last night, about four inches. Spouse has been out this morning shoveling paths to the birdbath, feeders and the pen where a little gray-phase screech owl is at present. She was found in the road, another hit-by-car victim, and taken to the vet, where we picked her up. She had some mild head trauma and a sprained wing and is happy to

Comments

[barbarabaker]

I hope she's OK. What do you feed her? I heard owls only eat live stuff. Is that true?

[mirtlemist]

I did a separate post about the subject of food for raptors last year. It might tell you more than you'd ever want to know about it :) but you can fend it here: http://mirtlemist.livejournal.com/39559.html

The title was "Live Prey Testing".

[mirtlemist]

To answer your question: No :) Dead mice are perfectly fine for them. They just need to be small enough. And the owl has to feel well enough to do the work. If not, we have to tube feed for awhile first to get them past that point.

[mguibord]

Oh how beautiful!! I hope she heals. Bless you for taking care of her!

[mirtlemist]

I hope she does, too :) So far, so good. The sprain is more of an issue to her than the head injury. She started eating on her own right away, which was a good sign. Sometimes we have to tube feed liquid nourishment for several days to a week first. Right now she seems content to wait for the thaw :)

[shoebrera]

I love animals. Domesticated, wild, big, small, doesn't matter. So when I say Thank You for what you do for God's creatures, please know that it comes from deep within me. You know, heartfelt and all that jazz. So... THANK YOU.

[mirtlemist]

It's been our pleasure. And it warms my heart that others love them, too. They are the purest, most innocent of souls.