Urgent - Rescued a Tawny Owl, need advice.

[Zildjian]

Hi all.

I was just driving home and I saw an owl hopping along the pavement right outside my house, it couldn't fly.
I've managed to catch the poor thing and it's currently in a large cage. It had to be caught otherwise it would have either been run over by a car, as it was right next to a busy main road, or eaten by a fox.

I'm not sure what to do now. My local wildlife rescue centre has just closed and they're not answering their phones.
I don't know enough about owls to tell whether it's a young bird that's just left the next or if it's injured.

What do you think I should do?

[stigofthedump]

Hi Zildjian. First thing I think is to make sure it has water and cover the cage with a cloth, keeping it in the dark and calm.

Someone will be along shortly with more help.


Vince

[Zildjian]

I've now put a towel in the cage with a small dish of water. I've also covered 80% of the cage with a cloth to keep it dark.
The cage is now in the greenhouse where it's cool and well ventilated but safe from any predators. I'll phone the rescue centre first thing in the morning, I don't think there's much more that I can do.

I'm now pretty sure it's a fully grown adult and I think it's left wing is injured.

[Naturenutz]

Sounds like it may have been hit by a car.Make sure you dont leave it in the green house during the day.it will prefer a cool place shady place.It will need a rescue centres help as you are aware.good luck and well done for stopping..ps be careful they can be fiesty and watch the claws.

[Zildjian]

Originally Posted by Naturenutz

Sounds like it may have been hit by a car.Make sure you dont leave it in the green house during the day.it will prefer a cool place shady place.It will need a rescue centres help as you are aware.good luck and well done for stopping..ps be careful they can be fiesty and watch the claws.

Yeah, I'll take it out of the greenhouse very early before it gets too warm in there.
I'll update you all in the morning.

[eeyore]

I dont know where in kent you are, but if you are anywhere near ashford (or within a decent drive) i'd suggest giving these a call as they specialise in owls Welcome to Tomar Owls Sanctuary

[SamR]

Originally Posted by Zildjian

Hi all.

I was just driving home and I saw an owl hopping along the pavement right outside my house, it couldn't fly.
I've managed to catch the poor thing and it's currently in a large cage. It had to be caught otherwise it would have either been run over by a car, as it was right next to a busy main road, or eaten by a fox.

I'm not sure what to do now. My local wildlife rescue centre has just closed and they're not answering their phones.
I don't know enough about owls to tell whether it's a young bird that's just left the next or if it's injured.

What do you think I should do?

First of all do not under any circumstances attempt to give it food or water by force. Do not attempt to feed it any salty foods (ham, bacon or any meat meant for human consumption just to be on the safe side) , keep it warm, dry and dark and get it to a rescue centre as soon as you can.
Best of luck,
Sam.
x

[ElwoodsGirl]

Any news ??

[Zildjian]

I took him (or her) to the rescue centre this morning and it's doing well. They don't think it's got a broken wing on initial inspection, so that's good news.
It looks like a young adult.
They're going to thoroughly check it over today and as soon as it's recovered they will give me a call so I can release it back into the wild.

[ElwoodsGirl]

Thats brilliant news ... well done you !!