tawny owl

[rayco]

Hi, I have had 2 tawny owl for some time, male & female both about a year old.
I have just been give another one, can I keep all 3 together in 1 aviary.

[valleyforge]

Welcome to the WAB forum rayco.

You've not really given us much information to go on ... for example you might expand on why you are keeping tawny owls, whether or not your existing owls are a mated pair or siblings, and just how big is your aviary?

[nightshade]

Except for rehabilitation I don't think you should keep Owls in captivity unless they are the offspring of captive bred owls. They look much better in the wild,
these people could give you any advice/information you need
Hawk and Owl Trust | Home

[rayco]

Originally Posted by valleyforge

Welcome to the WAB forum rayco.

You've not really given us much information to go on ... for example you might expand on why you are keeping tawny owls, whether or not your existing owls are a mated pair or siblings, and just how big is your aviary?

sorry! about not a lot of info. aviary that the tawny owls are in is about 18ft(w) x15ft (L) x9ft (h). I also have a Begal and 2 Parrots, large fish pond (plus a lot of frogs)

[nightshade]

But why do you keep Tawny Owls rayco?

[alibee]

Although you have not given alot on info you say you have two already and they are one year old and a male and a female. Given that Tawny Owls mature and breed at one year old and that they are VERY terratorial I personally would never introduce a third bird. All birds of Prey can be very aggressive when it comes to protecting what they have and the injuries can be horrific. I'm no expert but given how most owls live in the wild i would not introduce another bird into what seems a stable setup.
As for The Comments by Nightshade about the Whys, There are always differences of opinion as to why anyone should want to keep an animal/bird/reptile in captivity. In an ideal world everything should be free to live it's life out naturally but we don't live in an ideal world do we. Humans destroy more wildlife habitat than is ever protected and sometimes it becomes essential to protect in captivity. We have also always kept "Pets" since man came to be.
It is not alway practical or right to release into the wild something that has survived injury but cannot survive if released, infact it is illegal to do so.
I have two birds which were injured, a kestrel who i have had for 5 years and the Tawny in my profile pic who is now almost one year old. if released both would be dead very quickly so there are cases which justify keeping these things captive. Of course you try to make their lives as comfatable as possible in doing so.
We are all entitled to our opinions but it does not mean that we are always right !

[Ladywell]

Rayco - what causes me concern is the fact that you asked the question about introducing a third owl to an established two suggesting that you don't have lot of experience in this field. As someone else has pointed out, they can be very aggressive. I know someone who has some tawneys in captivity (can't be released because of injuries). Wild Tawneys regularly attack the front of the aviaries. I know that you have done the right thing by asking on here for advice but do try to seek advice from a local bird of prey expert/centre. If there is not a good reason to keep the third tawney owl captive then it should be released asap - hopefully near to where it was found - otherwise if you relase into another owl's territory it will be attacked and killed. Let us know how you get on.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by alibee

Although you have not given alot on info you say you have two already and they are one year old and a male and a female. Given that Tawny Owls mature and breed at one year old and that they are VERY terratorial I personally would never introduce a third bird. All birds of Prey can be very aggressive when it comes to protecting what they have and the injuries can be horrific. I'm no expert but given how most owls live in the wild i would not introduce another bird into what seems a stable setup.
As for The Comments by Nightshade about the Whys, There are always differences of opinion as to why anyone should want to keep an animal/bird/reptile in captivity. In an ideal world everything should be free to live it's life out naturally but we don't live in an ideal world do we. Humans destroy more wildlife habitat than is ever protected and sometimes it becomes essential to protect in captivity. We have also always kept "Pets" since man came to be.
It is not alway practical or right to release into the wild something that has survived injury but cannot survive if released, infact it is illegal to do so.
I have two birds which were injured, a kestrel who i have had for 5 years and the Tawny in my profile pic who is now almost one year old. if released both would be dead very quickly so there are cases which justify keeping these things captive. Of course you try to make their lives as comfatable as possible in doing so.
We are all entitled to our opinions but it does not mean that we are always right !

I just wondered why they were being kept by rayco, I understand the wildlife rescue side of animals that cannot be rehabilitated. I wondered why this particular person kept Tawnys. I never did recieve a reply, some people collect cats until they get a housefull, "because they like them" Just a quick
"I run a rescue for Tawny Owls" would have been fine, now there is some query about inexperience, is this a suitable person able to look after these birds properly?

[alibee]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I just wondered why they were being kept by rayco, I understand the wildlife rescue side of animals that cannot be rehabilitated. I wondered why this particular person kept Tawnys. I never did recieve a reply, some people collect cats until they get a housefull, "because they like them" Just a quick
"I run a rescue for Tawny Owls" would have been fine, now there is some query about inexperience, is this a suitable person able to look after these birds properly?

Yes i do see your point and i do agree, any Raptor is a speciallist bird with very specific requirements and yes it is a little worrying if inexperienced people keep these as pets. Please don't think i was having a go at you personally because i wasn't

[Xanadu2]

I have no experience of keeping raptors, however I know the territorial instinct is very strong in many birds, and owls are equipped to do real harm! I just wouldn't chance it!

I am glad of this point, Alibee. 'It is not alway practical or right to release into the wild something that has survived injury but cannot survive if released, in fact it is illegal to do so.'

I rescued a baby blackbird from attack by a crow and couldn't release him because in my considered opinion as an experienced aviculturist I would have been sending him to his death. The 'poor tragic little prisoner' brigade couldn't get their heads around this! Eventually I rehomed him with someone who had a big aviary and a female blackbird. Anyway, it is nice to see my legal position stated.

Sorry...change of species... If you contact your local rescue centre, as suggested, they can hopefully help with rehoming.