Owls are one of the most interesting and unique creatures in the animal kingdom. They are also one of the most efficient predators, with sharp talons and powerful beaks designed for killing their prey. But what do baby owls eat?
The diet of a baby owl depends on the species of owl, as well as the availability of food in its environment. In general, however, young owls will eat small mammals such as rodents or rabbits, as well as insects and other invertebrates. Some species of owls will also eat birds, reptiles, or amphibians.
As you might imagine, baby owls eat a lot! In fact, they can eat up to three times their body weight in a single day. While much of their diet consists of small rodents and birds, they will also consume insects, frogs, and lizards.
As they mature, owls will typically hunt larger prey items such as rabbits and squirrels.
WHAT to feed a BABY OWL
Do Baby Owls Drink Milk
Do baby owls drink milk? The answer is a resounding no! Baby owls are born blind and deaf and must rely on their mother’s hunting skills to survive.
Instead of drinking milk, they consume a diet of whole prey items that their mother regurgitates for them. This diet includes fur, feathers, bones, and all! While it may not sound appetizing to us, this diet provides baby owls with the nutrients they need to grow into strong and healthy adults.
Credit: www.barnowltrust.org.uk
What Can You Feed a Wild Baby Owl?
If you have found an injured or orphaned baby owl, it is important to get proper care for the bird as soon as possible. The first step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you cannot find a wildlife rehabilitator, you can call your state game warden for assistance.
It is illegal to keep most wild animals, including owls, as pets in the United States. Do not attempt to feed the owl yourself unless you are instructed to do so by a qualified professional. Baby owls have very specific diet requirements and feeding them incorrectly can be harmful or even fatal.
In general, baby owls should be fed a diet of small mammals such as mice or voles that are freshly killed (never frozen). The food should be offered by hand using gloves or forceps and should be placed in front of the owl so that it does not have to reach up and pull the food towards itself which could damage its delicate hunting gear (feathers).
Do Baby Owls Drink Water?
Yes, baby owls drink water. They typically drink water that is available to them in their environment, such as from puddles, raindrops, or dew on leaves. Baby owls will also consume the water that is available in their prey.
How Do I Take Care of a Baby Owl?
Assuming you’re referring to a baby owl in captivity: The first thing you need to do is get a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Once you have that, you need to find a place to house your owl.
A large dog crate will work, or you can build an outdoor enclosure. Make sure it has plenty of perches and places to hide, as owls like to be up high and out of sight. You’ll also need to provide fresh water and food daily.
As for food, baby owls eat mostly mice or voles. You can buy these frozen from a pet store, or catch them yourself if you’re feeling brave. Just make sure they’re small enough for the owl to eat whole – no bigger than the space between its eyes.
Owls will also eat some fruits and vegetables, so offer a variety of options and see what your owl likes best. Water should be available at all times, either in a bowl or a drip bottle attached to the side of the cage. Be sure to clean and change the water daily, as owls are very messy drinkers!
Finally, remember that owls are nocturnal creatures. This means they sleep during the day and are active at night. So don’t be alarmed if your owl is silent and still during the day – that’s just when it’s resting.
What Do You Do With a Baby Owl?
If you find an injured or orphaned owl, the best thing to do is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Baby owls are delicate and require special care, so it’s important that they are cared for by someone with experience. Wildlife rehabilitators will provide the baby owl with food, shelter, and medical care if needed.
They will also work to release the owl back into the wild when it is ready. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help: – Keep the area around the owl quiet and calm.
This will help reduce stress and make it easier for the rehabilitation team to do their job. – If possible, keep pets and other animals away from the area. Owls are very sensitive to disturbance and even well-meaning pets can cause them undue stress.
– Make sure that the owl has access to fresh water and a clean source of food (if you are able). Baby owls need a diet of small mammals such as mice or voles – contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for more specific advice on what to feed them.
Conclusion
Baby owls are incredibly cute, and it’s no wonder that people often want to know what they eat. While the diet of a baby owl will vary depending on the species, there are some commonalities. Baby owls typically eat small mammals like mice or voles, as well as birds, reptiles, and insects.
They will also eat carrion (dead animals).
