Training Day…
As Barn Owl Hagmore and Tawny Owl Hundon are starting to feed themselves, it seemed the perfect time to hold a Training Session for my friend Heidi to learn how to feed adult owls. She is used to having the birds in her Pre-Release Aviary but has never handled them. Both owls are very well behaved and seem to enjoy the five star service, so not likely to play anyone up, so ideal candidates. My dear friend Diana is already trained up with the baby owls last year and I will also give her a refresher course soon, but, just in case I am called away suddenly or have to go in to hospital (God forbid!) it seemed the perfect time to make sure there was a back up plan in place so the birds were not left high and dry. Showed Heidi how to prepare the food, catch the birds and “borito” them in a towel and how to open beaks and get the food in- each species is different and each individual bird has their own way of dealing with things. It’s much harder than it looks so she did very well on her first attempt and both owls had their full meals, together with whole chicks to eat overnight. Next session will be once the babies start arriving or we get another species of bird in for assistance. The more experience Diana and Heidi get with as many species as possible, the easier it becomes. Well done Heidi
and so glad you still have all your fingers!
