h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've just had a short lesson in falconry!I met three birds- a tawny eagle, a sparrow hawk, and a cute fat eagle owl! We went through all the dietry needs and requirements, blah blah blah... when the falconer was asked questions, someone asked, 'Can you keep owls as pets?'. I can't remember now, but I think he said it was suitable if you knew what you were doing. Now, I'm aware owls should not be kept in cages at all, so wouldnt a shed be suitable,? I live near dartmoor, where it could get lots of food and exercise. I would be willing to put up with it! I just want expert advice, I'm really fascinated in owls, and I would love to look after one!

Hello greenfruit and welcome to h2g2
I have leeft you a welcome message on your personal space, if you read thoroughly, it should help you to find your way around the site.
A better place to get an answer to your question here is <./>askh2g2</.> , because lots more people asre subscribed to it. Just cut and paste your question

*waves* hi B'Elana

Hi greenfruitcake

If you google for 'owl rescue' you'll see the priority of these organisations is to help orphaned or injured owls back in to the wild, where possible, so I'd say they're not really suitable as 'pets', and better off in the wild, where they belong.

Although some people do have them as 'pets' they're a lot of responsibility and specialist knowledge needs to be known for the owls to live a reasonably happy life as close as possible to their natural environment.

Emmily

There is a place not far from where I live called the Carolina Raptor Center.. they rescue all raptors and have many who are in residence, as well as transient. The 'residents' are the ones who wouldn't survive in the wild due to injuries or such... they have lots of different owls, hawks and eagles out there and for a small donation you can hike the trails and see the various homes of the residents and the transients who are healing from an injury or illness.

Sounds like an interesting place to visit Batty

Emmily

oh it is... it's quite easy to waste a day there.. even in the heat, as it's very well wooded and near the water so cool breezes and shade are constant..

I've been on a few nature trails, found them disappointing, was mainly plants and trees, I wanted to see wildlife. I live right next to the country-side, yet see very little wild life, other than the odd or bird my brings me. There's not even many birds around here, other than my neighbours pigeons.

Emmily

well with the raptor center they are in built-up cages as most of the animals are injured and they'd hate for them to escape and die.. those that can be re-released are done so only after the people are sure they can survive on their own.. some are too badly injured, then of course there are the critters that were saved as babies and have imprinted on humans and wouldn't be able to hunt and live.

for any interested... www.carolinaraptorcenter.org

it's quite an informative site for those who can't go and visit in person.

for the link Batty ( Carolina Raptor Center would make a great Entry, with inside knowledge from someone whose visited there

I totally agree with staff at rescue centers making a decision on their knowledge and expertise as to what animals are suitable to be released back into the wild, and what ones would mean almost certain death, and so need to be cared for. Nature is cruel enough, without an animal having disadvantages.

Emmily

If I have time I might do that later in the summer (after another visit).. my current project is on Jahanara Imam

Okay, reminded me of GB's The Jungle - A5137283 just had another look at the photos at the bottom of the Entry, nice way to pass a few minutes.

Emmily

Hiya, welcome to hootoo!!

In my opinion, the best person you could talk to on here about this is my mate Skankyrich. He is a bit of an expert on owls, bats, wildlife in general & lives near Dartmoor & regularly helps organise trips for young people to go camping & observe wildlife.

He's written several Guide Entries on related subjects on here. Do go & say hello to him, tell him Zen Devil Terri sent you! He's very friendly & i am sure he will help you find the information you need.

Click on this to go to his Personal Space & just leave him a message:

U931109

zdt(zen devil Terri)

At your service

Bats?

? ?

now that you mention it I am exceedingly pale and the sun doesn't like me..

That's a good thing - twilight is one of the best times of day. Especially if you're a heroic midge-eating pipistrelle. When the sun goes, some of my best friends come out

Don't forget the bats.

The bats make it doubly special