And now for something completely different...

Anyone have useful knowledge or experience in the keeping of birds of prey, owls in particular?
I was once interested in doing this & read loads about it but the kids were too young etc. Now, with time on my hands & a quietish house I find I've been offered some adult owls from a guy in Cornwall who retiring from this & wants to re home them.

 

I believe owls are not the best bird of prey to start with as they are not a sociable bird, it would be better to start with a harris hawk.

 

theres also an owl sanctuary a minute down the road from my nans place in sevington
http://www.tomar.org.uk/ , worth dropping them an email for advice?

 

Thanks. I really already knew that I'd be better off starting small, either with a harris or small owl but was sort of hoping someone was gonna convince me to take on an adult. I agree about the talons, those on one of these (the actual one used in the Harry Potter films) were like 4" needles. Beautiful machine though.

 

I'll have a word with a friend of mine....he is very experienced with raptors.

 

har har skortchikins

 

I used to have a Tawny owl. Used to spend most of it's time sitting in the front garden watching the world go by. Trained it to fly to my hand whilst tethered and at flying weight, but it was a long, painful process and it greatly resented being hungry. Flew at the father in law once and tried to take his eye out. Since then it just sat in the front garden until it got owl-napped. Handled a European Eagle Owl a few times and it was very gentle for a big bird. It climbed up the wife's arm and neck once ,but curled it's talons up so it didn't scratch her! Once taken on, you have to give em lots of attention, coz if you don't they will hate you. Sometimes they start to scream or call constantly until they get more and more food. Didn't happen with mine, it was quiet and lazy! Taking on an adult is risky, depending on how it's been looked after. If I started again I would start with a Harris hawk, beautiful birds, love to fly and very good natured.

 

Thanks for the input (even Skortch's) but it seems theres quite a risk of disease/dust irritation so I'll stick with the moggie. The elderly current keeper is almost bedridden after developing a lung infection brought on by the dozen birds he has.

 

This issue is a real bug bear amongst animal rescue centres and sanctuaries. It takes a long time to become proficient in keeping raptors of any kind. If you are flying them you have to have licences etc., I could go on and on and on about all the things you will need to do in order to treat these beautiful creatures at least fairly. I am so glad that you have come to your senses, Les

 

My Niece's hubby keeps several raptors. If you want a contact number pm me.
Other than that I can put you in contact with a chap (locally) who owns/trains/flys raptors professionally.

 

Gonna take more than one decision for Les to come to his senses!

 

Too right, I've a reputation to keep up. Sense indeed.

 

Naa Les what you need is one of these
Though you may plan a trip to somewhere like Groombridge place (if it is still open) they have I think daily Bird shows and I am sure they will more than willing after to chat about ideas for you.

 

Most raptor people actively discourage other people taking on a bird!

 

There is a really serious reason for that.
And what happened to yours?

 

It outgrew him? Wanted to eat him?

 

Tvat Les, mine got nicked Sharon. He was a happy bird when well fed, not so happy at flying weight.