Great-Horned Owlets Growing Fast
The two great-horned owlets (GHO) admitted during the ice storm are doing very well with Pops our foster dad GHO in charge.
The youngest was admitted first. It was thin and weak. We were concerned about its survival during the first hours after admission. It weighed just 649 grams. Today it weighed in at 1.49 kg.
The second owlet admitted was a little older and weighed 1.02kgs. Today she weighs 1.56kgs
Pops is doing an amazing job feeding and caring for the youngsters.
We have another video that will be posted soon.
We only handle the babies once a week and that is to weigh them and check feather growth and condition. This is to ensure they are growing normally and gaining weight. To prevent imprinting, staff covers their face with sheets or towels and uses soft voices only. The entire process takes about five minutes and then they go back to Pops superior care.
Pops has been a foster dad for so long, he understands that we will not hurt his owlets and they will be back with him in about five minutes.
I love this growth chart by the fabulous International Center in Houston MN.
Lots of awesome GHO development pics in that linked document!
Pops is not delighted when Avian Technician Emily takes his owlet from this side for the weekly weighing and evaluation. However, he knows we will return the little ones to him in a matter of minutes.
Look at those big feet already!
Getting a weight on each of the owlets is essential to ensure they are eating well under Pops' care.
Feather growth is perfect with both owlets.
I like it!