I have
always said that breaking a nail is a big deal however for a Tawny Owl it has
far greater consequences. A Tawny Owl had incurred relatively minor
injuries from being clipped by a car but it arrived at Stapeley a little bit
shocked, feathers a little ruffled, a few scraps and a talon missing from a toe on its
left foot, a lucky escape by all accounts!
An x-ray
was taken immediately to check for additional internal damage but nothing was found..fantastic news. Minor wounds were then cleaned and the foot
bandaged; he was then allowed to rest in a quiet box which we have available for owls
in our isolation wing. The following day, having
had time to rest, the vet checked out his eyes carefully (which can be damaged in RTAs - road traffic accidents) but once passed fit (again - good news) he was
flight tested.
Although he
flew exceptionally well it was agreed he should be kept inside a little longer so
that the talon could heal properly. A few
days later and he has now been transferred out to an aviary where he can
prepare for a final release. The talons obviously
play an important role when hunting, so it is important that they are functional. Imagine trying to dig into a steak with a
butter knife!
Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre
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