Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

• Then temperatures can be switched off during the day. Because by this stage pinfeathers have started to growAfter six weeks from hatching the temperature can be turned off completely, unlessthere is a cold day and heat is required in which case temperature can be set at 19Degrees Celsius. Note that the more chicks that are being housed together in brooderthe lower the temperature needs to be set as chicks will naturally huddle together forwarmth.•• After they no longer require artificial heat chicks can be housed in a large strongcardboard box.• When owl starts to get itself out of box it can be moved to a flight aviary in aquiet location• When it is able to perch and move from one perch to another the cardboard boxcan be removed.11.8Diet and Feeding Routine• Most birds of prey need no food in the first 12 hours of hatching because they areabsorbing their yolk sac.• Curved forceps or tweezers can be used to place food into open beak.• The stomach is just to the right of center, if it appears dark in colour or is veryhard to the touch, then a large amount of food remains in the stomach and feedingshould be delayed until the stomach is soft and flaccid and returns to its normalpinkish colour.• Even if they beg, they should be given no more and they should never be fed withfood still sitting in their crop.• Never force feed a young bird of prey, using a puppet will stimulate the beak withtweezers or mimic the call of the parents to encourage it to open its beak.47