The Owlery

This is one of the smallest owls in North America. The Northern Pygmy Owl is only about 6-7 inches long with a wing span of around 15 inches. I couldn’t find a good picture of the back of their head but they have a cool feature. The feathers on the back of their heads it looks like a pair of eyes, feathered eyes!

These owls eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, toads, and tons of insects. They can carry prey three times their weight. These are fierce little owls! They will kill birds from song bird size to a California Quail size. This may be one of the reasons young owls stay with the parents for an extra few weeks, survival skills!

Northern Pygmy Owls spend most of their time alone. This is by preference, so they don’t stay in breeding pairs. Then next mating season they look for someone to set up house with. Find an old Woodpecker nest and re-arrange it. Then she will lay 3-7 eggs. Unlike all other North American owls the Northern Pygmy does not start sitting on her eggs until all eggs are laid, then they are all hatched in a 1-2 day window. With other owls the eggs would hatch one every 1-2 days. Making size difference being a big obstacle to survival. They reach adult size fast. Around thirty days they are starting to fledge (fly). Then they stay with Mom and Dad for another 20 to 30 days learning much needed survival skills. The family unit breaks up in the fall and they all go their separate ways.

By: Evans KC

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In homes around the world, the family pet is definitely part of the family and there is simply nothing we wouldn’t do to make sure our pet has a long, happy, and healthy life. And that’s why more and more of us are taking time to learn a little animal first aid.

Knowing even just a little bit of pet first aid, means that you will be able to help your pet should it become injured or ill. Just like kids, animals can be curious and as a result, they can sometimes get themselves into trouble. We are prepared to handle both minor and major emergencies with our children, and although we hope that never happens we are prepared. With animal wound care we can be just as prepared.

A pet kit will hold many of the items that a human first aid kit will hold – Gauze, tape, scissors, antiseptic; alcohol to clean wounds, antibacterial cream for infection, tweezers, and rubber tubing, or a muzzle. You can also buy self-adhesive wrap at the pet store, which can be used for sprains and to hold gauze in place.

When an animal is in pain it may snap and even bite trying to keep you away from the wound. Be careful because no matter how much your pet loves you when in pain they can be unpredictable. The rubber tubing that you put in your animal first aid kit can be used to gently tie your pet’s mouth so that you can safely look at the injury. If your pet is a dog and you have a muzzle in your first aid kit, then of course use it. You don’t need a bite to deal with while trying to administer first aid.

Your animal kit is the first line of treatment should your pet become injured. If the injury is serious your pet should immediately see the vet. Minor cuts and scrapes can be easily handled but should always be disinfected and properly cleaned because they can quickly become infected. When in doubt always see your veterinarian. You should also keep an eye on minor injuries to make sure they don’t fester.

Lifesaving first aid may be beyond the ability of your animal first aid kit; however do the best you can and then transport immediately to your vet. Keep the number of your vet handy, and hopefully someone can phone ahead for your arrival so that the vet’s office is prepared.

To go with your animal first aid kit it’s also a good idea to get some basic wound care skills. Your vet can probably assist you with the basics and there is plenty of help online that can have you ready to handle any pet emergency.

You can either put together your own animal aid kit or you can buy a handy kit that’s already got everything in it, plus a convenient case. Keep it handy in the house and if you take your pet with you in the car you should have an animal first aid kit in your car too.

Your pet is part of your family so make sure you have your animal first aid kit ready for any emergency.

By: Terry Fitzroy

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