Recently, two tiny tawny chicks have come into our care here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.
The first was found in a compost heap in a very sorry state, emaciated, covered in fly eggs and weak - things did not look promising at all.
The condition of this chick would suggest that it had sustained a long period without food. Sometimes if parents are unable to support their chicks, they will sadly abandon the nest and the chicks will exit out of desperation. This can also happen if one adult is left at the nest site after losing its mate, who would usually help to provide food.
Luckily this little one was found just in time. He spent a few nights under the watchful eye of experienced SOS falconer, Jess, who bathed him and carefully picked eggs. Thankfully the chick has since started to take tiny bits of food soaked in a support fluid, and is slowly gaining weight.
The second chick was found in a rather unfortunate predicament - upside down in a bramble bush! The surrounding area was considered a danger to this little one, so it was also brought in to SOS to build strength and recover in safety.
Luckily for our first chick, he now has another clutch mate to recover with! This will also mean that both of them can now be hacked together in a purpose built release aviary.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the response to our ‘Save Our Sanctuary' appeal has significantly helped us towards the expense of feeding, caring, cleaning, veterinary services and medication requirements of the injured or unwell wild birds of prey that pass through our hospital.
However, accrued financial shortcomings means we need to continue to raise funding to look after birds such as these two tawny chicks, who need specialist feeding, exercise, medication and veterinary treatment.
Determined to survive, we ask for your help to maintain our full range of rescue, rehab and conservation services through the winter months ahead, without compromise. Donating a few pounds a month to our 'Onwards & Upwards' survival fund by becoming a Friend of S.O.S. will help us to do this.
As always we thank you for your support, and we hope to be able to welcome you back through our doors soon.
