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Original poster

I need an owl.

123 replies

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 09/01/2023 21:37

Just a small, pint-sized owl.

It could perch on things, fly around the house, enjoy the garden on summer days.

I could stroke it when I’m stressed. And he could sleep on my headboard.

Is this unrealistic?

I don’t want a gigantic one with a massive wingspan. Just a small (smaller than a pigeon) sized owl.

Just wondering if my home and lifestyle are suitable for such a pet…

OP posts:
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stillvicarinatutu · 09/01/2023 22:14

They're are a specialist pet . My nephew was a falconer and they are very hard to keep - you have to feed them depending on weight , they imprint to one person , they're beautiful but highly specialised as a pet .

Bunnynames101 · 09/01/2023 22:14

I worked for a bird of prey sanctuary in the 00s.

Owls are smelly and stupid and dangerous. They're not recommendable as pets. We were in the height of potter fever, when people even more stupid than the owls would acquire birds for their children. Then they'd end up dumped and with us. We even rescued one that had been tied to school railings.

I'd never willing subject a bird to what is effectively a flightless life.

OnTheBoardwalk · 09/01/2023 22:14

@WarningToTheCurious I’m reporting you! That’s a truly terrifying picture 😄

birds freak me out as I don’t like wings. Now I’m scared of their legs as well!

what is wrong with birds

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 09/01/2023 22:15

I could cope with the extra long legs.

I could put a feather boa on it and pretend I was at a freak show.

I used to follow an owl on TT. He was pleasingly round.

OP posts:
Mysterian · 09/01/2023 22:16

I made friends with an owl once. Communicated with it by the 'one for no and 2 for yes' method. I suggested it might want to come and live with me but it didn't give 2 hoots.

I'm very sorry.😔

CherrySocks · 09/01/2023 22:17

@Mysterian 😂

BruceAndNosh · 09/01/2023 22:18

It sounds like you need a cat which can fly

WarningToTheCurious · 09/01/2023 22:18

After reading “Corvus: A Life With Birds” by Esther Williamson I’d rather have a rook. Or possibly a magpie.

DH’s granny had a talking parrot but I wasn’t awfully fond of him (it was mutual).

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/01/2023 22:19

A girl I went to school with became a bird of prey handler. She has pet owls, including a "Little Owl", and other birds,

When DS was coming up 4, he told DM he wanted "an owl, or a fox, or a snake or a bear" for his birthday. She gave him a soft toy owl, who even 10 years later, is number 1 best present he's ever had.?

WarningToTheCurious · 09/01/2023 22:20

WednesdaysPlaits · 09/01/2023 22:13

That is indeed my favourite owl leg photo

Show quote history

I aim to please.

pictoosh · 09/01/2023 22:20

There's an Owl Centre an hour's drive from me and it is a tremendous place. They do a talk and tell us that owls are pretty stupid. Their skulls are filled with their eyeballs not their brain.
I find them so pleasing to the eye. I'd love a house crow though.

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 09/01/2023 22:21

BruceAndNosh · 09/01/2023 22:18

It sounds like you need a cat which can fly

Or something round which can perch daintily whilst still looking spherical.

I had a rotund bunny I’ve never really got over losing. She used to perch nicely on the furniture looking pleasingly plump and huggable.

OP posts:
Montague22 · 09/01/2023 22:22

You can’t stroke it, you’ll damage its feathers. Just like when kids pick up feathers and they soon look all clumpy! Any settings that let you do so should be avoided.

They are amazing though.

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 09/01/2023 22:22

DS has a build a bear owl. He was named ‘Owly’.

DS is an adult now and Owly lives in our loft.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/01/2023 22:23

My family adopted an owl for me at the National Bird of Prey Centre for my birthday - few years ago. I like to go and visit her from time to time.

Montague22 · 09/01/2023 22:25

I’d like a Steller’s Sea Eagle, there’s a centre in Thirsk with them.

bravelittletiger · 09/01/2023 22:25

How about training a hamster to sit still OP? They are quite nice and round. Short legs though so might not tick that box.

You might also consider a badger in a top hat if you enjoy the dressing up opportunities.

But I do agree a small round owl is really the only option for you and simply can't be matched.

Holidayhomehell · 09/01/2023 22:26

How did I not know that owls had long legs?!

motleymop · 09/01/2023 22:26

I have been educated tonight. I had no idea about their leg situ. I suppose it stands to reason (no pun intended).

Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 09/01/2023 22:27

Did you know that penguins have knees inside their bodies?

Freaks.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 09/01/2023 22:28

Here. Knees. Penguin. Weird.

I need an owl.
OP posts:
Iliveditwizbit · 09/01/2023 22:30

would you settle for a Furby 🤔?

bravelittletiger · 09/01/2023 22:31

Is that a knee or a hip?

Either way it's a bit strong to brand them freaks. I would have thought they were right up your street being spherical and cuddly looking.

OnTheRunWithMannyMontana · 09/01/2023 22:31

Bunnynames101 · 09/01/2023 22:14

I worked for a bird of prey sanctuary in the 00s.

Owls are smelly and stupid and dangerous. They're not recommendable as pets. We were in the height of potter fever, when people even more stupid than the owls would acquire birds for their children. Then they'd end up dumped and with us. We even rescued one that had been tied to school railings.

I'd never willing subject a bird to what is effectively a flightless life.

That's so sad. Poor thing.

stillvicarinatutu · 09/01/2023 22:32

Montague22 · 09/01/2023 22:25

I’d like a Steller’s Sea Eagle, there’s a centre in Thirsk with them.

That is probably where my nephew worked ....then went with the very beautiful mr potter when he set up his own business.

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