From Owl Rescue Centre
This sneaky little lady has been living inside a Shoprite store in Thokoza for the last few weeks. She was a difficult customer, had all her hiding spots well mapped out, just in case some owl rescuers came knocking. That’s Jacob in the photo, he’s their security gent who offered a great deal of help in rescuing her. We don’t often tag company rescues anymore, but we know Shoprite South Africa loves owls
How has he still all his fingers?
Most animals will try to avoid fighting whenever possible. If they don’t feel in danger, they will click their beak or puff up like a cat, but fighting is generally a last resort, as if they are hurt, they won’t be able to hunt and won’t survive. The risk is generally too high, so getting away is a much better option whenever possible. Once this guy is grabbed and sees the man isn’t going to eat him, it’s still unhappy, but it’s not going to be as fearful.
I don’t have any actual stats on bite strength, but owls’ primary weapons are their feet. The feet are much more powerful and have those razor sharp talons. By securing the feet, he’s taking away the biggest immediate danger to himself. It also minimizes the movement the owl can do, keeping it from hurting itself.
Do they not go after your fingers? I know chickens chill out after you grab them.
I replied to the person above you, but most animals won’t fight unless they have to. Like the chicken, after the inital grab and it sees you’re not going to eat it, it calms down a bit. It would still want to be anywhere else, but they seem to know there’s less chance of being hurt if it’s cooperative. I’m sure if he was moving rapidly or suddenly, the bird would flip out, but if he’s slow and predictable, it defuses the situation a bit.
TY. It seems intuitive to me for chickens but I’d be scared shitless to grab an owl by the feet waiting for that death maw to latch down on my arm.
At some point I’m sure they just accept it as a part of the job.
A little while ago, one of the rescues posted a pic of a nice young lady who just got qualified to do some bigger role with the animals. She’s all proud and smiling in the pic, but she had a nice gash on her face from a bird that didn’t appreciate her help that week.
We can’t fault them for not understanding the people are there to help them. When I had to give cats pills, they’ve bitten or scratched me, but it’s just what they do to try and stay safe. I guess this owl is small enough he knows what it can do to him and what he could be in for. He works with big cats and jackyls and such, so I’m sure he’s gotten worse than what this little guy can dish out! 😅
