From Humane Indiana Wildlife

This nestling Great Horned Owl was admitted to the center yesterday after being found on the ground in Valparaiso. Unfortunately, she was injured in the fall and has damage to the metacarpals in her left wing.

Our team was able to stabilize the injured area with a splint and wrap and will schedule X-rays early this upcoming week to determine the extent of the damage and the likelihood that she will completely heal from her fall. (Additional photo in comments).

In many circumstances young birds of prey who have fallen from the nest have the opportunity to be placed back into their nest with their siblings and parents. When nests are inadequate, a man-made nest will suffice! If young birds are severely injured, however, the birds must be cared for in captivity until they are capable adults.

At our facility we have the ability to place young Great Horned Owls with our surrogate female, Errol. Errol was an injured nestling herself, raised by our team in 2018. Since becoming a surrogate, Errol has helped our team raise over a dozen Great Horned Owl chicks and gave them a better experience while at the rehab center.

This chick is going to need a lot of medical care as it continues to heal and grow. Young Great Horned Owls will easily consume $10-$15 in mice A DAY as they are growing. Orphans and fallen chicks, admitted this time of year, will remain at the center until September or October when they have proven that they are good enough hunters to survive the harsh winter.