Birds The Owl 
The fubsy screech-owl fledglings usually climb out of 
the home nest hole, about the last of May, and they 
are the quaintest little creatures imaginable. It is 
at this age that one may be captured, and will make 
an interesting though always a snappy pet. 
HOUSE 
If kept in a cage, the latter should be dry, airy, 
and easily cleaned, but it is better to give the bird 
freedom. A large branch, or a section of a small log 
should be hollowed out, leaving an entrance at the 
side large enough to admit the bird. This should be 
fastened in an evergreen tree, situated as near the 
barn as possible. Introduce the bird into this nest 
and feed it there every day, and it will soon accept 
the place as home. It will serve to keep the barn 
free from mice quite as effectually as a cat. Un- 
fortunately the owl is not discriminating in its food, 
and is as likely to take the beneficial swallow as it is 
to take the disagreeable English sparrow, in fact, if 
one wishes to coax birds to live about his premises, 
it is not advisable to keep a pet owl. If one wishes 
to keep a pet owl at home and harmless, one wing 
should be clipped. 
FOOD 
The owls like raw animal food, such as rats, mice, 
insects and heads and necks of poultry. The process 
of throwing up the undigestible portions from the 
stomach seems to be so necessary, that some people 
purchase cheap meat and roll it in feathers or short 
hair before giving it. The food should be given reg- 
ularly, and the dietary should not include tough 
meat. 
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