Captive Breeding

Eggs and Hatching

March

Adult owls which are genetically distinct are paired up and established in separate breeding enclosures. The sexes of breeding birds have been previously confirmed through DNA analysis.

Each enclosure contains underground burrows which are totally dark and insulated. The owls will do some minor renovations to their burrows as in the wild such as importing dried grasses, moving the bedding (shavings) about. In the wild owls will often use dried manure at the entrance, possibly to mask odor. This is also provided to the owls for their housekeeping. There is also increased food caching in the burrows as breeding approaches. Owl pairs are kept as visually separate as possible. However, it is more important to prevent conflict and breeding disruption by establishing single pairs in each enclosure.

April / May

Breeding and egg laying Female remains underground a great deal of the time. The male remains out side of the burrow. He does not incubate but will bring food items(prey) to the burrow entrance for his mate .

Egg laying

• Usually once every 36 hours
• Usually 3 - 11 eggs are laid
• Incubation usually starts after the first 4-6 eggs are laid (There will be synchronous hatching for the first chicks)
• Incubation lasts approximately 28 days

Hatching

Subsequent eggs will be incubated as they are laid. The later young will be asynchronously hatched from 2 to 7 days later. This results in age differences in the clutch with the youngest chicks usually smaller than their older siblings. Younger, smaller chicks may die or are killed by siblings as they are not able to compete for food as well.

Adult female provides food for her young from her crop for the first 14 days.