Folkestone Owl Rescue - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

European Eagle OwlSnowy owl
2 European Eagle Owls
Q: What do owls eat?
A: Depending on their size, owls eat anything from insects to rabbits and hares, but mostly mice, voles and shrews.
Q: Aren't they thirsty?
A: Owls don't normally drink water. They take the blood from their preys. However they have to keep clean, but it is difficult for them to know the depth of water, and owls often drown as their feathers are not oiled.
Q: Why are they panting?
A: Owls don't perspire, so they use this method to cool down when very hot or under stress.
Q: Will they bite me?
A: Owls don't have teeth, but their beaks are quite sharp and used to tear up their food.
However, the talons are the most dangerous, and used to catch their prey.
Q: Do owls talk?
A: Owls have their own language and use it to communicate with each other or to ward off an attack from a predator.
Q: Can owls turn their heads right round?
A: Owls have an excellent vision, but wherever they want to look, they have to turn their heads, so they have the ability to turn their head ¾ of a circle.
Q: Do owls have ears?
A: Yes, they do have ears, they are slits, asymetric, behind the facial mask.
This wonderful hearing and incredible sight make them a formidable predator.
Q: Why have you got them tied down?
A: When owls are on display, they have leather anklets on their legs, these anklets are called aylmeris and attached to these are jesses with slits in them so that a line can be attached to secure them. This equipment is taken off when they go back to their enclosures.
Q: How long have you had owls?
A: I had my first owl in 1989.
Q: Why have you got owls in the daytime?
A: Contrary to popular belief that owls only hunt at night, they do hunt in the daytime especially when they have young to feed. However, it's better for them to hunt at night as other birds have gone to sleep.
As we are not funded, the birds we display help support the sanctuary.
Q: Which owls do we have in Great Britain?
A: Here is the list of British owls:
  • Little Owl (Athene Noctua)
  • Short-eared Owl (Asio Flammeus)
  • Long-eared Owl (Asio Otus)
  • Tawny Owl (Strix Aluco)
  • Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)
  • Snowy Owl (Nyctea Scandiaca)
The European Eagle Owl is not present, but has been reintroduced in the North of England, so may in time be put back on the list.
Q: How long does an owl live?
A: Owls can live up to 60 years.
Q: How big can an owl get?
A: European Eagles can reach 3 metres (10 ft) of wingspan.
Q: I've found an animal. He looks hurt. What do I do?
What are the other animal rescue centres in Kent?
A: Please see the links/contacts section on this site and refer to the appropriate specialists.
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