With the need to do some routine mew maintenance this spring, our training goals have shifted for Otto the Great Horned Owl. This week we decided to take a break from glove training and work on crating instead. If he will voluntarily step into a crate, we will be able to work in the mew without disturbing him.
The first step was preparing the crate so he feels safe inside. Raptors feel calmer when they cannot see activity around them. To block the view, I zip-tied pieces of cardboard to the front door and one side of vents on the crate. The other vents are where I will watch Otto's movement and deliver chunks of food.
I cut a mat of astroturf to lay on the floor of the crate so he has a solid grip when he walks in. With the correct flooring and windows blocked, the crate was ready for Otto. I slowly carried the crate in the mew and set it in a corner. He will have time to grow accustomed to the new piece of furniture and explore it on his own for a few days. Then I will start asking him to come closer during training sessions, and eventually have him walk inside!
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