How to Burrito an Owl

An exemplary owl burrito a.k.a. owlrito a.k.a. burritowl. A chocolate brown towel wraps this Barn Owl, forming a tight, upright cylinder. The owl's head, a half sphere dome, protrudes above the hem like a fluffy R2-D2. His eyes are closed, forming a V-shaped crevice in the feathers of his heart-shaped facial disc. The rehabilitator behind -- wearing a black long-sleeve top baring a white clinic logo on the chest -- holds the column of owl the way someone might hold an expensive camera, one hand on the side, and one below.

Wrapping owls like burritos helps keep them motionless so they can be more easily be examined, treated, fed, and medicated by a wildlife carer.

See How to Wrap an Owl for a detailed step-by-step procedure:

A grid of photos 3 by 3 showing the steps to wrap an owl in a towel. It starts with our model Barn Owl face-down, legs straight on a flat folded towel on a tabletop, and ends with the rehabilitator sitting on a stool with a perfect burritowl wedged securely between their knees. The benefit of this procedure is the rehabber now has both hands free to administer fluids, food, and medication.

Source: How to towel-wrap an owl for single handed re-hydration or force-feeding – LEAFLET No 51 [PDF] by Barn Owl Trust, published 16 Dec 2014

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A big thank you to the The Barn Owl Trust for authoring the above guide. See their further resources on owl care, including:

Link to donate to Barn Owl Trust for those willing and able.

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SpeciesCommon NameMore info
Tyto albaWestern Barn OwlWiki link

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