Wrapping owls like burritos helps keep them motionless so they can be more easily be examined, treated, fed, and medicated by the wildlife carer.
Step-by-step process:
Step 1. With the owl restrained around both legs and wings, hold it very gently chest-down on the towel, close to one end of the towel, with its legs lying straight out behind it and its face level with the folded edge of the towel.Step 2. At the base of the tail, wrap the legs, wings and tail reasonably tightly using the short end of the towel.Step 3. Roll the first half-turn, keeping the wrap tight (the tightness is mainly around the legs).Step 4. Roll the owl through one complete rotation, wrapping tightly around the legs but keeping no tension on the rest of the wrap. The owl is now on its front again.Step 5. You are now ready to do the final wrapping which will be much less tight. Position your hands as shownStep 6. Cross the towel over the owl as shown.Step 7. Pick the owl up holding the tight part of the wrap and complete the looser wrap as shown.Step 8. Your owl-wrapping is now complete! The owl will be unable to wriggle out as long as the leg-wrap remains reasonably tight.
Note these resources are intended for owl care in the United Kingdom. You may need to adapt the guidance for your local owl species and wildlife regulations.
