Yesterday I collected some owl pellets from some captive barn owls owned by Ross Braund-Phillips. I placed them in a solution of warm water and bicarbonate of soda at 2.25 pm. They began to dissolve almost immediately. By contrast, the large pellet collected a couple of days ago and placed in the same type of solution, remains mostly intact. Even adding extra bicarb has not effected it.
The larger pellets seem to consist mostly of compressed hair. It is possible that Ross' captive owls, fed on day-old chicks, produce softer pellets as they are only having to deal with down and not coarse fur.
If anyone has any wild owl pellets we can compare the dissolving rates with, we would be very greatful. Please get in touch...
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