Friday, November 21, 2008
Skip Navigation LinksHome

Isle of Wight: Charlie Broomfield cared for sick Barn owl

Kid who gave two hoots about sick owl

By Lori Little - Friday, September 5, 2008
Kid who gave two hoots about sick owl
Kid who gave two hoots about sick owl
Charlie Broomfield cradles Tim, the injured barn owl that he has been nuturing back to health since finding him stricken in a field. Picture by JENNIFER BURTON.
A BARN owl is about to be re-released into the wild thanks to the tender loving care of would-be young falconer Charlie Broomfield.
The 12 year old has been the stricken bird’s main carer since his family took him in after finding him in a field, bloodied and dazed.
The Broomfield family, of Forest Farm, Porchfield, named the owl Tim and got permission from the Barn Owl Trust to care for him, taking up the challenge with gusto.
Jill Broomfield, Charlie’s mother, said: “The owl was checked by the vet, who thought he had probably been hit by a car. He was bleeding and had bruising to the chest and we only knew he was alive because he moved when we poked him.
“It has been a real achievement seeing the owl gain so much strength, and looking after him has been brilliant for the kids, particularly Charlie as he wants to be a falconer and is getting a Harris hawk next year.”
Charlie had to force feed Tim mice, literally putting them down his throat.
He also had to weigh him, seeing him gain strength as he grew from 217gms to 300gms within five days.
When Tim started flapping his wings it was time to move him out of his cage and into a secure stable, so Charlie spent an afternoon chopping down a tree and dragging it into Tim’s new home.
Since then the owl has started flying and sits happily in the branches, watching out for the family as they come in with his food.
Tim will be released into the wild any day, once the Barn Owl Trust gives the go-ahead.