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Barn owl lays eggs 10 years late
A hand-reared barn owl has just laid her first egg - at the unusually late age of 11.
According to David Ramsden, a senior conservation officer of the barn owl Trust, the event is unheard of among barn owls who usually lay eggs when they reach sexual maturity at 11 months, or not at all.
Pauly has been with Bill Higham of the barn owl Bill Charitable Fund since she was born, and has travelled 160,000 miles as part of the charity's educational displays across the country.
She was hand-reared by Bill from just three days old when her mother and father "kicked her out" of their nest.
"She got moody on Friday morning and by tea-time she had laid the first egg and the second one she laid in the early hours this morning (Monday)," he said.
"She is still moody but even Carole can touch her which is weird."
When she laid her first egg, Bill said: "She didn't know what to do with it.
"She just looked at it as if to say, 'what the hell is that?'"
Both eggs are unfertilised as Pauly has not been in contact with a male.
Mr Ramsden said: "Although a lot of captive birds never lay eggs, it is surprising that she wouldn't do it until 11.
"It suggests that something has changed or perhaps another bird is around.
"My guess is that it's been stimulated to happen. But it could be something quite subtle."
Bill now hopes to keep the eggs to use as examples on his touring displays and educational visits.
He said he currently had 80 birds at his Leyland home aviaries, more than ever before, adding: "Enough will never be enough. We will always extend the back garden."
Bill is currently looking for building materials to create more aviaries.
If you think you can help, visit his website www.barnowlbill.co.uk or call him on 01772 463221. And visit www.barnowltrust.org.uk for more information about barn owls.
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Light sleet
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