Zoo database

Snowy owl

Bubo scandiacus

Natural diet Snowy owl

Vertebrates

Snowy owls are a carnivorous species. They primarily hunt for small vertebrates such as lemmings, rabbits and mice, but also birds such as geese, ducks and songbirds may be consumed. Occasionally they consume carrion. After prey is swallowed whole, they cough up a pellet which includes bones, fur or feathers.

Feeding advice Snowy owl

Feed quantity per day

6-8% of body weight

Sample percentage calculation

If an animal weighs 2 kg and eats 7% of its body weight, it will get

2 x 0.07 = 0.14 kg feed in total per day

Feed composition

99% Meat products and whole prey
1% Supplements

Proportions (fresh product)

0.99 x 0.14 kg = 138.6 g meat products and whole prey
0.01 x 0.14 kg = 1.4 g supplements

Diet suggestions

Not recommended

Live prey

Additional advice

Divide the “Feed quantity per day” over one feeding moment per day.
When feeding thawed whole prey, then supplementation is recommended.
The supplements should be given according to the appropriate dosage that is mentioned on the labelling.
Stimulate foraging behaviour by using stacking or hanging the prey. Another method is to use feed puzzles and feeding whole prey (read more about feed enrichment and foraging behaviour).

Common diseases

An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:

Metabolic bone disease
Amyloidosis
Bumblefoot
Molting Disorders
Gastrointestinal foreign bodies
Obesity

Feed quantity per day

Sample percentage calculation

Feed composition

Proportions (fresh product)

Carnizoo

DK Whole Prey supplement

Day Old Chicks 10 kg (Black Box)

Small weaner rat 25-60 g

Fuzzy rats 15-30 g

Martijn den Blijker

Director Kiezebrink Rodents