Owl Pellets are undigested parts of an owl's food which are regurgitated, their contents varies depending upon the owl's diet, often containing bones, hair, feathers and even complete skulls. Owl pellets have virtually no smell and are ideal for students to dissect, giving a fascinating insight into the diet of a bird of prey. This practical can be tied to habitat, adaptation and food chain studies.
To help enable students to identify the bones found in the pellets we recommend this Field Studies Council folding guide which also features a comprehensive guide to British Owls including their habitats.
Collected from wild owls in Shropshire to ensure varied contents - owls kept in captivity are likely to have a far less varied diet.
The Mammal Society have great owl pellet resources including a mammal mapper that students can use to record their findings. The society are particularly interested in the Greater White Toothed Shrew, an invasive species that have now been found in the UK.
Each pellet is individually wrapped in foil and heat sterilised at 120°C (250°F) for 4 hours. As a natural product, size will vary between 3 and 8cm long.
Available individually or in a great value pack of 10 or 50.