Quick Answer
It is possible to keep certain birds of prey as pets, but there are strict regulations and requirements involved. Most birds of prey are protected under federal and state laws, so you must obtain special permits and licenses to own one. Even with proper licensing, birds of prey require advanced care and housing that make them unsuitable pets for beginners or casual owners. Overall, owning a bird of prey as a pet is a major commitment and responsibility that should not be undertaken lightly.
Licensing Requirements
In the United States, all native birds of prey are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state laws. This means you cannot legally own or keep a bird of prey without proper permits and licenses. The main permits involved are:
- Federal Migratory Bird Permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- State falconry license from your state’s wildlife agency
To obtain these permits, you must pass a rigorous application process that requires:
- Taking a written test on raptor knowledge and care
- Building proper housing facilities (mews) for the raptor
- Finding a licensed falconer willing to sponsor and mentor you
This licensing process can take months or years to complete. It is designed to ensure only dedicated, knowledgeable individuals undertake the responsibility of owning a bird of prey. Even with permits, there are strict regulations on which species you can possess and limits on how many birds you can own at one time.
Suitable Species
Not all birds of prey make good falconry birds or pets. Suitable species must:
- Be trainable and accepting of humans
- Have more manageable dispositions
- Be native to your area (to simplify housing needs)
Some of the most common pet birds of prey include:
- Red-tailed hawk
- Harris’s hawk
- American kestrel
Larger, more aggressive species like eagles, condors, owls, and vultures are almost never kept as pets. Their advanced strength, size, behaviors, and dietary needs make them inappropriate.
Housing Requirements
Birds of prey cannot be kept in typical pet cages or aviaries. They require specialized falconry housing called mews or weathering areas:
- Indoor chambers: Large enclosed areas for roosting. Must have perches, baths, and be kept very clean.
- Outdoor weathering areas: Fenced spaces for birds to sunbathe and exercise in safety. Often attached to indoor chambers.
Mews must provide ample space, protection from weather and predators, and proper perching spots. The specific housing needs vary by species. Red-tailed hawks, for example, require a minimum of 8 feet x 8 feet x 7 feet for indoor chambers according to most state regulations.
Building proper mews is expensive. Pre-fabricated chambers can cost over $1,000. Building them yourself requires carpentry skills, quality materials, and adherence to regulations. Proper housing is mandatory for obtaining a falconry permit.
Enrichment and Training
Birds of prey are intelligent, active animals that require daily stimulation and enrichment. As a falconer, you must:
- Provide ample opportunity for flight through daily free flying or exercising on creances (tethers)
- Offer enrichment like new perches, baths, toys, and housing areas to explore
- Regularly work with the bird on training and socializing to form a bond
This requires dedicating substantial time and effort each day. The raptor-human bond is critical to the bird’s well-being. An unenriched, underexercised, neglected bird will develop problem behaviors like feather plucking.
Dietary Needs
Birds of prey are obligate carnivores that only eat meat. Their dietary needs include:
- Whole prey like rats, rabbits, chickens, etc. (not processed meat)
- Calcium and vitamin supplements
- Clean, fresh water
This diet must be properly researched for each species. Offering incorrect foods can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and diseases. Whole prey also must be sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid contamination.
Meeting a raptor’s feeding needs is challenging. Whole prey is expensive and not always readily available. You must learn how to properly thaw, store, and prepare raw meat. Feeding alone can take hours out of each day.
Veterinary Care
Birds of prey require specialized veterinary care from avian vets or those experienced with raptors. Some health issues to watch for include:
- Infections
- Feather cysts
- Bumblefoot
- Stress-related diseases
- Trauma from crashes or fights
Vet examinations and emergency treatments for raptors can easily cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Having pet health insurance is highly recommended.
You must be able and willing to pay for expensive veterinary care throughout the bird’s life. This is a 20+ year commitment for most species.
Time Commitment
Caring for a pet bird of prey requires an enormous investment of your time:
- Supervising the bird for hours out of the housing each day
- Preparing fresh food daily
- Cleaning and disinfecting housing weekly
- Exercising and training the bird
- Traveling to veterinarians for check-ups
- Making emergency care arrangements if traveling
This time commitment can severely limit vacations and other activities. Birds of prey are certainly not “set and forget” pets and require devotion most of each day. You must be prepared to make this sacrifice and lifestyle change.
Financial Commitment
The costs of pet birds of prey include:
- Housing construction or purchase ($1,000+)
- Permits and licenses ($50-$100, renewable annually)
- Veterinary care (emergencies can cost $1,000+)
- Food, enrichment supplies ($50-$150/month)
- Travel costs for training, vet visits, etc.
These expenses make bird of prey ownership prohibitively expensive for many. Exotic pet insurance can offset some costs but premiums are high. Budget at least $5,000 per year for a single bird.
Risks to Humans
Birds of prey can potentially inflict serious harm on humans via:
- Bites and talon scratches
- Being struck by their wings
- Capturing and spreading zoonotic diseases
Defensive and predatory behaviors are always a possibility, even with trained birds. Careful handling and protective gear like thick gloves and safety glasses help reduce risks. Children and immunocompromised people may face greater dangers that rule out owning a raptor as a pet.
Risks to the Bird
There are also a number of risks human ownership poses to birds of prey:
- Stress-related disease
- Injuries from poor housing conditions, handling, or training
- Malnourishment from improper diets
- Reduced life expectancy from chronic health issues
- Euthanasia if a falconer can no longer care for the bird
Birds of prey are inherently challenging to keep healthy and content in captivity compared to wild existence. Well-meaning but incompetent ownership often shortens raptors’ lifespans or leads to behavioral issues.
Legal Consequences
There can be stiff legal penalties for violating regulations surrounding bird of prey ownership:
- Fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- State penalties like confiscation of birds, fines, and revoked permits
- Potential for civil lawsuits if a raptor attacks someone
You must educate yourself thoroughly on all applicable federal, state, and local laws and strictly follow them. Otherwise you risk having your pet bird confiscated and facing criminal charges.
Alternatives to Pet Ownership
If you are unable to meet the demands of properly owning a bird of prey, some alternatives to consider include:
- Volunteering at a raptor education center to gain hands-on experience
- Observing birds of prey in the wild on birdwatching trips
- Adopting a handicapped, non-releasable raptor from a wildlife rehabber
- Fostering birds of prey in short-term capacities
- Supporting raptor conservation efforts through donations and advocacy
For most people, these options represent far more practical ways to enjoy birds of prey without attempting to own one as a pet.
Conclusion
Owning a bird of prey can be profoundly rewarding but also intensely demanding. While possible with proper licensing, only a small minority of dedicated falconers can truly meet all the specialized care requirements. For everyone else, the costs, complexities, and commitment involved make pet raptor ownership unrealistic and inadvisable. Appreciating birds of prey through safer, more ethical alternatives is typically the wisest choice. If prepared for the responsibility and willing to sacrifice, a licensed falconer may find caring for one of these magnificent birds an incredibly enriching experience.