Quick Answer
Owning a burrowing owl is illegal in most states. Burrowing owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to own, possess, or sell burrowing owls, their nests, or their eggs without a permit. Only a few states like Florida and Texas allow private ownership with special permits. Even in those states, burrowing owls require specific care and caging that make them challenging pets. In general, burrowing owls should not be kept as pets.
Overview of Burrowing Owls
The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. They get their name from nesting underground in burrows dug by other animals like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and tortoises.
Some key facts about burrowing owls:
– Size: 7-10 inches tall, wingspan of 21-24 inches
– Coloring: Sandy brown plumage with white spotting, long legs, bright yellow eyes
– Habitat: Open grasslands, prairies, agricultural fields, golf courses
– Diet: Insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians
– Behavior: Mostly active at dawn and dusk, quite tame and may allow close approach
– Population: Declining in many areas, considered an endangered species in Canada
Burrowing owls are declining across much of their range due to habitat loss from development and agricultural practices. They are listed as endangered in Canada, threatened in Mexico, and a conservation concern in many U.S. states. Protection and restoration of prairie habitats is crucial for sustaining burrowing owl populations.
Reasons Burrowing Owls Do Not Make Good Pets
Despite their small size and docile nature, burrowing owls are not well-suited to being pets:
– Require large enclosures: Burrowing owls have a strong instinct to dig and tunnel. They need enough space to engage in natural burrowing behaviors.
– Specialized diet: In the wild burrowing owls eat insects, small rodents, amphibians and reptiles. Replicating this varied diet in captivity is difficult.
– Prone to stress: Burrowing owls are easily stressed by human presence and noisy environments. This chronic stress can lead to feather plucking and self-mutilation.
– Illegal to own without permits: It is illegal to capture, own or sell burrowing owls or their nests/eggs in most states under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
– Long lifespan: Burrowing owls live 10 years or more in captivity. Caring for one is a long-term commitment.
– Require burrows/tunneling: Burrowing owls require holes, tunnels and nest boxes to engage in natural behaviors. This can damage household structures.
– Specialized veterinary care: There are few avian vets properly equipped to provide medical care to captive burrowing owls.
Burrowing Owl Ownership Laws
The legal status of owning a burrowing owl as a pet depends on where you live:
Federal Law
Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is illegal to own any native North American bird species, including burrowing owls, without a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The MBTA protects over 1,000 avian species native to the U.S. from being captured, killed or possessed without authorization. Violators can face fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment.
State Laws
States have their own laws regulating exotic pet ownership:
– Legal with permit/license: Very few states like Florida and Texas allow private ownership of burrowing owls with special permits. These can be difficult and expensive to obtain.
– Legal with restrictions: Some states limit the number of owls that can be owned or require USDA licensing after a certain number.
– Illegal/banned: Most states simply prohibit private ownership of burrowing owls. Often other native owl species are banned as well.
– No laws: A handful of states like West Virginia and Alabama have no laws specifically forbidding ownership of exotic animals like burrowing owls.
Even where legal, properly caring for a burrowing owl poses challenges for the average pet owner. Never attempt to capture or purchase a burrowing owl without fully understanding your state and local exotic pet laws.
Caring for Burrowing Owls as Pets
Burrowing owls have very specific care requirements that make them difficult pets:
Housing
As their name implies, burrowing owls need space to tunnel and dig burrows. Ideally, their enclosure should include:
– Minimum dimensions of 6′ x 6′ x 4′ tall
– 1-2 nest boxes or tunnels
– Deep substrate of soil, sand or woodchips to dig in
– Plants and hiding spots
Outdoor aviaries are preferred to indoor cages. The enclosure must allow the owls to exhibit natural behaviors. Small cages lead to stress, self-mutilation and behavioral issues. Access to direct sunlight and darkness is crucial.
Diet
Burrowing owls prey on insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and small birds. Recreating this varied diet takes effort:
– Insects: mealworms, crickets, roaches
– Meat: diced mice, chicks
– Supplements: calcium and vitamins
Food can be served live or frozen-thawed. Provide a shallow water dish for bathing and drinking.
Handling
Burrowing owls are not affectionate companion pets. Handling should be minimized, though they may become acclimated to a consistent, gentle caretaker over time. Never grab or restrain them. Always support their body weight when handling.
Enrichment
Enrichment activities to engage their natural instincts are vital. Provide opportunities for:
– Digging/tunneling in substrate
– Chewing and shredding materials
– Flying short distances
– Nesting/roosting in boxes
– Foraging for hidden food
Rotate toys and puzzles to prevent boredom. Enrichment helps prevent stress-related behaviors.
Socialization
In the wild, burrowing owls live in loose colonies. They may do best housed alongside other compatible avian companions or in visual/auditory proximity to humans rather than singly.
Veterinary Care
Finding an avian vet familiar with burrowing owls can be challenging. Look for vets experienced in raptor and exotic bird medicine. Annual exams, bloodwork and functional testing of vision, mobility and organ function are recommended.
Acquiring a Burrowing Owl
Due to the protected legal status of burrowing owls, obtaining one as a pet is very difficult:
– Adopt: Only possible if you live in a state that permits ownership, such as Florida. Adopt from a licensed breeder or wildlife rehabilitation center.
– Buy: Purchasing captive-bred burrowing owls is extremely rare and expensive. Verify the breeder’s license and permits.
– Capture: Trapping wild owls is illegal and unethical. Never attempt this.
– Rescue: If you find an injured owl, contact a wildlife rehabilitator, zoo or avian rescue to arrange care. Do not intervene on your own.
Avoid questionable sellers offering burrowing owls illegally. Be prepared to pay $1,000 or more from a licensed source, if legal ownership is possible where you live.
Other Considerations
Here are a few other things to keep in mind about pet burrowing owls:
– Lifespan – In captivity, burrowing owls generally live upwards of 10 years with proper care. Are you committed to caring for one long-term?
– Costs – Between specialized caging, veterinary expenses, and diet, expect costs of $500-1000/year, minimum. Can you manage the financial demands?
– Time commitment – Social and intelligent, burrowing owls have demanding care needs. Can you commit substantial daily time to meeting their welfare needs?
– Legal risks – Even accidentally injuring or killing a pet burrowing owl carries legal jeopardy. Violating exotic pet laws has serious consequences.
– Species conservation – Removing owls from the wild population has real ecological consequences. Consider supporting burrowing owl conservation initiatives instead.
– Health hazards – Like any bird of prey, burrowing owls can inflict nasty bites and scratches. Their claws, beak and talons are adapted to kill prey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about owning burrowing owls as pets:
Are burrowing owls legal to own in the U.S.?
No, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits capturing or owning native North American bird species, including burrowing owls, without permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Only a few states like Florida and Texas allow private ownership with special permits.
What states allow burrowing owls as pets?
Very few states permit private burrowing owl ownership. Florida and Texas allow ownership with special permits that are difficult and expensive to acquire. Some other states may allow possession of captive-bred birds with restrictions. Most states outright ban private burrowing owl ownership.
How much does a pet burrowing owl cost?
From a licensed and reputable breeder, expect to pay $1000-$2000 for a captive-bred burrowing owl in one of the few states allowing ownership. Prices are high due to rarity, high demand, and extensive regulations. Never attempt to trap or purchase a wild owl.
What do burrowing owls eat as pets?
Burrowing owls are carnivorous and insectivorous. In captivity they can be fed frozen-thawed rodents, chicks, mealworms, crickets and other insects. A nutritionally complete diet takes effort to maintain. They require calcium and vitamin supplements too.
How big of cage does a burrowing owl need?
Burrowing owls require very large, tall enclosures, preferably outdoor aviaries. The enclosure should have minimum dimensions of 6′ x 6′ x 4′ tall to allow for flying, roosting, tunneling and other natural behaviors. Small cages severely compromise their welfare.
Are burrowing owls affectionate?
No, burrowing owls are not affectionate pets. They become stressed by excessive human presence and handling should be minimized. With slow acclimation, they may become tolerant of a consistent, gentle caretaker over many months.
Can I let my burrowing owl fly free?
No, you should never allow a pet burrowing owl to freely fly outdoors. As native wild birds, they may attempt to escape or migrate and will likely not return. Outdoor flights should only occur in an enclosed aviary. Even tame owls have strong natural instincts to roam.
How long do pet burrowing owls live?
In captivity, burrowing owls generally live over 10 years with proper care and diet. Some have reached 20+ years old. Lifespans are shorter for owls raised in substandard conditions. Caring for a burrowing owl is a long-term commitment.
Conclusion
Burrowing owls are challenging, demanding birds that do not make good pets for the average owner. Their specialized care and housing needs, protected legal status, high expense and strong natural instincts make captive ownership inappropriate for most circumstances. Appreciating burrowing owls in the wild is a much more ethical choice than attempting to own one as a pet. Supporting burrowing owl conservation efforts helps protect the species in nature.