Let’s be honest – owls are cool, but they’re not for everyone; before deciding to add an owl to your household, be sure to consider its size. Most owls are between 5 to 28 inches tall, and the bigger the owl, the more expensive.
No, the law of United States does not permits to keep owls as pets. Even you could, they can be challenging to handle and have a wild personality that some people may not be able to handle.
Research their dietary needs if you decide to get an owl as a pet. For example, owls are carnivores and need animal prey to survive, so ensure you have the prey on hand to feed them.
Additionally, be prepared for an owl to get out of its cage – they’re wild animals, after all! As long as you know the basics about owls and the care they need, adding one to your home can be a lot of fun.
Are Owls Illegal to Take as a Pet?
Owls are classified as “restricted” animals in the United States. This means that only specific individuals can own them, and an authorized handler must handle them at all times. Therefore, if you’re considering getting an owl as a pet, consider this before making the decision.
The Cost of Owl as a Pet
Pet owls can cost between $2,800 and $3,000, depending on the type of owl you choose. Costs also vary depending on where you purchase your owl from. Additionally, you will need to purchase food tailored explicitly for owls and an owl-proof habitat.
Are Owls Safe to Have as Pets?
Yes, owls are perfectly safe to have as pets. However, like all animals, they require special care and attention. So make sure to take your owl to the vet for regular checkups and keep an eye on them, so they don’t get injured or bored.
Reasons Why Owls Make Great Pets
They’re friendly and easy to care for, making them the perfect choice for people new to pet ownership. Also, owls don’t require much exercise and are active at night, so they’ll never be a nuisance. Instead, owls make the perfect pets if you live in an area with cold winters because they’re warm-blooded animals.
They Have a Simple Diet
Like all carnivores, owls need animal prey to survive. Their diet consists of small mammals such as mice, rabbits, or squirrels. Make sure you have the right food for your owl available at all times, especially if it’s a barn or aviary bird like an eagle owl.
Satisfies the Desire for Adventure
Owls are great pets because they have a wild personality. They love exploring and often fly around the home or property looking for new prey. Some people find this exciting, while others may find it intimidating. If you’re someone who loves adventure and isn’t afraid of heights, an owl might be the perfect pet for you!
They Are Solitary
Owls are great pets because they are gentle animals that don’t require much attention. They make excellent watch animals as they often remain quiet in the presence of danger.
They are also intelligent and learn quickly, making them perfect for beginner pet owners. Lastly, owls are inexpensive to keep and don’t require a lot of space or care.
They Are Sedentary
Unlike some other pets, owls are not always active. Instead, they spend their days resting in a tree or on the ground. If you’re looking for an active animal, consider choosing another type of pet.
They Are Fascinating
Owls are fascinating animals and make great pets for people who love nature. They are active at night, so you’ll never have to worry about a nuisance. So if you’re looking for an animal that is easy to care for, peaceful, and intelligent, an owl might be a perfect choice!
Lifespan
They are intelligent, easy-to-train pets that can provide you with many years of companionship. They can live up to 5 to 12 years if properly cared for. An owl is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a pet that provides years of enjoyment!
Challenges You’ll Encounter as an Owl Parent
A few challenges come with being an owl parent, but some of the most common include providing enough food and water for your pet, ensuring they have a safe place to live, and training them properly. If you’re up for the challenge, raising an owl is a rewarding experience!
Owls Are Messy
Like any other pet, owls will occasionally get messy. This is especially true if they’re eating or drinking. So be prepared to clean up after your owl! But, as owls get more extensive, you will need to ensure your home is big enough for them and that they have plenty of toys to play with. Expect them to get messy as they grow – so be prepared for a lot of dirt, feathers, and poop in the house!
Need Constant Care
Owls are birds of prey that need much care if you want to keep one as a pet. They can be pretty vocal, so it’s essential to be able to handle the noise well. Apart from this occasional outburst, owls generally make very little noise.
They will also require food and water every day – no exceptions! You’ll also need to provide them with their territory and a comfortable nest for sleeping in.
Owls Are Nocturnal
Keeping an owl as a pet can be challenging if you’re not used to the nocturnal lifestyle. This bird typically sleeps during the day and spends the night flying around. You’ll need to provide it with food, water, and shelter – all of which should be available in the morning and at night.
Providing your owl with a dark, quiet, and spacious area is essential for its health and well-being. Ensure you also have enough toys or items to keep it entertained throughout the day, so it doesn’t get bored or restless indoors.
They Need Space
Owls need plenty of space to fly and roam around. If you can’t provide them with the proper environment, they will become restless and destructive.
Make sure their owl cage is big enough for them to fly around in and plenty of toys and perches to relax. Additionally, an extensive home will be suitable for breeding – the bigger, the better!
They Can Be Destructive
While owls are generally gentle animals, they can become destructive if they’re not given the proper space to fly and play. You’ll need to be prepared for feathers, dirt, and poop all over the house – it’s a lot of work but well worth it in the end!
Limited Vets
Due to their nocturnal nature, owls can be difficult for vets to treat. For example, they often require injections and other medical procedures harder to perform at night. Therefore, ensure you have a vet experienced with handling owls before getting one as a pet.
Have Specialized Diets
When you get an owl, it is essential to have a diet specially tailored for owls. This means they will need high levels of calcium, protein, and other nutrients that the owl’s natural diet provides. Ensure their habitat is owl-proofed so they don’t get bored or injured in the home, and be prepared to deal with poop daily!
You’ll also need to provide them with plenty of fresh food and water. When you get an owl, ensure you know what animal it is (e.g., barn Owl), so you can adjust your feeding habits accordingly.
Caring for a Pet Owl
Be prepared for the commitment if you’re considering getting a pet owl. These birds need plenty of room – which may not be the best choice for everyone. Prepare the owl’s home before you bring it home, including providing food and water and ensuring the perch is high enough so the owl can get onto it quickly.
Be patient with the owl – they may take time adjusting to their new environment. If you’re up for the challenge, pet owls can be great pets. Just be sure to take care of them properly.
Owls Require a Lot of Space
If you’re considering getting an owl as a pet, be aware that they need plenty of space. These birds can grow large and require a lot of room to fly and hunt in. If you don’t have the space for an owl, think about another bird instead – like a parrot or macaw.
Owls Require a Lot of Protein in Their Diet
One important thing to remember when you get an owl as a pet is that they require a lot of protein in their diet. This means you’ll need to purchase food specially tailored for owls. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure the owl’s habitat is owl-proofed, so it doesn’t get bored or injured.
Owls Require Plenty of Exercises
Owls are fascinating birds and require plenty of exercises. An excellent way to provide them with the required amount of physical activity is by keeping an eye on them while they are out of their cages.
Ideally, owls should be kept in an ample open space with plenty of toys to keep them amused. Therefore, it is essential to vaccinate and register them with the proper authority as well – this will help protect them from disease.
Special Veterinary Care
Owls can be pretty friendly, but they do require some extra care. For example, if your owl gets sick, take them to the vet for a checkup. Owls also need their feathers checked regularly – if they become matted down, they can be challenging to fly and hunt effectively.
