Can You Have an Owl as a Pet? It's a Bad Idea & What to Consider

Q: What States Allow Owls as Pets?

You can have an owl as a pet in15 states , including Arkansas and Tennessee. However, 8 states require permits, and 27 states prohibit it. Regulations vary, so check local laws to avoid penalties.

Q: Are Owls Friendly to Humans?

Whoa, hold up there partner! Owls may seem like the ultimate pet , but they’re actually pretty darn wild. These nocturnal predators can be downright dangerous if not handled by experienced experts . Stick to more domesticated companions, unless you’ve got the right stuff.

Q: What Kind of Owl Can You Have as a Pet?

You can legally own an owl , typically a European eagle owl, in some U.S. states, but it’s often heavily regulated. They require expert care, substantial space, and aren’t suitable for inexperienced owners.

Q: Can Owls Be Trained to Perform Tricks?

You can train an owl to perform basic tasks , like flying to your glove or stepping onto a perch. However, their wild instincts limit their ability to learn complex tricks, unlike more domesticated birds.

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Many reasons make keeping an owl as a pet intuitive, but it’s just a really bad idea. Owls are wild, not home animals for most of their time. They do not like to cuddle up and have special dietary needs, operating on nocturnal time schedules.

Most importantly, it is illegal at the federal level to own one as a pet. Even J.K. Rowling, the author who probably hasn’t done anything more for owls than popularizing them through the Harry Potter series, has cautioned against such domestication of owls.

Learn why owls make unsuitable pets and what to consider.

Key Takeaways

Owls aren’t cuddly house pets; they’re wild animals with sharp talons and a nocturnal schedule.
Their unique diet of live prey, vitamins, and supplements can’t be found on Amazon.
Owls require a massive enclosure with plenty of flying space, which most homes can’t provide.
Federally, it’s illegal to keep native owls as pets, and even J.K. Rowling, the owl-loving author, advises against it.

Can You Have an Owl as a Pet?

You might be wondering, "Can you have owl as a pet?" The short answer is, it’s a bad idea and illegal. Owls are solitary hunters needing large territories and specialized diets of whole prey, like mice and rats.

They’re nocturnal and can live up to 30 years, requiring substantial space and expert care. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects native owls, making it illegal to own them without permits. Even non-native owls come with strict regulations.

Experts and even J.K. Rowling advise against it. Curious about what happens if you find an injured owl? Keep exploring.

Owls: Born to Be in the Wild

Owls are born to thrive in the wild, not in your living room. Their natural habitats span forests, grasslands, and deserts, providing ample space for hunting and mating. These birds have specialized diets, often relying on live prey like rodents.

Their keen hunting instincts and need for expansive territories make domestic life unsuitable. Wildlife vets and laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act reinforce that owls belong in their natural environments, not confined as pets.

Keep them wild and free.

Owls Aren’t Interested in Cuddling

Owls are born to thrive in their natural habitat, not your living room.

Now, moving on to cuddling—pet owls aren’t snuggly companions. Their nocturnal nature and sharp talons make interaction difficult and sometimes painful.

Unlike the family dog, owls are solitary creatures, preferring their own space. Owl behavior is driven by instinct, not affection.

Pet owl ownership requires understanding these instincts, but ultimately, owls don’t seek human comfort—making owl care a challenging and often unrewarding task.

You Can’t Get Owl Chow on Amazon

They aren’t lap pets. They’re just plain wild, with specialized diets you can’t find on Amazon. Here is what an owl chow entails:

Whole prey diet: Mice, rats, chicks—frozen as often as not.
Variety: A mix of prey items to replicate their natural food sources:.
Specific vitamins: Supplements to prevent deficiencies.
Expert knowledge: Understanding of proper feeding schedules and quantities.

Convenience doesn’t extend into the exotic pet market for being able to maintain an owl’s diet. There are alternatives, such as bird watching or funding an owl sanctuary, that provide educational value.

Owls Keep a Different Schedule

Owls keep a different schedule than you do. They’re nocturnal, meaning their activity peaks at night. While you’re snoozing, they’re wide awake, hooting and hunting.

Time of Day	Human Activity	Owl Activity
Morning	Waking up	Sleeping
Afternoon	Working/School	Still sleeping
Evening	Relaxing	Starting to wake
Night	Sleeping	Active, hunting
Midnight	Deep sleep	Fully active

Owls thrive post-sunset, making for sharp beaks and active evenings.

Owls Live a Long Time

Owls keep a different schedule, and it’s just their nocturnal habits. Owls live a long time, often -30 years in captivity, with even longer lifespans in the wild certain species. This longevity means long-term commitment.

Owl Longevity: Owning an owl means decades of care.
vs. Captivity: Wild owl life expectancy can differ due to natural challenges.
Pet Owl Laws: Many states have stringent pet owl regulations and permits, reflecting the serious commitment required.

Owls Don’t Have Table Manners

They have no table manners—that’s for. Their owl digestive systems and feeding habits create nocturnal messiness you need to deal with.

Picture this: instead of eating neatly, they tear into prey with bones and feathers everywhere. Owls regurgitate indigestible parts, adding in even more mess to the mix. Feather cleaning? Constantly needed.

Sloppy eaters, owls aren’t typical pet etiquette holders. Can you have an owl as a pet? Keeping in mind the diet of a pet owl and pet owl care, get ready to take on this challenge that not everyone faces.

Owls Need Lots of Space

Owls need a large space, far exceeding typical homes provide. An appropriately designed owl habitat includes a massive aviary size, ample nesting space, and a designated exercise area.

These intelligent birds require substantial flight space to maintain their physical health. Proper enclosure design in your backyard or home is impossible without professional expertise. Owls aren’t suited for confined spaces, and a pet owl habitat demands extensive room and specialized pet owl supplies to meet their conservation and welfare needs.

The Feds Say, No Way

Federal guidelines make keeping native owls as pets in the U.S. under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Illegal possession can lead to hefty penalties, including fines and jail time.
Non-native owls might be an option, but local regulations often still apply.
States where it’s legal to keep pet owls have stringent requirements ensuring safety and proper care.

Always check local laws before considering pet owl adoption. The consequences can be severe.

Even J.K. Rowling Says It’s a Bad Idea

Even J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series where owls play a significant role, advises against keeping them as pets. If you find an injured owl, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center immediately, as owls need specialized care and are susceptible to the stress of losing their freedom.

What to Do When You Find an Injured Owl

If you happen to find an injured owl, just don’t panic. Professional handlers for such creatures are available. Contact your wildlife rehabilitation center or conservation organization for help in your neighborhood. They’ll look into the situation of the bird and administer proper medical care and rehabilitative procedures. Keep in mind that owls are protected by law; therefore, rescue and its rehabilitation process should be done by professional expertise only. Many injured owls can be returned to the wild if treated properly. Don’t attempt to take the owl home with you; this could do more harm than good.

Injured Owl Care	Rehabilitation Options
Assess condition	Provide medical treatment

• Contact wildlife experts • Provide special diets

Transportation to rehab center	Arrangements for flight training		Release Criteria	Legal Considerations
_	Fully recovered	Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Are Owls Susceptible to Loss of Freedom?

Are owls susceptible to loss of freedom?. In captivity, they face:

Owl welfare: They suffer mental and emotional distress due to limited space.
Psychological impact: Restriction in movement and lack of natural hunting affects pet owl behavior negatively.
Social needs: Owls aren’t solitary; they need interaction that pet settings don’t provide.

Even J.K. Rowling, famed for her owl-centric tales, advises against keeping owls as pets due to these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can an owl be a house pet?

Owning an owl as a pet is like to tame the wild. It’s generally not recommended; these birds require large spaces, special care, and are often messy. Additionally, they’re protected by laws in many states.

What states allow owls as pets?

You can have an owl as a pet in15 states, including Arkansas and Tennessee. However, 8 states require permits, and 27 states prohibit it. Regulations vary, so check local laws to avoid penalties.

Are owls friendly to humans?

Whoa, hold up there partner! Owls may seem like the ultimate pet, but they’re actually pretty darn wild. These nocturnal predators can be downright dangerous if not handled by experienced experts. Stick to more domesticated companions, unless you’ve got the right stuff.

What kind of owl can you have as a pet?

You can legally own an owl, typically a European eagle owl, in some U.S. states, but it’s often heavily regulated. They require expert care, substantial space, and aren’t suitable for inexperienced owners.

Can owls be trained to perform tricks?

You can train an owl to perform basic tasks, like flying to your glove or stepping onto a perch. However, their wild instincts limit their ability to learn complex tricks, unlike more domesticated birds.

Do owls get along with other pets in the home?

Owls generally don’t get along well with other pets in the home. Their solitary, territorial nature and sharp talons make them incompatible housemates. Proper habitat and expert care are essential for owls‘ well-being.

How much does it cost to purchase and care for an owl?

Buying and caring for an owl is like opening’s box; it’s costly and complicated. You’ll spend thousands on permits, housing, food, and vet care. Owls require significant space, messy cleaning, and expert handling.

Are there any health risks associated with owning an owl?

Owning an owl poses health risks, includingotic diseases like salmonella and psittacosis, as well as physical injuries from their sharp talons and beaks. Their waste can also trigger respiratory issues or allergies.

Can owls be kept in small apartments or condos?

While owls are ever so charismatic, they aren’t suitable for small living spaces due to their specialized need. Large enclosures and expertise in/owl care will be required, thus not quite appropriate for apartment or condo dwellers. Consult wildlife experts before considering an owl as a pet.

Conclusion

Imagine the great owl, flying royally under the moonlit sky. Unlike most pets, they thrive in the wild, far from cuddling and all that jazz of the pet care routine. Their specialized dietary requirements, nocturnal habits, and large space needs make them difficult to house.

Federally, it’s illegal to keep them as pets. Even J.K. Rowling discourages this. Thus, if one wonders, "can you have an owl as a pet," the easy answer would be that it’s a bad idea for both you and the owl.

Can You Have an Owl as a Pet? It’s a Bad Idea & What to Consider (2024)