Many bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts have dreams of possessing an owl. Such beautiful creatures associated with wisdom, and mystery, are a real wonder and beauty of the earth, and owning one means serious responsibilities toward planning, and adhering to the law as well as devoting significant time and energies toward care. The present article spells out the legal and proper steps toward owning an owl while strictly respecting the rules and ethics set in.
Is Owning an Owl Legal?
- Before you consider owning an owl, you must know the laws regarding the ownership of owls in your country or region. Owls are protected in many places by laws that prevent private ownership. Here are some key points to consider:
- United States: Most native owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), making it illegal to own them without proper permits.
- United Kingdom: It is legal to keep some species of owls, but you must be in compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
- Other Countries: Laws vary, and may require permits or outright ban private ownership of owls.
Check Local Regulations
- Contact your local wildlife agency to understand the laws specific to your area.
- Consult a lawyer if necessary to ensure compliance.
Understanding the Commitment
Owls are not animals that people keep as pets. Specialized care, space, and food are needed. Before continuing, look at whether you can provide for these needs of owls:
Longevity. Owls can live up to 30 years in captivity.
Food. Owls are carnivores and require a fresh meat source at all times, such as mice or small birds.
Space: They need lots of enclosure space to fly and move around.
Veterinary. Finding a veterinarian who sees raptors regularly is quite difficult and very expensive.
Steps to Owning an Owl
1. Research Owl Species
Different species of owls have varying requirements. Choose one that matches your experience level and living situation. Below is a comparison of popular owl species:
| Owl Species | Size | Diet | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barn Owl | Medium (12-15 in) | Rodents, small mammals | Gentle, easily stressed |
| Great Horned Owl | Large (18-25 in) | Rodents, reptiles | Aggressive, territorial |
| Eurasian Eagle-Owl | Very Large (22-30 in) | Mammals, birds | Intelligent, demanding |
| Burrowing Owl | Small (7-10 in) | Insects, small mammals | Active, social |
- Obtain the Permits Needed
- A bird owner will require some special permits. This is how one may acquire them:
- Reach out to the relevant Wildlife Authorities: An application for a raptor handling or exotic pet permit should be filed.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Attach proof of housing, diet plans, and experience working with birds of prey.
- Train: Some places will demand that you undergo a course on wildlife handling.
- Provide a Suitable Home
- Owls need enclosures that mimic their natural environment. Here is how to do it:
- Size: The aviary should be at least 10×10 feet for small owls and bigger for larger species.
- Materials: Build the aviary using robust, weather-resistant materials.
- Features: The aviary should include perches, nesting boxes, and space for flight.
- Safety: The enclosure should be predator-proof and escape-proof.
- Acquire a Legal Owl
- Housing a wild owl usually is illegal. Consider the following instead:
- Licensed Breeders: Obtained an owl from a licensed breeder.
Rescue Organizations: Take a wild owl in a wildlife center.
Recommendation: Always be on the lookout for the credentials of any supplier to avoid illegal or potentially dangerous transactions.
- Prepare for Daily Care
Owls have specific care requirements. Prepare to provide the following.
Feeding: Feed on fresh, whole prey such as mice, rats, or quail. No processed foods.
- Cleaning: Scrub the enclosure to remove waste and old food daily.
- Enrichment: Offer toys, puzzles, and live prey at appropriate times to promote natural hunting behavior.
- Training: Train your owl to become tame with human interaction and simple commands.
- Get an Experienced Veterinarian
- Get a raptor veterinarian. Regularly take your owl in for check-ups and treat any health problems as they come up. Health problems frequently include:
- Respiratory infections
- Malnutrition
- Broken feathers
Problems of Keeping an Owl
- Owning an owl is not everyone’s cup of tea. Here are some challenges to be considered:
- Noise: Owls are nocturnal, and they vocalize very loudly at night.
- Costs: Owls are very costly to feed, vet, and maintain in their environment.
- Moral Issues: Some scientists believe that owls should not be kept captive.
- Time: Owls need daily attention and care throughout their lifespan.
Alternative to Owning an Owl
- If an owl is too much or unmanageable, one could go to these other options:
Birdwatching: One would get to see the owls in the wild environment.
Volunteering: A person might help out at a place that rehabilitates wildlife and/or a bird sanctuary.
Sponsorship: A person may sponsor the conservation programs for owls.
Educational Programs: A program where one can attend and therefore gain information about the owls without having a possession.
Conclusion - Owning an owl is a very rewarding but rather demanding responsibility. Once you follow the above steps, you will be assured that you will provide the best care and comply with both legal and ethical standards. Remember, it is both for the good of the owl and for you to meet the needs of this wonderful creature.
- Do you need more custom advice or a few extra resources to help you through the course of having an owl? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!