Quick answers
Owls are wild animals that require specialized care and housing. It is generally not advisable for the average person to keep an owl as a pet. However, in some areas it may be legal to own certain owl species if proper permits are obtained. Baby owls imprint easily on humans, so hand-raising an owl chick often leads to an unreleasable bird. Reputable facilities may place non-releasable owls, but the costs of proper housing and care are substantial. Much research and preparation is needed before attempting to buy and care for any type of owl.
Is it legal to buy a baby owl?
Laws regarding private owl ownership vary considerably by location. In the United States, owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act at the federal level. Additionally, individual states may have restrictions on keeping native owl species as pets. Some states only allow non-native species to be kept as pets. A few states prohibit private ownership of all owls. It is essential to check all federal, state, and local laws before attempting to buy a baby owl. Permits and licenses are usually required, even in areas where ownership is legal. These laws are in place to protect wild owl populations from the pet trade.
Where can I buy an owl?
Responsible breeders and wildlife rehabilitators are the best options for legally acquiring an owl. Breeders offering owls for sale online tend to be dubious operations selling birds caught from the wild. Avoid purchasing an owl from a pet store or unverified online source, as the animals are likely to be unhealthy and stressed. Reputable facilities will thoroughly screen potential owners to ensure they can properly care for an owl long-term. Patience is required, as few ethical sources have baby owls immediately available for sale.
What owl species can be pets?
The most common pet owl species are:
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
- Great Horned Owl
- Barred Owl
- Barn Owl
- Eastern Screech-Owl
Larger owls like eagle-owls and great horned owls are problematic as pets, requiring outdoor housing. The smaller owls are better-suited as pets but still require specialized care and enough space to fly. Native species are often protected and illegal to keep. Exotic owls like Eurasian eagle-owls are legal in some states that ban native owls. Always research state and local laws before obtaining any owl.
Can I buy a baby snowy owl?
Snowy owls are a protected species, making it illegal to capture or sell one. Baby snowy owls for sale online or at markets are often illegally poached from the wild as chicks. Avoid supporting this black-market trade by never purchasing a snowy owl. The only way to legally acquire a snowy owl is through a permitted education or breeding program, and even then they are not sold as pets. Snowy owls are challenging to properly care for and unsuitable as pets.
How much does a baby owl cost?
Purchasing an owl from a reputable source is expensive. The average cost of a baby owl from an avian breeder or rehabilitator ranges from $1,000-$5,000. Rarer or more exotic species can cost upwards of $10,000. Initial purchase is just the beginning – properly housing, feeding, and caring for an owl often costs thousands of dollars per year. Owning an owl is out of reach for most average pet owners due to these high costs.
| Owl Species | Average Purchase Price |
|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Snowy Owl | $5,000+ (extremely rare) |
| Eurasian Eagle Owl | $4,000-$10,000 |
| Eastern Screech Owl | $1,500-$3,000 |
Can I buy a baby owl online?
It is risky to purchase any live animal sight unseen from an online source. Baby owls need specialized care and housing that unprepared or unskilled owners may not be able to provide. When buying online there is no way to assess the owl’s health, temperament, or background. Online sellers offering owls at bargain prices are almost certainly illegally selling wild-caught birds. Owls are also very fragile and may not survive the stress of shipping. It is better to find a reputable local breeder or rehabilitator through classified ads, bird and exotic animal groups, or veterinarian recommendations. Thoroughly vet any online seller before considering purchasing an owl.
What do I need before buying an owl?
Owning an owl is complex and requires extensive preparation:
- Proper permits and licenses
- Funds for housing, feeding, and vet bills
- Outdoor aviary or a very large indoor enclosure
- Knowledge of owl behavior and health needs
- Access to an avian vet with raptor experience
- Time commitment for daily care and enrichment
- Understanding of risks like noise, mess, aggression
Never impulse purchase an owl! Being properly prepared will help ensure a good home for the owl and avoid “rescues” that further stress the bird.
Why can’t I buy a baby snowy owl?
It is illegal to purchase, sell, or keep snowy owls in the United States. Here are some key facts on snowy owls:
- Protected under federal and state laws
- Cannot survive long-term in captivity
- Require large enclosures with low temperatures
- Imprint easily on humans, disrupting wild behavior
- Stress easily, prone to injury and illness
- Live 10-15 years in the wild but usually less than 1 year in captivity
The only way to legally obtain a snowy owl is to participate in a licensed education, breeding, or rehabilitation program. Snowy owls fare very poorly as pets. It is best to admire snowy owls in the wild or at conservation facilities. Buying a wild snowy owl chick only supports illegal trade.
Can I buy a baby owl and keep it as a pet?
Here are some key considerations when buying and keeping an owl as a pet:
- Requires substantial commitment, proper housing, and expensive care
- May become aggressive or noisy, especially during breeding season
- Prone to wings and feathers getting damaged inside the home
- Need very large enclosures and time outside of cage daily to fly
- Athletic fliers that will escape if not properly enclosed
- Live long lifespans, up to 20+ years for some species
Owls do not make good pets for first-time or casual pet owners. They require specialized care by experienced handlers. Fully research and prepare for the realities of owning an owl before deciding to purchase and keep one as a pet.
What do baby owls eat?
In the wild, baby owls are fed by their parents. They transition from a diet of small shredded meat provided by the parents to whole prey items like mice and voles. In captivity, baby owls must be hand-fed an appropriate diet for proper growth and development. This includes:
- Whole pre-killed mice and chicks
- Lean beef or poultry meat cut into strips
- Commercial zoo carnivore diet
- Vitamin and calcium supplements
- Water
The amount, type, and frequency of food needed depends on the owl species. Proper nutrition is crucial for fledgling owls, so new owners will need guidance from experienced rehabilitators or avian veterinarians. Never attempt to hand-raise an owl without proper training.
How do I hand-raise a baby owl?
Hand-raising an owl chick requires very specialized knowledge and diligent care:
- Start with guidance from an expert like an avian vet
- Feed on a strict schedule, every few hours from dawn until dusk
- Gently open beak and place food at back of throat
- Feed proper amount and type of food for species and age
- Stimulate to urinate and defecate before/after feeding
- House in a brooding box with heat lamp
- Transition to perches and flight cages once feathers grown
- Provide supervised flying exercise daily
- Monitor weight and general health closely
Hand-raising is very challenging – owl chicks imprint easily and may fail to learn wild behaviors. Having an avian vet oversee the process gives the owl its best chance at survival and potential release. Leave rearing unweaned owls to experts.
Are baby owls cuddly?
While adorable, baby owls are not affectionate or cuddly pets. Here are some key reasons why:
- May bite and scratch, which is painful due to sharp talons
- Very light, hollow bones are fragile and easily broken
- Require careful handling to ensure they fledge properly
- Imprint on humans if socialized excessively
- Cannot be safely snuggled once grown due to powerful talons and beaks
- Do not enjoy petting, hugging or excessive contact
It is best to handle baby owls minimally and let them remain wild. Even tame owls are not safe or suitable for cuddling and will likely become aggressive. Admire owls for their beauty and behaviors, not perceived cuteness.
Can I buy a baby great horned owl?
Here are some key considerations when seeking to purchase a great horned owl:
- Legal to own with permits in some states, illegal in others
- Not recommended as pets for inexperienced owners
- Require large outdoor enclosures with places to perch high
- Need whole prey diet like rats, quail, rabbits
- Prone to aggressive behavior, especially during breeding season
- Purchase from reputable breeder or rehabber only
- Special licensing often required for native raptors like great horned owls
- Cost $1,000-$3,000 for a captive-bred baby
Great horned owls can live over 30 years in captivity. Make sure to thoroughly research state laws and properly prepare for their specialized care before purchase.
Where can I hold a baby owl?
It is generally unsafe and unwise for the public to handle baby owls. Some potential options for owl encounters include:
- Educational bird of prey programs at nature centers or zoos. May offer photos with owls while supervised handler holds the bird.
- Guided owl prowls at wildlife refuges or conservation areas during breeding seasons. View owls at a distance.
- Behind the scenes owl “meet and greets” at some zoos or rehab facilities for donors.
- Volunteering at a raptor rehabilitation center once properly trained.
Look for facilities focused on conservation and education, not tourism. Never pay to handle owls at unverified pop-up “owl cafes” or sideshows, as the owls are likely stressed and not cared for properly. Enjoy owls responsibly by prioritizing their well-being.
Conclusion
Owning any pet owl requires extensive research, ample funds, proper facilities, and a strong commitment. For most average pet owners, it is not advisable or feasible. Appreciate owls in the wild or support reputable conservation organizations. Never purchase a wild-caught owl or support illegal trade. With proper permits and preparations, some non-native or captive-bred species can make fascinating but challenging pets for very devoted experts. Provide an owl the proper lifetime care its long lifespan demands before taking on the responsibility of buying and raising one.
