Quick Answers
Yes, it is legal to own an American kestrel in most states with proper permitting and facilities. Kestrels are popular falcons kept for falconry in North America. They require large aviaries or mews, a varied diet, training equipment, and dedicated care from their owner. State and federal laws regulate kestrel ownership and transfer.
Is It Legal to Own an American Kestrel?
The American kestrel is a native North American falcon species commonly used in the sport of falconry. Kestrels are legal to own with proper state and federal permitting in most U.S. states. Here are some key laws and regulations regarding kestrel ownership:
State Laws
Most states allow private ownership of kestrels with proper state permits,inspections, and facilities requirements. Some states prohibit native raptor possession or have additional restrictions. Check with your state’s department of natural resources.
Federal Laws
Kestrels are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be taken from the wild. Captive-bred kestrels can be owned with proper federal permitting:
– Federal falconry permit from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
– State scientific collecting permit
International Laws
Import and export of kestrels internationally may be restricted by CITES treaty permitting.
Proper Housing for Pet Kestrels
Kestrels require specialized housing not found in typical pet stores. Proper kestrel facilities include:
Indoor Meets/Aviaries
– Minimum dimensions 8 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft
– Protected perches at various heights
– Natural floor substrate like straw or dirt
– Windows for natural light
Outdoor Aviaries
– Minimum dimensions 8 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft
– Partially sheltered area
– Perches at various heights
– Secured from predators
Travel Boxes
– Well-ventilated, sturdy boxes for transport
– Perch for kestrel to sit on
– Lined with carpet or Astroturf
Housing Type | Minimum Size | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Indoor Meets/Aviaries | 8 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft | Perches, substrate, windows |
Outdoor Aviaries | 8 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft | Partially sheltered, secured |
Travel Boxes | Variable | Well-ventilated, perch, carpet |
Proper Diet for Pet Kestrels
Kestrels are carnivorous raptors requiring whole prey items. Never feed kestrels cat or dog food. A proper kestrel diet includes:
Whole Prey
– Mice, chicks, small rats
– Appropriately sized for the kestrel
– Can be fed live or pre-killed and frozen
Game Bird Parts
– Chicks, quail, dove
– Muscle meat and organ meats
– Calcium/phosphorus ratio important
Supplements
– Vitamin D3
– Calcium
– May need taurine additive
Provide clean water for drinking and bathing daily. Kestrels eat approximately 10-15% of body weight per day.
Food Type | Examples | Key Considerations |
---|---|---|
Whole Prey | Mice, chicks, rats | Appropriately sized |
Game Bird Parts | Chicks, quail, dove | Organ meats, Ca ratio |
Supplements | Vitamin D3, calcium | May need taurine |
Equipment Needed for Kestrel Care
Falconry training requires specialized equipment. Basic equipment needs include:
Leashes and Jesses
– Leather anklet straps called jesses
– Leashes attach to jesses for handling
Falconry Gloves
– Thick padded gloves for handling
– Protect forearm from talons
Falconry Hoods
– Leather hoods placed over head
– Block outside stimuli
– Calm birds for handling
Outdoor Perches
– Perches for training outdoors
– Blocks, stumps, rails, poles
Scaling Equipment
– Scales for weighing bird and food
– Monitor health and diet
Proper equipment ensures safety for both bird and handler during training.
Equipment | Purpose |
---|---|
Leashes/Jesses | Safe handling |
Gloves | Protect forearms |
Hoods | Calm bird for handling |
Perches | Outdoor training |
Scales | Monitor health/diet |
Time Commitment for Proper Kestrel Care
Expect to spend considerable time daily caring for and training a pet kestrel. Minimum time commitments include:
Training
– 1-3 hours per day
– Requires daily flying and exercising
Feeding
– 30-60 minutes per day
– Prepare varied diet, ensure fresh water
Cleaning
– 30 minutes minimum per day
– Clean meets, aviaries, perches
Enrichment
– Rotate toys, interact daily
– Prevent boredom and stress
Grooming
– Trim talons/beak weekly
– Bath kestrel occasionally
Kestrels are high maintenance birds. Make sure you can commit ample time before obtaining one as a pet. Consider hiring a falconer if needed.
Care Task | Daily Time Needed |
---|---|
Training | 1-3 hours |
Feeding | 30-60 minutes |
Cleaning | 30+ minutes |
Enrichment | Daily interaction |
Grooming | Weekly |
Conclusion
Owning an American kestrel can be highly rewarding but also requires major commitment. Ensure falconry is legal in your state. Provide proper housing, equipment, facilities, diet, training, and hands-on care daily. Kestrels live 10-15 years in captivity, so make sure you can provide this dedicated lifetime care if owning one as a pet. Consider apprenticing with a licensed falconer first to learn proper practices. With good husbandry, the American kestrel makes an intelligent, captive-bred falconry bird.