Harris hawks are a popular breed of hawk often used in falconry. Their medium size, intelligence, and social nature make them a good choice for beginner and intermediate falconers. However, like any raptor, Harris hawks require proper care and commitment. Understanding the costs associated with acquiring and caring for a Harris hawk is important for determining if falconry is the right hobby for you.
Upfront Costs
The upfront costs of acquiring a Harris hawk include the price of the bird itself and any necessary equipment. Here are the main upfront costs to consider:
- Bird Purchase – £800 to £1,200 for a captive-bred young bird. Older, well-trained birds can cost £2,000 to £4,000.
- Outdoor Housing – £300 to £600 for materials to build a weathering yard.
- Indoor Housing – £200 to £400 for a giant hood or perch.
- Falconry Equipment – £300 to £600 for jesses, leash, swivel, gloves, bag, telemetry, etc.
- Vet Check & Microchipping – £150 to £250.
In total, expect to spend around £1,750 to £3,000 or more upfront when acquiring your first Harris hawk.
Ongoing Costs
In addition to upfront costs, proper care of a Harris hawk will require some ongoing expenditures. Typical ongoing costs include:
- Food – £15 to £25 per month for chicks, rats, quail, and other meat.
- Vitamins & Supplements – £10 to £15 per month.
- Equipment Maintenance/Replacement – £10 to £20 per month average over the bird’s lifetime.
- Vet Visits – £100 to £200 annually for checkups.
- Training & Enrichment – Variable costs for lures, toys, etc. Estimate £50 to £150 per month.
In total, expect to spend around £100 to £200 per month in recurring costs to properly care for a Harris hawk.
Other Potential Costs
There are a few other potential costs to consider:
- Travel – Fuel and fees if traveling to fly your hawk.
- Boarding – £15 to £30 per day if you need someone to care for your hawk while away.
- Medical Emergencies – £500+ for serious injuries or illness requiring veterinary care.
- Replacement – £1,000+ if your hawk is lost, stolen, dies, or you decide to acquire another.
While not monthly costs, these are expenses that can occur when owning a Harris hawk. Having an emergency veterinary and replacement fund of £1,500+ is recommended.
Permit & Insurance
There are two additional costs to factor in:
- Falconry Permit – £37 for a UK falconry permit from DEFRA.
- Liability Insurance – £90+ per year from falconry insurance providers.
So factor in another £125+ in annual costs for having a legal and insured Harris hawk for falconry.
Total First Year Costs
Given all these factors, here are the estimated costs for your first year of owning a Harris hawk:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Bird Purchase | £1,200 |
| Outdoor Housing | £500 |
| Indoor Housing | £300 |
| Equipment | £450 |
| Vet & Microchip | £200 |
| Food (12 months) | £300 |
| Supplements (12 months) | £150 |
| Equipment Maintenance | £240 |
| Vet Visit | £150 |
| Enrichment & Training | £1,000 |
| Permit & Insurance | £160 |
| Total First Year Cost | £4,650 |
So in total, expect to invest around £4,500 to £5,000 in the first year of Harris hawk ownership. Ongoing annual costs after that will be around £2,000 to £3,000.
Making Harris Hawks More Affordable
There are a few ways to reduce costs and make owning a Harris hawk more affordable:
- Buy a used setup from another falconer getting out of the sport.
- Join falconry clubs to borrow equipment and share resources.
- Build your own housing and equipment when possible.
- Buy food in bulk online for discounts.
- Consider asponsorship or payment plan from a breeder.
- Purchase a younger passage hawk for a lower price.
Getting an older, well-trained hawk as a gift or through a sponsorship agreement can also significantly reduce upfront costs. Building relationships in the falconry community can reveal opportunities formore affordable Harris hawks.
Is a Harris Hawk Right for You?
While the costs may seem high at first, caring for a Harris hawk is extremely rewarding. The costs ensure your hawk receives proper housing, nutrition, and veterinary care. Falconry requires dedication, time, work, and money.
If you have the passion and resources for a raptor companion, a Harris hawk can be an excellent choice. But be sure to honestly assess the time and funds you can commit before acquiring your bird.
Key Takeaways on Harris Hawk Costs
- Expect upfront costs of £1,750 to £3,000 when acquiring a Harris hawk.
- Ongoing annual costs are around £1,500 for food, vet care, insurance, etc.
- Total first year costs generally range from £4,500 to £5,000.
- Joining falconry clubs and building your own equipment can reduce costs.
- Make sure you are ready for the long-term commitment before getting a Harris hawk.
Conclusion
Harris hawks are an amazing bird of prey to train and hunt with. But they require a serious commitment of time, energy, and money. Understanding the typical costs of housing, feeding, and caring for a Harris hawk is important when considering falconry. With proper dedication, a Harris hawk can be an incredibly rewarding lifelong companion.
