Owning a pet hawk can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the right owner. Hawks are majestic, powerful birds of prey that demand respect and proper care. While they are challenging pets, they can form strong bonds with their owners and provide a lifetime of enjoyment. However, there are many important factors to consider before bringing a hawk into your home. Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about how to buy a pet hawk.
Is it legal to own a hawk?
The first step is to check your local and federal laws regarding private ownership of raptors. In the United States, you must obtain permits and licenses from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to legally own any native bird of prey species. Most states also have additional regulations. These permits and licenses require undergoing a thorough inspection of your facilities, demonstrating experience handling raptors, and maintaining meticulous records. Falconry permits allow you to hunt with your hawk but come with further restrictions. Without proper permits in hand, capture of wild raptors or purchase and ownership is prohibited.
Some exceptions exist with certain non-native species that are captive-bred, such as the Harris’s hawk. Check with your state wildlife agency to understand all applicable laws before pursuing a hawk. Illegal possession of raptors or violating permit rules can result in severe penalties, including confiscation of birds, heavy fines, and even federal prosecution.
Choose a species
If legally permitted in your area, next decide which species is best for you. Consider the following factors:
- Size – Smaller hawks like kestrels are more manageable but can’t be handled outdoors. Larger hawks like red-tailed hawks can hunt but require more space and handling skill.
- Temperament – Docile species like Harris’s hawks adapt well to captivity. More high-strung species like peregrine falcons demand experienced handlers.
- Trainability – Certain species are easier to train for free flight, hunting, or performance. Cooper’s hawks and northern goshawks are particularly intelligent.
- Availability – Some species are more commonly bred in captivity than others.
- Housing needs – Larger species require more flight space and elaborate shelter/perch setups.
- Diet – Consider access and cost to provide the hawk’s preferred wild prey items.
- Longevity – Smaller hawks like kestrels live up to 14 years. Large eagles and vultures can live over 50 years.
Popular starter hawk species include Harris’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, and Egyptian hawks. Be sure to thoroughly research the traits, behaviors, and needs of any species you are interested in.
Find a reputable breeder or retailer
Captive bred hawks from reputable sources make the best and most legal pets. Avoid so-called “bird launderers” or illegal trappers selling wild hawks. Locate breeders through raptor organizations and clubs. Expect to pay $1,000-$3,500+ for a healthy, imprinted baby hawk that has been professionally trained for several weeks. Breeders will ask you extensive questions to ensure you can properly care for one of their birds. Be patient and willing to wait, as breeders rarely have surplus stock available immediately. Responsible retailers of captive bred birds include:
- New England Reptile Distributors
- The Falconry Center
- Carolina Raptor Center
- Southwood Falconry
Purchase from the breeder directly if possible. Many pet stores receive poor quality captive bred or wild-caught raptors from disreputable suppliers. Avoid purchasing hawks online or at markets and fairs.
Prepare proper housing
Hawks cannot be kept in cages and require specialized housing. The primary enclosure should be a weathering area, which is an enclosed space attached to an outdoor bird pen. Typical housing options include:
- Weathering areas: Spacious dog kennels, horse stalls, or specially built shed-like structures. Walls and ceiling should be predator proof with small openings for ventilation. Include plenty of perches and a nesting box.
- Outdoor pens: Large flight cages or pens at least 6 feet high, 8 feet long, and 8 feet wide. Use strong materials like chain link fencing or welded wire. Cover the top to prevent escape.
- Giant hoods or mews: Traditional velcro or zippered enclosures for larger hawks that perch on a gloved hand or block stand. Provides protection outdoors.
- Aviaries: Large walk-in wire enclosures that allow flight exercise. Height and width should be greater than hawk’s wingspan.
Ensure housing has easy access for maintenance and cleaning. Place in a quiet area away from other pets. Set up housing before bringing your hawk home.
Gather essential supplies
You will need specialized equipment for housing, handling, and feeding your hawk. Essential supplies include:
- Perches – Natural wood of varying sizes and textures. Brick perch pads prevent foot sores.
- Bathing containers – Shallow pans for bathing and cooling down.
- Leashes and jesses – Leather straps and anklets to tether hawks while outdoors.
- Outdoor perches – Weathering and hunting perches made from tree branches.
- Gloves – Thick, long falconry gauntlets to protect your hand and arm.
- Weights – Optional ankle weights to help build flight muscles.
- Hoods – Plastic or leather hoods that cover a hawk’s eyes to keep it calm.
- Cratates or pet carriers – For transporting and vet visits.
- Toys – Puzzles, balls, rings for mental stimulation and exercise.
- Cleaning supplies – Disinfectants, brushes, scoops for maintenance.
Shop at specialty falconry outlets to find equipment designed specifically for raptors. Proper gear is essential for safe handling and housing.
Find an avian vet
Arrange care with a qualified avian veterinarian before your hawk comes home. Hawks require specialized medical care. Schedule an introductory appointment for your vet to establish a baseline of your hawk’s health. Vets can also advise you on nutrition, husbandry, and disease risks. Locate an experienced vet through the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Regular checkups, vaccines, and emergency care will be necessary.
Prepare suitable diet
Hawks have very specific dietary requirements. In the wild, most species eat small birds and mammals. For pet hawks, provide:
- Whole prey – Frozen/thawed rodents, chicks, quail, rabbits. Larger hawks may require guinea pigs, adult ducks, or chickens. Use pre-killed prey only.
- Raw meat – Lean beef, turkey, venison chopped into pieces, with bone and organ meat.
- Supplements – Calcium, vitamin D3, phosphorus.
- Treats – Raw meat scraps, chicks, beef heart, egg yolk.
Never feed hawks live prey. Schedule meals at regular daily times. Always supervise hawks when eating. Remove unfinished food within a few hours. Provide fresh water at all times in bowls that can’t be tipped over.
Budget for ongoing costs
While the initial hawk purchase may cost $1000-$3000, expect to spend $300-$1000 or more per year on care and feeding. Annual costs may include:
- Housing maintenance and repairs
- Heating, cooling, electricity for housing
- Perches, toys, equipment replacement
- Food – $15-$50+ per week
- Vitamins and calcium supplements
- Routine vet exams and lab tests – $100-$300+ per visit
- Emergency vet care
- Annual vaccines and preventatives
- Feather imping and repairs
- License, permit, and inspection fees
- Training costs and falconry classes
Have an emergency fund for potential medical needs, as exotics vet care is expensive. Consider pet health insurance to offset costs. Hawks are a long commitment – ensure you can adequately cover their housing and feeding over their lifetime before acquiring one as a pet.
Find a mentor
Arrange for guidance from an experienced falconer mentor when you first get started. Even seasoned experts recommend new owners work with a mentor for at least 2 years when first learning husbandry and training techniques. Find a mentor through your local falconry club. They can assist with:
- Setting up proper housing
- Selecting suitable equipment
- Teaching handling and flying
- Advising on nutrition and weight management
- Recognizing signs of illness
- Troubleshooting behavior issues
- Facilitating interactions with other raptors
Mentors allow you to learn from their years of specialized knowledge. Be sure to compensate mentors fairly for their time, travel, and expenses.
Get specific training
While a mentor provides individual guidance, formal training is still essential. Look for these top-rated hawk training programs and academies:
- North American Falconers Association Apprentice Study Guide
- The Modern Apprentice falconry training series
- International Hawk Conservancy seminars
- Falconry Experience school in the UK
- Sutton Center Beginning Falconry Course
- Dearl Avery’s masterclass falconry training
Quality reference books and DVDs are also extremely helpful for self-study. Training will teach essential skills like handling, flying, tracking, and emergency care.
Join falconry clubs
Connect with regional falconry clubs, associations, and Apprentice Sponsors early on. They can help you find mentors, training, equipment, and other local resources. Well-known clubs include:
- North American Falconers Association
- National Hawking Association
- International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey
- State falconry clubs – Iowa Falconers Association, Washington Falconers Association, etc.
Clubs also organize events, meet-ups, and contests to enjoy hawking with fellow enthusiasts. Additional online forums and groups provide community, troubleshooting advice, and classifieds for used gear and birds.
Commit ample time
Expect to spend several hours each day caring for, feeding, training, and handling your hawk. Specific time commitments include:
- Supervising outside weathering time – 2+ hours
- Exercising and flight training – 1+ hours
- Preparing fresh food daily – 1 hour
- Cleaning enclosure, perches, baths – 1 hour
- Inspecting feet, feathers, equipment – 0.5 hours
- Taming and handling – 1+ hour
Additionally, hawks molt up to twice per year and cannot be handled during this time. Arrange for help with care if you need to travel. Hawks thrive on consistency – be prepared to spend considerable time daily tending to their specialized needs before welcoming one into your family.
Conclusion
From sourcing to everyday care, there are many steps involved in getting started with a pet hawk. But for dedicated owners willing to invest time, effort, and education into proper husbandry, a hawk can be an incredible companion animal. Ensure you have suitable facilities, ample budget, and skill training in place first. Work closely with reputable breeders, falconers, and avian vets to successfully begin your raptor adventure. With meticulous preparation, your hawk will thrive under your diligent care.
