Is it okay to have a great horned owl to be your pet?

Answer 1

By strict federal law, in the U.S., you cannot keep any bird of prey (raptor). Specifically, you can't buy, sell, keep, kill, harm, or harass one. You can't even own a dead one.

It takes very special permits to be an owl caretaker.

However, if a barn owl decides to live in your barn or owl box, and you don't interfere with it, that's OK. In some areas, it is legal to own a non native species of Birds of Prey, which includes owls, but I wouldn't take the chance unless you know for sure.

Answer 2

That all depends on what you are looking for in a pet! If you wish to have a pet that sleeps all day and is up all night hunting for mice and voles then yes it is the pet for you. One thing though I would not advice it if you have small children and any other pets as they may become the quarry for your new bird of prey. There are many specialist organizations out there that you can seek help from with regard to keeping and looking after Birds of prey. Check Google for clubs in your area.

Answer 3

No. As raptors, owls are protected by federal law, along with eagles, ospreys, hawks, falcons, kites, vultures and all other native North American birds of prey. Not only can you not own or keep them as pets, it's also illegal to have any part of them in your possession, such as feathers or talons. Penalties are severe, and can include large fines (likely) and even imprisonment (less likely). There are few exemptions (e.g., educational and scientific), and all other specific instances (rehabilitation and falconry come to mind) require permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I was close friends with a family of falconers in TX a few years ago, and accompanied one to investigate an intentional killing of a Golden Eagle (by a moron with a shovel) with the local Fish and Wildlife guy. Bam! $5000 fine.

Answer 4

Depending on where you live, yes.

it may be possible to obtain an elf owl in your country with the right amount of money, proper permits, and proof that your have extensive knowledge in feeding, and caring for it. But all owls do not make good pets and they should never be kept as a "pet."

As someone who rehabilitates and aids in the keeping of (injured) non-releasable owls for educational purposes, I find thatowls do the poorest in captivity of any other raptorial bird. It is often cruel to keep any wild or captive bred owl in captivity for its life.

Answer 5

Yes, you can own an owl, but they do not make good pets (see related questions below).

Answer 6

No,owls are wild animals so you have to sign papers and have a licence first.

Answer 7

No. They're mainly nocturnal, difficult to train and not particularly cuddly. They can be taught to accept handling, but they never get tame in the way dogs and cats are.

Answer 8

yes but need to be in cage