Owls are fascinating creatures, known for their unique appearance and hunting skills. However, if you’re considering keeping one as a pet, it’s essential to understand why owls as pets can be a very bad idea. Owning an owl requires special care, a significant amount of space, and legal permits, making it nearly impossible for the average person to keep one at home. In this article, we’ll explore six key reasons why owls are not suitable as pets and why it’s best to admire them from a distance.
Owls Are Strictly Carnivores
Owls as pets would require you to feed them fresh, raw meat every day. Unlike cats or dogs that might eat regular pet food, owls are strict carnivores. This means you would need to provide them with whole animals, like rats or guinea pigs, which can be unpleasant for most people. The feeding process can get messy, as owls tear apart their food, leaving behind blood and scraps that need cleaning. In their wild habitat, owls use their sharp talons to hunt, and they can be dangerous even when they are simply eating, making them unsuitable as household companions.
Owls Need a Lot of Space
When it comes to owls as pets, space is a major concern. A small cage in your living room just won’t cut it. Owls require a large, sturdy aviary that can withstand their strong talons. If you let an owl fly around indoors, it could damage your furniture and home. Additionally, owls need to bathe regularly to keep their feathers clean and silent for hunting. Without enough space for proper bathing and flying, keeping an owl can become a huge challenge.
Owls Require Special Permits
It’s important to note that keeping owls as pets is heavily regulated. In the U.S., you need special training and a license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to keep an owl. This license is primarily for rehabilitation, not for private ownership. After rehabilitation, the owl must be released back into the wild. If the owl cannot be released due to an injury, you would also need an educational permit, which requires you to conduct educational programs about owls. These strict regulations make it very difficult to legally keep an owl as a pet.
Owls Are Nocturnal
Owls are nocturnal, which means they are active and make noise at night. This can be a problem if you live in a neighborhood, as an owl’s hooting can disturb your neighbors while they are trying to sleep. While many pet birds are quiet at night, owls can be quite vocal, especially during their mating season. If you’re thinking about keeping owls as pets, you’ll need to consider how their nighttime activity could affect your living situation.
Owls Need Constant Care
Owls require a high level of care that is not typical for other pets. If you travel or need to leave your home, finding someone willing to care for an owl can be very difficult. It’s not easy to find a pet sitter who is comfortable feeding raw meat to an owl and cleaning up afterward. Owls as pets can greatly limit your travel options, requiring you to stay home more often than you might like.
Owls Are Extremely Messy
If you decide to keep owls as pets, be prepared for a significant mess. Owls produce droppings that are much messier and smellier than those of many other birds. Their diet of meat leads to unpleasant waste that needs to be cleaned regularly. Additionally, owls regurgitate pellets containing bones and feathers from their prey, adding to the mess in their living area. The constant cleaning can be overwhelming for many pet owners.
Conclusion
Owls are incredible animals, but they belong in the wild or in the hands of trained professionals, not in homes. Between their dietary needs, space requirements, legal restrictions, and messy habits, they make poor pets. If you admire owls, the best way to support them is by donating to wildlife rehabilitation centers or sanctuaries. This allows you to appreciate these amazing birds without the challenges of trying to care for one yourself.
FAQ’s
Can I keep an owl as a pet?
No, keeping an owl as a pet is often illegal and requires special permits. Owls are wild animals that belong in their natural habitat.
What do owls eat in captivity?
Owls are carnivores and eat whole animals, such as rodents. Feeding them involves handling raw meat, which can be messy and unpleasant.
Do owls make noise at night?
Yes, owls are nocturnal and can be quite noisy, especially during mating season. Their calls can disturb neighbors if kept in a residential area.
How much space do owls need?
Owls require a large aviary with sturdy construction to accommodate their flying and hunting needs. A small cage is not suitable for them.