Predatory/Raptor Birds

Buzzards Hawks Falcons Eagles

Are Not Domesticated Pets

Buzzards, hawks, falcons and eagles have never been domesticated by the average human over time.

1. Predatory/Raptor Birds

Instinctively Individual

Predatory birds’ instincts are for self-survival:

• Predatory Birds hunt live prey
• Predatory Birds are territorial and will aggressively attack interlopers
• Predatory Birds instinctively avoid capture
• Stressed Predatory Birds react aggressively

Even a hand-raised predator can suddenly seriously injure its regular handler with beak and/or talons.

2. Predatory/Raptor Birds are Dangerous

Beaks and Talons

These large predators can seriously injury a person’s eyes, face and hands as their feet are designed to:

1. Grip a prey firmly to prevent escape
2. Talons are designed to puncture flesh for grip
3. A predator’s feet are made to kill small animals
4. A predator’s beak is designed to dig in and rip flesh for eating

Professional falcon handlers wear thick protective gloves for a reason.

3. Specialized Raptor Veterinarian is Required

Expensive and Difficult to Find

Exotic bird specialists are required for Veterinary care:

1. Specialist Veterinarian care is difficult to find
2. Specialist Veterinarian care is very expensive
3. Emergency services may involve distance travel

Without proper care for a predator can lead to fatal illnesses very quickly.

4. Predators/Raptors Require

Enormous Space for Exercising

Predators are created for long flights – keeping a predator caged/housed cause:

• Muscle wasting
• Stress on their body
• Feathers will become damaged
• Psychological stress will cause aggression

A captive predator requires a very flight ready enclosure/outdoors aviary including specialized equipment.

5. Predator’s/Raptors Diet is Difficult

Many Owners Find the Required Diet Unpleasant

Pet food will not keep a predator healthy.   Predators require:

• Whole prey animals
• A carefully balanced diet like in the wild
• Proper nutrients found in a prey’s bones, organs and fur/feathers

For owners this involves handling frozen mice, rats, rabbits and chicks.

6. Predator’s Stress

Predators are very sensitive to:

1. Noises
2. Crowds
3. All household pets
4. Handling is difficult and stressful
5. Unfamiliar people case stress

Signs of stress include feather-plucking, self-injury and refusal to eat.

7. Predators/Raptors are Not

Affectionate Companion Pets

Reality is:

• Predators/Raptors will tolerate handling by a known handler
• Predators/Raptor bonding is strictly about food/feeding

Rember predators/raptors are unpredictable.

8. Strict Legal Restrictions

Predator/Raptor Ownership

Legal restrictions in most countries include:

1. Local/national permits
2. Veterinarian/municipal inspections
3. Falconry licences
4. Proper facilities for the predator/raptor’s enrichment

Note: capturing wild birds illegally leads to fine and potential criminal charges.

9. Ethical and Conservation Concerns

Predator/Raptor Confinement

Removing a predator/raptor removal from an environment cause:

• Proliferation of rodents
• Proliferation of rabbits
• Other prey move into the area

Humans should not interfere in a natural environment.

10. Positive Predator/Raptor Experiences

Admirers should consider:

1. Visiting a wildlife rehabilitation centre
2. Volunteering with a conservation group
3. Joining a bird-watching group
4. Keeping domesticated birds properly
5. Learning falconry through properly licensed organization

Predatory/raptor ownership takes a certain kind of person with interest, time and finances.

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