are hawks good for pets?

Answer 1

Probably not. They're hard to come by, hard to train, messy eaters, and generally illegal to own any way without special licenses. And you're not likely going to get a license just for the asking. Google "falconry" if you want more info.

Answer 2

No, hawks are wild creatures and should be left alone. That being said I recommend if you are going to want a hawk as a pet to first spend some time, if you can, at a local hawk or wildlife bird sanctuary. This will give you some experience with wild birds and a chance to ask others about hawks and hawk-raising.

Depending on how you felt after that I would make sure that you buy a couple of books on hawk raising and that you have everything necessary for raising bird of pray. I would also check into the licensing and see if you are even eligible. After that I would make sure that you buy or get a hawk from somewhere that has a good reputation concerning exotic birds.

I would still recommend against getting a hawk for a pet but if you insist on going along with this idea these are the steps I would take.

Answer 3

NO. Hawks are NEVER "Pets," even for falconers. The birds are companions when hunting, and even then, aren't kept forever. They are almost always returned to the wildlife after a while. You must have a special permit to become a falconer, and that takes much effort. It takes years to get the proper permits.

Every state is different with its falconry laws, but seeing as you want a hawk as a pet, this is definitely not for you. It is basically another job. You HAVE to hunt your birds, you have to take care of your birds. It is a very costly past-time.

It takes more than someone just thinking it's "cool." It takes passion and commitment, to your hobby and your birds.

Answer 4

I wish I could have my wife answer this directly since she is the pro but I can tell you what I know from speaking to her about it. She is veterinarian and has worked in bird of prey rescue and care of some at a local zoo. Vets hate to work on birds, they are very fragile creatures. There are lots of legalities to such pets and you will need to find out what they are in your home area. They are very hard to care for and you should only get one if you are willing to do alot of research and accept a great deal of responsibility. Having a pet hawk would be max cool but so would working with a local wildlife rescue group as volunteer. You would be doing great work and gain the knowledge that you need to make a decision about owing your own hawk. You may decide that helping to rehab such wild animals is plenty cool enough without having to take on all the responsibilities of owning them.

Answer 5

In my experience...nooooooo!!!! Not good pets. At least not for kids thats for sure. When I voulenteered to clean a hawks cage. They ate little mice and the cleaning was VERY hard work it took two hours once a week. To scrub the perches rake out the leaves and poo.....and bone remnants. So if your sqeemish, not the right pet. Also you have to wear leaver gloves when handleing them. They have sharp talons and beaks that could litterally take an eye out.

Also your town may have laws against keeping hawks as pets. So check with the town before perchasing.

Answer 6

captive raptors are not usually treated in the same way as pets. they don't tend to act in the same way as most pets do. I.E affection, loyalty etc. The way we explain it is a bit like a buisness partnership. the hawk comes back to you and lets you take it's kill because it knows that you will care for it, give it food and shelter and the hawk gives you food and pleasure when flying it. they can't really be treated like a parrot or budgie, you can't keep them in a cage and have them sat on your shoulder or teach them tricks, it's more of a working relationship.

http://www.falconry-adventures.com/

Answer 7

No, I think they are better left out in the wild. Why not buy a parrot or something more reasonble than a hawk.

Answer 8

Only if you can care for them properly!!! Personally I think they should be left in the wild... considering that it is a 'Wild Animal'...

Answer 9

I would say, no, because arent they a protected species? Illegal to own unless you have a santuary, i think.