Many people are fascinated by these powerful creatures and dream of having one as a companion. However, owning such animals requires not only extensive knowledge and experience but also significant financial resources.
The cost of acquisition, housing, food, veterinary care, equipment, training, and permits can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per year. Careful planning and budgeting are necessary to ensure you can provide your bird with the proper care and environment it needs.
In this article, I will delve into the costs associated with keeping a bird of prey, including housing, food, veterinary care, equipment, and permits/licenses. So if you’re considering taking on this responsibility or simply curious about what it takes to care for these magnificent birds, read on!
Permits And Licenses:
To keep birds in captivity legally, you need to consider getting permits and licenses. The cost of obtaining these papers can differ based on the bird species you want to keep and your location. For instance, falconry permits in the US can cost between $50 and $300, varying by state. Before you start, it’s crucial to check regulations and laws in your area because failure to have the necessary documentation can result in severe penalties or legal problems. In addition to costs associated with acquiring permits and licenses, there are ongoing fees involved in caring for a bird of prey.
Below are a few permits you may require with average pricing depending on where you live:
Federal Migratory Bird Permit:
$15 to $100
State Falconry Permit:
T$25 to $100
Raptor Propagation Permit:
$100 to $200
Captive Wildlife Permit:
$50 to $200
Acquisition Cost:
Next on our agenda is the discussion of acquisition costs for keeping a bird of prey. To begin with, the initial cost you’ll face is purchasing the bird. The price varies greatly based on the species, ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, as we mentioned earlier while discussing permits and licenses. The cost of purchasing a bird of prey is determined by the species. For example, common species such as American kestrels typically cost between $400 and $600, while rare species like gyrfalcons can cost over $10,000.
Housing/ Aviary or Mew:
The cost of housing for a bird of prey can vary greatly. A simple outdoor mew or aviary could cost $500 to $1,500, while a more elaborate or personalized structure could cost over $10,000. Some birds, such as owls or kestrels, may be able to live in an outdoor mew as long as it provides enough space to move around and spread their wings comfortably and protects them from bad weather.
Food:
Now that we’ve covered housing for birds of prey let’s move on to another important aspect of caring for these magnificent creatures – their diet. I can tell you from my past experiences that providing them with the right kind and amount of food is crucial for their health and well-being.
When it comes to feeding your bird of prey, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, different species have different dietary requirements, so it’s important to research what your particular bird needs. Secondly, fresh food is always best – this means live prey such as mice or rats but also includes raw meat and organs like heart and liver. Finally, you should aim to give your bird a varied diet that mimics what they would eat in the wild.
The cost of feeding a bird of prey can vary depending on its size and species. For example, smaller birds like kestrels might only require $300-$500 worth of food per year, whereas larger eagles could need upwards of $2,000 yearly. It’s also worth noting that some areas may have more expensive or harder-to-find prey items than others, which can impact the overall cost.
Veterinary Care:
I have seen the importance of proper veterinary care for birds of prey over the years. It’s like a bird’s own personal healthcare system – just as we need check-ups and treatments from our doctors to stay healthy, so too do these birds. One important aspect of preventative care is regular check-ups with a qualified avian veterinarian. During these visits, the vet will examine your bird’s overall health, including their weight, eyesight, and feathers. They may also recommend additional tests or treatments based on any issues they discover. Giving an accurate or even estimated cost for this is impossible.
The cost of veterinary care for a bird of prey can vary depending on the location and the services required, but on average, it can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year or incident. For example, an annual check-up and basic preventative care may cost around $200 to $500, while more extensive treatments or surgeries can cost upwards of $1,000 or more.
Equipment And Supplies:
When it comes to equipping yourself for handling and training a bird of prey, there are a few essential items you’ll need. First and foremost, you’ll need jesses – these are leather straps that attach to the bird’s legs and allow you to handle them safely. A good set of jesses will cost anywhere from $30-$50. You’ll also need leashes, which connect to the jesses and your glove or perch. Another crucial item is a training glove. This specialized piece of equipment allows you to hold and manipulate the bird without getting injured by its sharp talons or beak. Training gloves can range in price depending on their quality, but a decent one should run around $50-$100. In addition to these basics, there are some other pieces of equipment that can come in handy when working with birds of prey.
Equipment – Average Price
Perch – $20-$100
Jesses – $10-$50
Leash – $20-$100
Hood – $20-$50
Bells – $5-$20
Swivels – $5-$20
Gloves – $30-$100
Lure – $20-$50
Mews – $200-$1000
Scale – $20-$50
Food – $50-$200 per month, depending on the size and type of bird.
Mews equipment – $50-$200
From the permits and licenses needed to acquire one legally to the cost of housing, food, veterinary care and equipment – it all adds up. But let me tell you, when you see that majestic creature take flight with its powerful wings or hear the piercing call as it hunts for prey, it’s worth every penny.