Owls For Sale As Pets – Challenges And Alternatives Explained
Published: 08 May 2025
Owls for sale as pets are beautiful and mysterious birds. Many people dream of having an owl as a pet because they look wise and unique. Some see owls in movies or books and want one at home. But owning an owl is not the same as keeping a cat or a dog. It needs a lot of care, time, and the right home. Before buying an owl, it is important to learn everything about it. This helps you and the owl live happily and safely.
Table of Contents
Understanding Owls: Nature And Behaviour
Owls are not like normal pet birds. They are wild animals with special ways of living. Most owls are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and stay active at night. They use the darkness to hunt small animals like mice, rats, and insects. Their big eyes help them see in the dark, and their sharp claws help them catch food.
Owls are also very quiet when they fly. Their feathers are soft, so they can sneak up on their prey without making noise. This makes them great hunters, but it also means they like peace and quiet.
Owls are very independent. They don’t like to be touched or held like parrots. They need their own space and can get upset if someone bothers them too much. Some owls can be friendly, but many want to be alone most of the time.
They also talk in their own way. Owls don’t use words. They hoot, screech, or click their beaks to share their feelings. Each sound means something different like warning someone, calling a mate, or saying “stay away.”
If you are thinking about buying an owl as a pet, it’s important to know these things. You must respect how owls live and behave. They are not like toys or decorations. They are smart birds with strong habits.
Species Commonly Kept as Pets
Not all owls can be kept as pets. Some are too big, too wild, or not allowed by law. But a few species are more common for people who have the right space and permission. Here are some of the most popular owl species people try to keep as pets:
1. Barn Owl
Barn owls are one of the most known owl species. They have a white heart-shaped face and long wings. These owls are quiet and calm, but they still need a lot of care. They can get scared if there are loud sounds or too many people around.
2. Snowy Owl
Snowy owls are large and have beautiful white feathers. They became very popular because of the Harry Potter movies. But they need cold weather, big space, and special food. Keeping a snowy owl as a pet is very hard and not allowed in many countries.
3. Eurasian Eagle Owl
This is one of the biggest owls in the world. It has bright orange eyes and strong claws. Some people keep it as a pet, but only if they have special training and legal permission. This owl needs a strong and safe space to live in.
4. Little Owl
Little owls are small and easier to manage than big ones. They can live in warmer places and eat small bugs and meat. But even though they are small, they are still wild birds and need lots of attention and space.
Requirements for Keeping an Owl
Keeping an owl as a pet is not easy. Owls are wild birds and need special care every day. If you want to keep an owl, you must be ready to give time, money, and love. Here are the main things you need:
1. Big and Safe Aviary
Owls need a large space to fly and feel free. A small cage is not good for them. You should build a big aviary this is like an outdoor room with strong wire and a roof. It must keep the owl safe from rain, sun, and other animals. The owl should also have a place to sit and rest.
2. Special Diet
Owls do not eat seeds or bird food like parrots. They eat meat, mostly small animals like mice, chicks, or insects. You must be ready to buy and store this food. The food must always be fresh and clean. Owls also need water every day.
3. Health and Medical Care
Owls can get sick just like other pets. You will need a bird vet who knows about owls. The owl should get check-ups to stay healthy. Also, you must keep the aviary clean so the bird doesn’t get infections or diseases.
4. Time and Attention
Owls are not low-maintenance pets. They need your time and care every day. You have to feed them, clean their space, and watch their behaviour. If they act strange, it might mean they are sad or sick. You must learn how to read their signs.
5. Quiet and Calm Space
Owls don’t like loud music, TV, or shouting. They love peace and quiet. If your home is very noisy or busy, an owl will not be happy there. A calm space is best for their comfort.
6. Legal Papers and Permits
In many countries, you need a license or permit to keep an owl. You must check the law in your area. Without legal papers, keeping an owl can be a big problem and even lead to a fine or taking the owl away.
Alternatives To Owning An Owl
Owls pets are beautiful and mysterious birds, but they are very hard to keep as pets. If you love owls but cannot give them the care they need, there are better and easier options. Here are some safe and smart alternatives:
1. Visit Owl Sanctuaries
Many places around the world have owl sanctuaries or rescue centres. These are safe homes for owls that were hurt or cannot go back to the wild. You can visit, learn about them, and even help by donating or volunteering. This way, you enjoy owls without keeping them at home.
2. Sponsor an Owl
Some wildlife groups allow you to sponsor an owl. You give a small amount of money every month to help care for an owl. In return, you get photos, updates, and a special thank-you. It’s a kind way to love owls and help them live better.
3. Watch Nature Videos or Live Cams
There are many owl live streams and nature documentaries online. You can watch owls in their natural homes, see how they hunt, sleep, and fly. It’s a fun and safe way to enjoy them without causing them stress.
4. Read Books and Learn About Owls
Owls are very smart and have amazing skills. You can learn about their life, sounds, and habits through books, websites, or apps. The more you know, the more you’ll respect them. Learning can be just as exciting as owning one.
5. Get an Owl Toy or Decoration
If you want something to remind you of owls, buy a soft toy, statue, or painting. These are cute, safe, and need no care. You can decorate your room with owl-themed things and still show your love.
6. Keep a Pet That’s Easier to Care For
If you want a pet bird, think about parakeets, cockatiels, or lovebirds. These birds are easier to care for, legal in most places, and can become friendly with humans. They are a better match for most homes.
Challenges of Owl Ownership
Owls may look cute and wise, but keeping one as a pet is not easy. Many people think it’s fun, but they don’t see the real problems. Here are the big challenges you may face if you keep an owl:
1. Night-Time Activity
Owls are nocturnal, which means they stay awake at night and sleep during the day. They may hoot, move, or fly around while you’re trying to sleep. This can disturb your rest and make your home noisy at night.
2. Messy and Smelly
Owls eat raw meat like mice or chicks. This food can be messy and smelly. After eating, they drop bones, feathers, or leftovers. You have to clean their space every day, or it will smell bad and attract flies.
3. Sharp Claws and Beak
Owls have very strong claws and beaks. If they feel scared or angry, they can hurt you without warning. They are not cuddly pets. You have to be careful and handle them with respect and training.
4. Need for Special Food
Owls cannot eat pet bird food. You must buy frozen mice, chicks, or other meat often. This can be expensive and hard to manage, especially if you don’t like handling dead animals.
5. Difficult to Train
Unlike dogs or parrots, owls are not easy to train. They are wild by nature and don’t always follow commands. It takes a lot of patience, time, and understanding to work with them.
6. Long-Term Commitment
Owls can live for 20 years or more. That means you must take care of them for many years. You can’t leave them alone or give them away easily. They are a big responsibility.
7. Legal Trouble
In many places, owning an owl without permission is illegal. If someone reports you, you might face a fine or the owl could be taken away. This is why getting legal advice is important before buying an owl.
FAQs About Owls For Sale As Pets
“Got questions about keeping owls as pets? Check out these frequently asked questions to understand the challenges, legal aspects, and alternatives to owning an owl.”
In many places, owning an owl is illegal unless you have special permits or licenses. It’s very important to check the laws in your area before trying to get an owl as a pet. Without proper papers, you could face legal trouble.
The cost of an owl can vary greatly depending on the species and where you buy it. Owls can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more. However, it’s important to remember that the cost of their care, food, and housing is also expensive.
Owls are wild animals and are not as easy to train as pets like dogs or parrots. While they can become more comfortable around their owners, they will always have wild instincts. Taming them requires a lot of patience and skill.
Owls eat raw meat such as mice, rats, and sometimes small birds or insects. You must be prepared to provide fresh food regularly, as owls cannot eat regular birdseed or pellets.
Owls can live for 20 years or more in captivity, depending on the species. This means you must be ready for a long-term commitment if you decide to keep one as a pet.
Owls are not usually good pets for families, especially with small children. They are independent and nocturnal creatures, meaning they are active at night and prefer peace and quiet. They may not enjoy being handled or interacted with in the same way as other pets.
Owls need a large, safe space to live in, such as an outdoor aviary. Keeping them inside the house is not ideal as they need to fly and exercise. Additionally, their diet and care needs can create a mess inside your home.
If you find an injured owl, it’s best to contact a local wildlife rescue centre. They have the training and resources to help the owl recover and possibly return to the wild. Do not try to keep the owl as a pet.
Owls are mostly solitary animals. They don’t need a companion like other pet birds might. In fact, they can be territorial and may not get along well with other owls or pets.
You can help owls by donating to wildlife conservation groups, volunteering at owl sanctuaries, or sponsoring an owl. You can also learn more about owls to raise awareness and protect them in their natural habitats.
Conclusion
Owls for sale as pets are fascinating creatures, but they are not suitable as pets for most people. They require special care, a proper diet, and plenty of space to thrive. Before deciding to keep an owl, it’s important to consider the challenges and legal requirements. For those who love owls, visiting sanctuaries, sponsoring, or simply enjoying them through nature videos are great alternatives to owning one. Always remember, respecting wildlife is the best way to appreciate these amazing birds.
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
