How do you start raptor keeping?

What sort of bird is the best to start with?
Where can I get it?
I’m not thinking about parakeets and canaries, I’m thinking about hawks, eagles, crows, falcons, owls etc.

In the US, you can not keep any bird of prey unless you have the proper licenses/permits. People who can keep birds of prey are licensed wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife biologists who demonstrate a need for a bird of prey for educational/research purposes, zoos, and licensed falconers. If you are interested in falconry, check out this site: http://www.falconryacademy.com/

Crows are not birds of prey, but they, too, are federally protected and regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. No one in the US may keep a crow, or any member of the corvid family, that is native to the US, as a pet. There are some non-native corvids that are bred as pets. Here is one website where you can learn about them, and see birds for sale: http://corvitude.com/corvidranch.html

North American Red Tail Hawks


Red-tailed Hawk Photo Mugs


Red-tailed Hawk Photo Mugs



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Coffee Mug with Hawks & Raptors


Coffee Mug with Hawks & Raptors



Birds of Prey of North America 11 OZ. Ceramic Coffee Mug This colorful mug features four species of North American Birds of Prey including the Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and the Cooper’s Hawk. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Makes a wonderful gift for the nature lover in your family. This is a new product….


A captive Golden Eagle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust 01 Photo Mugs


A captive Golden Eagle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust 01 Photo Mugs



A captive Golden Eagle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust….


Buzzard Flying - 18W x 14H - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys


Buzzard Flying – 18W x 14H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys


$30.99


WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Northern Goshawk Diving on Prey - 36W x 26H - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys


Northern Goshawk Diving on Prey – 36W x 26H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys


$51.99


WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…