Can you keep eagles as pets

They have hooked beaks that are designed for tearing through flesh, and they are muscular birds that are bigger than most other raptors, except vultures. Depending on the species of eagle, and where they reside, their diet consists of mammals, birds, and some fish. They fly at 30 mph, achieving swopping speeds of mph when diving for prey, with the Golden Eagle reaching speeds as high as mph. They are magnificent creatures but, despite their size, few of us have the opportunity to see them in the wild.

In all cases, it is illegal to keep eagles as pets , and the only way that a person can tame and keep eagles is if they have trained and certified as a master falconer. Disclaimer: Petkeen does not endorse or encourage the keeping of wild, exotic, protected, endangered, or otherwise threatened animals as pets. This article is for informative purposes only.

US laws that protect eagles and ensure their wellbeing are very strict. Even taking an eagle feather that you find on the ground is an offense, according to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of There are exceptions, but only for recognized American Indian tribes, and even then, the rules are precise and must be strictly adhered to.

The same act also makes it an offense to keep an eagle as a pet although there are exceptions that allow a master falconer to apply to be allowed to keep one or more of these wild birds. Typically, you must start as an apprentice, working with a recognized sponsor, for two years.

The apprentice must build a hawk house. Other necessary equipment includes a scale and perch, leash and swivel, glove, bells, and a food source.

Their eyesight is very sharp, so it makes sense why eagles hunt by sight rather than smell or hearing. An adult bald eagle has been known to eat fish weighing over lbs. Pets at Risk From Eagles: The pets most at risk from hungry birds of prey are small animals that spend time outdoors unsupervised. This means keeping him indoors when possible. You can do this by:. If you live near areas where eagles nest, you might get some sort of bird deterrent system installed. These systems work by emitting sounds which scare off eagles and other predatory birds.

The sound waves produced by such devices are very loud, much louder than those emitted by lawn mowers or car alarms. So why would a predator attack a pet at all? Well, there are several reasons. First, because its easy food. Birds of prey will often take advantage of opportunities presented by human activity. They might also target unattended livestock or poultry. In extreme cases of highly aggressive birds, pet owners can contact local wildlife management officials for an evaluation of whether the bird can be deterred or moved if necessary.

Eagles, red-tailed hawks, and or other birds of prey do not pick fights with dogs out of nowhere. Unlike other prey animals, dogs tend to fight back, which can cause injury or death to the bird. Birds of prey require lots of attention and understanding in order to gain their trust.

Once you have spent a sufficient amount of time training your bird, you will have a devoted and loyal companion for life that your friends and family will admire. Attach a strip of leather, known as a jesse, to one of the bird's legs along with an identity tag. This will remain on the bird's leg until the jesse needs to be replaced. You may want to have a professional help you with this step. Eagles, by nature, will not allow you to handle them. As previously said, with correct training, they can get fond of you, bond with you, and allow you to touch them.

However, they can let you cuddle them if they like you. Eagles, as previously indicated, can be trained to tolerate humans. It takes a lot of effort to keep eagles. Eagles are huge, massive birds that frequently lose their cool. They require more food than other birds that only eat seeds and grains. They also require more room than the falcon can provide. As previously stated, you must be a master falconer to maintain them.

Because you are the only one with the authority to care for them, you will most likely be the only one doing so. Eagles naturally do not like humans. Humans are one of their predators. And so, they feel threatened by humans. They can however be friendly with humans when they are properly trained.

Eagles are interesting bird species. And they get more interesting when they get fond of you. Every relationship needs consistency to keep up. This is the same with eagles. Knowing how to get your eagle fond of you is very important. This is very necessary, especially when you want to raise your eagle as a pet.

To get your eagle to like you, you have to visit as often as possible. This will enable your eagle to get used to you and know that you are not a threat. Secondly, try as much as possible to be vocal with your eagle. This can be done by talking to them often. This will enable them to get familiar with your voice. Petting your eagle is another way to make it like you. However, attempt this only when they have been well trained. Also check out this article I wrote on eagles attacking and killing snakes.

It is not legal to keep eagles as pets without a license.