Not legal everywhere. Permits may be required or ownership may be restricted where you live. Check your state before buying.
Laws change. Verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing.
Check your state's rules →Permits come first
Native raptors are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In most states you need a state falconry permit, which means passing a written exam, having your mews and equipment inspected, and (as an apprentice) working under a sponsor for at least two years.
Permits come in three classes. Apprentices usually keep one wild-caught red-tailed hawk or American kestrel; general falconers may hold up to three raptors; master falconers up to five, and only masters can apply to hold golden eagles. Bald eagles cannot be kept for falconry. Hawaii has no falconry program.
Captive-bred non-native species and hybrids (for example Harris's hawks or gyrfalcon hybrids) still require a falconry or propagation permit in most states. Check your state wildlife agency before acquiring any bird.
Housing and enclosure setup
A mews (an indoor loft) sized to the bird, with smooth walls or vertical slats, safe perches, and a solid roof section for shelter. Many falconers add a weathering yard so the bird can sit outside, bathe and sun.
Use block perches for falcons and bow perches for hawks, covered in astroturf or rope to prevent bumblefoot. Provide a bath pan the bird can fully stand in.
Diet
Strict carnivores: feed whole prey such as quail, mice, rats and day-old chicks so the bird gets bone, organ meat and fur or feathers to form a casting. No seed, pellets, fruit or processed meat.
Avoid wild-shot game, which can carry lead fragments. Freeze prey fully and thaw it thoroughly before feeding.
Weight management
Weigh your bird every day, before flying, on a gram scale — the Weight tracker in your keeper tools is built for this. Falconers fly at a target weight where the bird is keen but healthy; a swing of just 10-20 grams changes a small hawk's response.
Log each feed alongside the weight so you can see how food affects the next day's weight. Sudden drops or a bird refusing food are reasons to call an avian vet.
Health basics
Watch for bumblefoot (swollen, scabbed feet), frounce and aspergillosis (a respiratory fungus common in stressed birds), sour crop, and lead poisoning. Find an avian vet who sees raptors before you get your bird.
Beaks and talons may need coping (trimming) every couple of months.
Lifespan
American kestrels 10-15 years; red-tailed and Harris's hawks 20-25+; large falcons 15-20+; owls 15-30 depending on species; eagles 30-50 years in captivity.
Beginner tips
Join your state falconry association and find a sponsor before buying any equipment — they will guide you through the exam and inspection.
Store your permit number, class and expiry on the bird's record here and turn on permit renewal alerts in notification settings.
General guidance only. Nothing here replaces an exotics or avian vet who knows your animal.
Track it instead of guessing
Log weights, feedings, health events and care reminders for free in the keeper tools.
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