Buy A Hawk: Everything You Need to Know

Owning a hawk is a rewarding experience that can bring you years of enjoyment. However, it is important to do your research before you buy a hawk, as there are many things you need to know in order to properly care for your new pet.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about buying a hawk, including:

• The different types of hawks that are available
• The cost of buying and owning a hawk
• The legal requirements for owning a hawk
• How to choose the right hawk for you
• How to care for a hawk

The Different Types of Hawks That Are Available

There are many different types of hawks that are available, each with its own unique appearance, personality, and hunting style. Some of the most popular types of hawks for falconry include:

• Red-tailed hawks: Red-tailed hawks are the most common hawks in North America. They are large, powerful birds with a wingspan of up to 4 feet. Red-tailed hawks are known for their hunting skills and are often used for falconry.
• Harris's hawks: Harris's hawks are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are medium-sized hawks with a wingspan of up to 3 feet. Harris's hawks are known for their cooperative hunting style and are often used for falconry.
• Cooper's hawks: Cooper's hawks are found throughout North America. They are small, agile hawks with a wingspan of up to 2 feet. Cooper's hawks are known for their speed and hunting skills and are often used for falconry.
• Sharp-shinned hawks: Sharp-shinned hawks are the smallest hawks in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 2 feet. Sharp-shinned hawks are known for their speed and hunting skills and are often used for falconry.

The Cost of Buying and Owning a Hawk

The cost of buying and owning a hawk can vary depending on the type of hawk you choose, the age of the hawk, and the breeder you purchase it from. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a hawk.

In addition to the cost of the hawk itself, you will also need to purchase a variety of supplies, such as a cage, food, and training equipment. The cost of these supplies can add up quickly, so it is important to factor them into your budget before you buy a hawk.

The Legal Requirements for Owning a Hawk

In most states, it is legal to own a hawk with a proper permit. However, the requirements for obtaining a permit can vary from state to state. In general, you will need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience to properly care for a hawk. You may also need to pass a background check.

To find out the legal requirements for owning a hawk in your state, contact your local fish and wildlife agency.

How to Choose the Right Hawk for You

When choosing a hawk, it is important to consider your experience level, your hunting style, and your budget. If you are a beginner, you may want to choose a smaller, less aggressive hawk, such as a sharp-shinned hawk or a Cooper's hawk. If you are more experienced, you may want to choose a larger, more aggressive hawk, such as a red-tailed hawk or a Harris's hawk.

It is also important to consider your hunting style when choosing a hawk. If you are interested in hunting small game, such as rabbits and squirrels, you will want to choose a hawk that is fast and agile, such as a sharp-shinned hawk or a Cooper's hawk. If you are interested in hunting larger game, such as deer and turkeys, you will want to choose a hawk that is larger and more powerful, such as a red-tailed hawk or a Harris's hawk.

Finally, it is important to consider your budget when choosing a hawk. Hawks can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.

How to Care for a Hawk

Hawks are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do require some special care. Here are a few things you need to know about caring for a hawk:

• Housing: Hawks need a large cage that is at least 6 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high. The cage should have a variety of perches and should be placed in a well-ventilated area.
• Food: Hawks are carnivores and their diet consists primarily of meat. You can feed your hawk a variety of live prey, such as mice, rats, and rabbits. You can also feed your hawk frozen or thawed meat, but live prey is preferred.
• Water: Hawks need access to fresh water at all times. You can provide your hawk with a water bowl or a mister.
• Training: Hawks need to be trained in order to hunt effectively. You can train your hawk yourself or you can hire a professional trainer.
• Veterinary care: Hawks need regular veterinary care. You should take your hawk to the vet for a checkup at least once a year.

Conclusion

Owning a hawk can be a rewarding experience that can bring you years of enjoyment. However, it is important to do your research before you buy a hawk, as there are many things you need to know in order to properly care for your new pet.

Additional Resources

• The North American Falconers Association
• The American Hawking Club
• The Raptor Center