Owls are majestic creatures that many people dream of having as pets. If you live in Texas and want to own an owl, you may be wondering if it’s legal. The short answer is yes, you can own an owl in Texas, but there are important regulations and restrictions you need to follow.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about legally owning owls in the Lone Star State. We’ll discuss the species allowed, permitting requirements, housing and care standards, and more. We’ll also bust some common myths about keeping owls as pets in Texas.
Read on to learn all the essential information for responsibly owning one of these fascinating raptors.
Species of Owls Allowed as Pets in Texas
Barn Owls
Barn owls (Tyto alba) are a popular choice for pet owls in Texas. These gorgeous white owls with heart-shaped faces are known for being quite docile and easy to train. However, barn owls do require lots of space to fly around in and some specific care requirements.
As Texas Parks and Wildlife notes, you’ll need special permits to keep barn owls as pets in the state.
Great Horned Owls
Great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) are another owl species that can potentially be kept as pets with the right permits in Texas. However, these large and powerful birds of prey require experienced handling and care.
As the TPWD mentions, great horned owls are not often kept as pets due to their strength, territory requirements, and diet consisting of whole prey items.
Eastern Screech Owls
The tiny Eastern screech owl (Megascops asio) is one species that is legal to keep as a pet without permits in Texas. Screech owls grow to only about 9 inches tall but have endearing personas. They are also easier to care for than larger owls.
However, the TPWD emphasizes that screech owls still require specialized care, housing, and diet to thrive, so they are not suitable pets for everyone.
Eurasian Eagle Owls
Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) are the largest owl species in the world and are quite captivating with their ear tufts, orange eyes, and barred feathers. However, these giant owls can have 6-foot wingspans and require aviaries reaching over 1,200 square feet in size to house properly, according to the International Owl Center.
Needless to say, few owners in Texas could accommodate an owl this massive, though some special facilities or educators do keep them.
Permitting Requirements for Owning Owls in Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife Falconry Permit
In Texas, you must obtain a falconry permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) before you can legally own an owl for falconry purposes. This allows you to hunt game with a trained bird of prey, including owls. To qualify for a falconry permit, you must:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Take a written test on basic biology, care, and handling of raptors
- Have your raptor housing and equipment inspected
- Complete a 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed falconer
The apprenticeship teaches you proper training and handling techniques. Once completed, TPWD can issue you a general or master falconry license, depending on your experience level. Your facilities must pass inspection every 5 years to renew your permit.
Federal Permit Requirements
You may also need a federal permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to possess any native raptor species for falconry, even if you have a valid state license. This allows USFWS to track and monitor native raptors in captivity.
Permits for non-native species like the Eurasian eagle owl are not required. To get a federal permit, you must:
- Have a state falconry permit
- Be at least 12 years old
- Take an exam on raptor biology, care, and regulations
Your federal permit will designate you as an apprentice, general, or master falconer based on your experience. It does not expire but must be updated every 5 years with your state license information.
Inspections and Record Keeping
Both state and federal permits require routine inspections of your raptor housing, known as a mews or weathering area. It must protect the bird from weather and predators. General guidelines include:
- Minimum 6 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft enclosure for small raptors like screech owls
- Perches, bath container, and shelter from sun/rain
- Safe, sanitary environment
- Adequate ventilation
- Locks to prevent escape and deter intruders
You’ll also need to keep detailed records of any owls you possess, including species, age, sex, date acquired, and leg band number. An accredited veterinarian must examine your owl at least once a year. Staying organized ensures you meet all regulatory requirements for owning owls in Texas.
Housing and Care Standards for Pet Owls
Enclosure Size and Design
Owls are relatively large birds of prey, so they require spacious enclosures. The minimum enclosure size for a pet owl is 6 feet high, 6 feet deep, and 6 feet wide. Larger owl species like great horned owls need even more space. The bigger the better when it comes to sizing their enclosures!
An aviary or converted shed is ideal to give them plenty of room to fly and exercise their wings.
Enclosures should have horizontal perches for roosting as well as ample vertical space for climbing and flapping their wings. The flooring can be natural (grass or dirt) or covered with substrates like pine shavings. Make sure the enclosure has places for the owl to perch up high.
Windows and outdoor access are great for natural light and fresh air. Just be sure to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures and secure the enclosure so they can’t escape!
Temperature, Lighting and Humidity
Owls are susceptible to high temperatures so make sure their enclosure has areas of shade and cooling. Misting systems and fans can help lower temperatures on hot days. Most species do well at moderate temperatures between 55-75°F.
Proper lighting is also essential, with 10-12 hours of bright daylight balanced with dark periods for sleeping. Full spectrum lighting helps mimic natural conditions.
Humidity levels should not fall below 35% but avoid soggy conditions. Good ventilation and air circulation helps prevent mold and bacteria. Monitor humidity closely in more tropical climates. Having a hygrometer in the enclosure is recommended to keep an eye on temperature and humidity ranges.
Enrichment and Training
In the wild, owls are intelligent hunters that fly great distances and are very active. As pets, they need daily enrichment to engage their minds and exercise their bodies. This prevents boredom, stress and unhealthy feather plucking habits.
Provide plenty of toys, swings, branches and puzzles to keep them stimulated. Rotate new items to keep things exciting!
Regular positive reinforcement training is also mentally stimulating. Simple tricks like flying to your hand or performing targeting exercises provide mental challenges. Just be patient – owls are not as easily trained as dogs or parrots. Short 5-10 minute sessions are best to hold their interest.
This strengthens the human-owl bond.
Diet and Nutrition
Owls are carnivorous birds of prey that primarily eat small mammals, birds, reptiles or insects. Wild-caught prey is ideal but not always possible. Consult with an avian vet to determine proper daily nutritional requirements. Never feed chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or other toxic foods.
Common pet owl diets include:
- Whole prey like mice, rats or chicks
- Raw meat mixtures
- Commercial owl food pellets
- Nutrient supplements like calcium and vitamins
Provide clean, fresh water at all times in bowls or via misting systems. Carefully monitor their eating and droppings to ensure proper nutrition and health.
Other Considerations and Responsibilities
Vet Care and Health Testing
Owning an owl comes with the responsibility of providing proper veterinary care. Just like cats and dogs, owls require annual check-ups, vaccines, and treatment for any injuries or illnesses. Some things to expect when bringing your owl to the vet:
- Annual exams to check overall health, weight, eyes, ears, wings, feet, etc.
- Vaccines for diseases like West Nile virus
- Testing for parasites like worms
- Diagnostic lab work
- Treatment for common issues like respiratory infections, feather cysts, trauma
Vet bills for an owl average $200-$400 per visit. Exotic pet insurance can help offset costs but runs $150-$250 per year. To find an avian vet, check databases from the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
Costs of Owning an Owl
The costs of properly caring for an owl go far beyond vet bills. Here are some common expenses:
- Housing: Owl enclosures run $800-$2000+ for decent outdoor aviaries.
- Perches, bowls, toys: $150-$300 for initial setup.
- Food: $100-$150 per month for mice, chicks, formula.
- Enrichment: Puzzles, foraging activities cost $50-$200 to keep your owl engaged.
Additional costs include travel cages, leashes, weighing scales, grooming supplies, and more. In total, expect to spend $5000-$10,000 per year to properly care for an owl. Having an emergency fund of $2000-$5000 is also recommended.
Time Commitment
Owls are very demanding pets and require significant dedication of your time. Here are some time commitments to expect:
- Feeding: 1-2 hours per day. Owls eat whole prey and require frequent feedings.
- Cleaning: 1-2 hours per day. Owls create a huge mess needing daily disinfecting.
- Socializing: 2-3 hours per day. Owls need daily interaction, exercise, and training.
- Enrichment: 2+ hours per week. Rotating toys, puzzles to prevent boredom.
- Training: 2-3 hours per week. Positive reinforcement training for vet care, handling.
As you can see, owning an owl is like having a full-time job. Make sure you can commit the 8+ hours of daily care an owl requires before taking one on. Having an experienced avian vet nearby is also essential.
Public Perception and Legalities
It’s important to be aware of public perception and laws surrounding exotic pets like owls. Here are some key considerations:
- Public concern: Owls often attract unwanted attention in public. Be prepared to explain yourself.
- Neighbor disputes: Loud noises from owls may irritate neighbors. Keep the peace.
- Zoning laws: Many cities prohibit owning exotic pets. Check first.
- State laws: Laws vary. Only 15 states allow captive breeding of native owls.
- Federal law: Native owl species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- Permits required: Obtain proper permits for housing, breeding, rehabilitation.
Bottom line: be discrete, know your laws, and steer clear of illegal trade in wild owls. An ethically captive-bred owl is the only option. Even then, public scrutiny is likely. Ask yourself if you are prepared for that.
Owning Owls in Texas: Myths and Facts
Myth: Owls Make Good Starter Birds
Many people think that owls, with their cute faces and calm demeanors, make great first pet birds. However, this is far from the truth. Owls require extensive experience and specialized care that most novice owners simply cannot provide.
Unlike parrots or other more common pet birds, owls are not domesticated and remain largely wild animals. They need large enclosures, special diets, and bonding methods that differ greatly from traditional companion parrots.
Attempting to keep an owl as your first pet often ends badly for both owner and bird.
Myth: Owls Bond Closely with Owners
Owls do not form the close bonds with humans that parrots and other pets do. They tend to be solitary, territorial birds who prefer to be left alone by humans and other animals. While captive owls may become accustomed to their caretaker’s presence, they do not crave social interaction and affection like dogs, cats or traditional companion birds.
Any friendly behavior or perceived bonding is likely just the owl begging for food. Don’t expect an owl to be an affectionate friend.
Myth: Owls Can Live Comfortably Indoors
Owls need plenty of space to fly, perch, and engage in natural behaviors. The average home does not provide enough room for an owl to thrive. At minimum, most owl species require large outdoor aviaries to support their physical and psychological health.
Some types like the Great Horned Owl require enormous flight cages measuring hundreds of feet long. Attempting to keep an owl confined indoors often causes dangerous territorial behaviors, psychological issues, and health problems.
Myth: It’s Easy to Get an Owl Permit in Texas
Texas has strict regulations regarding private ownership of native owls. You must apply for special permits from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, including a Scientific, Educational or Zoological Permit and possibly a Possession of Live Exotic Species Permit.
The application process requires a written statement of purpose, letters of reference, thorough plans for housing and caring for the bird, and sometimes site inspections. Permits may take 90 days or longer to obtain and can be denied. It is not a simple process.
Conclusion
Owning an owl in Texas can be an incredibly rewarding experience when done properly. While the regulations and restrictions may seem daunting, they are important for the wellbeing of these wild birds. Do your research, work with experienced experts, and be prepared for the responsibility before bringing one of these raptors into your home.
We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of everything involved with legally owning owls as pets in Texas. Responsible exotic pet ownership requires dedication and resources, but the payoff of sharing your life with a magnificent owl can be well worth it.