How to Feed a Hawk

Hawks are birds of prey with an incredible wing span and keen eyesight. Feeding these birds by hand is not recommended. In the wild they swoop down from great heights, snatching and tearing apart their unsuspecting prey. Hawks in captivity are best fed if allowed to exercise their natural instincts and hunt their meals during the day.

Things You'll Need

  • Large compound or enclosure
  • Live rodents
  • Live birds
  • Perch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a variety of of live small rodents, such as mice and hamsters, and birds, such as chicks and pigeons, to ensure the hawk gets the nutrients it needs. Dead animals easily decay and could pass on disease to the birds. The hawk will rip apart its food with its beak and talons before swallowing it.

    • 2

      Tether the bird to a bow perch before entering the compound or enclosure during feeding time. The bow perch is similar to the branch in a tree, which is where the hawk would naturally sit. Securing the bird ensures you will not be hurt if the bird gets excited and flies toward you unrestrained.

    • 3

      Increase the daily diet during colder weather and before egg-laying in females. There are many species of hawks and their food intake varies depending on their size. Generally smaller birds eat proportionally more to maintain their metabolism and body temperature.

    • 4

      Keep the hawk away from family pets or livestock. Hawks are opportunistic hunters and have been known to raid poultry farmers where chickens are kept. A bird of prey will not feed on other winged predators so falcons and eagles, if housed together, will not pose a problem for the hawk.