Owning a Red Tail Hawk

Red Tailed Hawks are protected in the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It's illegal to possess, sell, transport, import or export a Red Tailed Hawk without a valid permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That prohibition extends to eggs, nests, feathers and other body parts. In addition to permitting requirements, specialized care and custom enclosures are necessary for Red Tailed Hawks in captivity.

Things You'll Need

  • Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Permits from state or local governments where required
  • Large indoor/outdoor enclosure custom-built for red-tailed hawk
  • Steady source of food for hawk (small mammals)
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Instructions

  1. Owning a Red Tailed Hawk

    • 1

      Apply for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as any state or local permits required in your area. Visit the wildlife service's website for a list of regional bird permit offices. Permits are issued for falconry, scientific collection and special purposes such as rehabilitation or propagation, as well for control of other kinds of birds threatening crops. Permits for propagation were rewritten in 2011 to extend the permit period to five years from three.

    • 2

      Build an enclosure for your hawk that's at least eight square feet, giving the bird room to fully spread its wings. Regulations for Red Tailed Hawk enclosures vary by state and county, so be sure to check for any requirements in your area. Install a window in the enclosure for natural light, using bars or heavy wire on the glass to prevent the hawk from breaking the window or getting injured. The hawk also needs an outdoor area that provides shelter from the elements and protection from extremes in heat and cold. Use netting or wire over the outdoor enclosure to protect the hawk from wild birds and other predators.

    • 3

      Arrange for a consistent source of food for your hawk, such as rats, mice, gophers or small rabbits. Red Tailed Hawks prefer live food but can be trained in captivity to eat dead animals. An average size hawk typically eats three mice a day. At the Lee and Rose Warner Nature Centre in Minnesota, captive Red Tailed Hawks are fed gophers trapped on neighboring farms, where the gophers are considered pests and subject to a bounty. Until a hawk is used to eating dead prey, you may have to make a small cut on the body of a dead rodent to release the smell of blood for the hawk to hone in on.

    • 4

      Build or buy perches specifically intended for Red Tailed Hawks. Perches need to be sturdy enough to hold the hawk, which can weigh up to four pounds when fully grown. All perches should also have a rough surface to keep the hawk's feet free of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infection.