How to Care for a Golden Eagle

Golden eagles are majestic birds of prey. They are carnivores and are found throughout North America. While it is illegal to harbor a golden eagle in the U.S., there are steps you can take if you find an injured or abandoned bird until you can get it into the hands of professional birds of prey specialists.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Box with lid (big enough to fit bird or birds in)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand that it is illegal in the United States to capture and keep a golden eagle as a pet. If you find an injured bird or abandoned golden eagle chicks, contact your local Fish and Game office as soon as possible. If a professional can't come to the scene and you must handle the bird, do so with caution. Also find out if there are licensed sanctuaries for birds of prey in your area.

    • 2

      Use a towel to cover the injured bird and restrain its feed with your hands, while wearing thick gloves. If you are capturing abandoned chicks, use the gloves and place the chicks in an enclosed box with the towel lining the box and a water bottle of warm water inside the box to keep them warm. Do not place the chicks in direct sunlight.

    • 3

      Keep the bird enclosed in the box until you turn it over to professional wildlife care providers. Adult golden eagles have a wingspan of about 7 feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They can injure themselves further if you let them fly around inside a vehicle or your home.

    • 4

      Feed the bird only if a wildlife care provider has instructed you to do so. Adult golden eagles eat live rodents, foxes, tortoises and snakes in their natural environment. You may have to purchase mice at a local pet store to feed the bird, but make sure they are a reputable captive bird food dealer. As well, avoid feeding your golden eagle any animal that has been killed with a shot gun so that there is no chance of lead poisoning. According to the Wingmasters website, baby raptors such as golden eagles can be fed minced mice meat that has been warmed in the microwave. Do not feed baby birds milk or bread.

    • 5

      Take the bird to your local Fish and Game office or birds of prey sanctuary as soon as possible.