Pet Owls: Can Owls Live in an Apartment?

This article is relevant for owl enthusiasts and those considering getting an exotic pet. Can owls be kept at home? What do you need for this, and how do you care for them? The answers to these questions can be found below.

The first thing to remember is that owls are birds of prey, and they are not as cute as they seem. Their sharp claws and beaks are meant for killing and tearing apart their prey. You should not get an owl if you already have a pet, whether it be a hamster or a dog. These birds prey on smaller mammals, and owls will likely try to kill them first. While rare, there are cases where they can coexist. If you find an owl in the wild, think carefully before bringing it home, as they can carry dangerous infections that may infect your entire family, not only with parasites but also with much more serious diseases.

Can Owls Live in an Apartment?

Recently, a ban was introduced on keeping eagle owls in captivity unless they are to be released back into the wild. However, there are owl species that are not affected by this ban. Many breeders believe that long-eared owls, screech owls, boreal owls, and others are better suited for home environments. But even with these species, it’s essential to remember that all owls and eagle owls are predators, making them difficult to keep at home.

How to Keep Owls at Home

Owls require special living conditions. They are monogamous birds, meaning they form strong bonds with their owners, which is why it’s essential to think carefully before getting one. Moreover, owls can live up to 50 years. You can’t keep an owl for just a year or two— they will need to live with their owner for life. Giving them away once they become inconvenient would be devastating to them, and it could even result in their death. An owl will see its owner as a lifelong partner and will constantly demand attention.




Additionally, owls are not affectionate animals. They won’t show tenderness or affection and tend to be solitary. They also have a distinctive smell that can be quite unpleasant. These birds need regular flying practice, making them unsuitable for apartments. No one wants damaged furniture or broken dishes, but this is inevitable since keeping owls in cages is harmful. They are free-spirited birds, and cages can cause serious injury.

Breeding Season Challenges

The mating season is one of the most challenging times in an owl’s life. Without a mate, the owl will perceive its owner as its partner and may attack. Family members and friends will be seen as rivals, leading to even more aggressive behavior. Eventually, guests will stop visiting altogether.

Housing an owl in an apartment requires its own space. The best option is to dedicate a room solely for the owl, where everything is set up for its needs. Few would enjoy watching an owl eat its breakfast next to them at the dining table.

Feeding

Owl feeding requires special attention as it directly affects their health and well-being. Human food is not suitable for owls, so consider setting aside a fridge specifically for storing dead mice and chicks. Feeding owls frozen carcasses all the time can be fatal, so you must be prepared to deal with freshly killed animals.




On average, an owl eats two mice per day, but you can also feed them day-old chicks, which need to be cleaned of internal organs, heads, and legs to prevent transmitting diseases.

Keeping an owl is not only expensive but also quite challenging. So, before getting such a predator, it’s important to think carefully, as simply giving it away when it becomes inconvenient is not an option.