: They are most active and vocal at night, which can lead to significant noise complaints from neighbors.
If you're dreaming of a cuddly companion, an owl is likely the wrong choice. Experts from the International Owl Center and WebMD highlight several reasons why they are unsuitable for home life: where can you buy a pet owl
: They produce large amounts of foul-smelling liquid waste and regularly "cast" pellets of undigested bones and fur. : They are most active and vocal at
: They require a diet of whole raw prey (mice, rats, and chicks) that you must store and prepare. : They require a diet of whole raw
Technically, some —like the Eurasian Eagle Owl or Spectacled Owl —may be legal to own in a few specific states if they are captive-bred. However, this is a legal gray area. Even if state law allows it, local municipal or county ordinances often ban "dangerous" or "wild" animals. Furthermore, importing these birds is an extremely expensive and time-consuming process. Why Owls Make "Terrible" Pets