Does anyone live with a loose bird at home (no cage)?

Question

My boyfriend has an owl he saved as a baby. He is not supposed to have it, but he kept it too long, and now he is stuck with it. It does not like to be in a cage, so he just leaves it out. It does its business and throws up its "cud" all over the house. Other than that, it really does not bother anyone much. I just have a problem with this being sanitary. What do you think?

Answer 1

You should try releasing it in the wild.  If it doesn't want to go then you could give it away.  That's not sanitary at all and I think that it's nasty.  You should try talking to your boyfriend about it and see what he has to say about it and maybe you two can come up with an agreement.

I hope I helped!

Answer 2

I agree releasing it just isn't an option.

How about an aviary in your garden?

A small aviary with a covered part so the bird can get away from the harsh weather and have somewhere sheltered to sleep?

If not then I think taking it to a zoo or maybe even a bird of prey centre is a good idea, you know it will be looked after properly then.

Answer 3

If it can't be released into the wild ,if he thinks anything about it,  donate it to a zoo or bird garden, it's definitely not in a proper environment

Answer 4

I think he is breaking federal laws, and should be reported to the authorities in the state of Missouri.   All native wild birds in the US are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  No one is permitted to keep them as pets - for any reason.

He didn't save that owl - he captured it, and is keeping it imprisoned, and denying it any chance at a normal existance in the wild.

You have two excellent wildlife rehabilitation centers in the St. Louis area.

http://www.wild-life-rehab.com/

This one is dedicated to raptors.  This is where you should bring the owl:

http://worldbirdsanctuary.org/

Rehabilitation Hospital [phone].