Why You Should Consider Owning a Raven

Why You Should Consider Owning a Raven

When it comes to pet birds, parrots and canaries might be the first ones that come to mind. However, if you’re looking for a pet bird that’s both intelligent and sociable, you might want to consider owning a raven. Despite their reputation as ominous and foreboding birds, ravens can make wonderful companions for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them properly.

In this article, we’ll explore why you should consider owning a raven as a pet, how to care for them, and the legal and ethical considerations that come with owning one.

Getting to Know Ravens

Ravens are part of the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, magpies, and jays. They are highly intelligent birds with the ability to problem-solve, use tools, and even play games. In the wild, ravens are social birds that form close-knit family groups, and they are also known for their complex communication skills.

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a raven is their ability to form strong bonds with their owners. Ravens are highly social animals that enjoy interacting with humans and other birds. With proper socialization and training, they can learn a variety of tricks and behaviors, such as mimicking sounds and performing simple tasks.

Raven Care

While owning a raven can be rewarding, it’s important to remember that these birds require a significant amount of care and attention. Here are some of the key factors to consider when caring for a pet raven:

Diet: In the wild, ravens are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, fruits, and seeds. As a pet, they require a well-balanced diet that includes protein sources such as cooked chicken or scrambled eggs, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Housing: Pet ravens require a large, sturdy enclosure that provides ample space for flying and playing. A secure outdoor aviary is ideal, but an indoor space that is at least 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide can also work. The enclosure should include perches, toys, and areas for foraging and nesting.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ravens are active birds that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Regular playtime and training sessions can help keep them mentally stimulated, and providing toys and puzzles can help prevent boredom.

Socialization: As highly social animals, ravens require regular interaction with humans or other birds to maintain their social skills. They also require plenty of attention and affection from their owners to feel happy and secure.

Challenges: One of the main challenges of owning a raven is their mischievous and curious nature. They can be destructive if they’re not given enough attention or if they’re left alone for long periods of time. Additionally, ravens are vocal birds that can be quite loud, so they may not be suitable for apartment living.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before considering owning a raven as a pet, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical considerations that come with it.

Legal Regulations: In the United States, ravens are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to capture or keep them as pets without a permit. It’s important to ensure that any pet raven you obtain is from a reputable breeder or rescue organization that follows all applicable laws and regulations.

Ethical Considerations: Owning a pet raven comes with ethical responsibilities, including providing proper care and attention, and ensuring that the bird is not mistreated or exploited in any way.

Ravens have long been a subject of fascination for humans. These intelligent and mysterious birds have captured our imagination for centuries, from their appearance in folklore and mythology to their use in literature and film. But can you legally own a raven in the UK? Are ravens loyal to humans? And who had a pet raven? In this blog, we’ll explore these questions and more.

Can You Legally Own a Raven in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, ravens are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. This means that it is illegal to capture or kill a wild raven, or to keep one as a pet, without a license. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a raven is injured or sick, it can be taken in for rehabilitation by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Additionally, if a raven is bred in captivity and can be proven to be a domesticated bird, it may be legal to keep it as a pet.

Are Ravens Loyal to Humans?

Ravens are highly intelligent birds that are capable of forming strong bonds with humans. In fact, they have been known to form lifelong partnerships with humans who treat them kindly and provide them with food and care. However, ravens are also independent creatures that can be difficult to train and may not always obey commands. While they may form strong attachments to humans, they are not typically considered “loyal” in the same way that dogs are.

Who Had a Pet Raven?

Throughout history, there have been many famous individuals who kept pet ravens. One of the most well-known was Edgar Allan Poe, who famously wrote a poem called “The Raven” that featured the bird as its main character. Poe was also said to have kept a pet raven named Grip, whom he used as inspiration for his writing. Another famous pet raven was Mabel, who belonged to naturalist and author Christopher Marley. Marley wrote a book called “The Secret Life of Birds” in which he described his experiences raising and caring for Mabel.

Can You Own a Raven as a Pet in Australia?

In Australia, ravens are not considered domesticated animals and are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1950. This means that it is illegal to capture or keep a wild raven as a pet. However, some species of raven, such as the Australian raven, are common in urban areas and may become habituated to humans. In these cases, it is important to remember that feeding or interacting with wild animals can be harmful to both the animal and humans.

In conclusion, while owning a pet raven may be legal in some countries, it is important to consider the ethical and legal implications of doing so. Ravens are highly intelligent and complex creatures that require a significant amount of care and attention. If you are considering owning a pet raven, it is important to do your research and ensure that you are prepared to provide for the bird’s physical and emotional needs.