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Original poster

Barn owls as pets?!

31 replies

Toddlerteaplease · 21/08/2023 09:50

Some friends of mine have a hand reared barn owl as a pet. It is out in their garden during the day, but tethered. And in a cage in their garage at night. AIBU to think this is cruel? I'm not sure if the tether would be long enough for it to escape any local predators.

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 21/08/2023 09:54

Yep it’s cruel

DontGoJasonWaterfalls · 21/08/2023 10:01

It's cruel. It's at risk from local predators being tethered in the open all day. Rescues have their birds in aviaries for a reason. Why would they have a barn owl as a pet in the first place? They don't make good pets at all.

Do they realise it will live for about 20 years? That during that time they cannot go on holiday because finding someone who can go in and feed the owl appropriately without being seen as a threat can be nigh on impossible? It's so irresponsible of them.

Original poster
Toddlerteaplease · 21/08/2023 11:35

I couldn't agree more. It just seems so irresponsible. And a crap life for her. They've really gone down in my estimation unfortunately.

OP posts:
TheHappyCarrot · 21/08/2023 11:55

I thought owls were nocturnal so shutting it away at night is extremely cruel.

If they were my friends I might report them or 'accidently' set it free.

Original poster
Toddlerteaplease · 21/08/2023 11:56

It's been hand reared so probably wouldn't cope if set free.

OP posts:
TheHappyCarrot · 21/08/2023 11:58

I would steal it then and take it to a sanctuary.

Skiesfries · 21/08/2023 11:59

Can they not give it to an owl/bird of prey sanctuary? What are they feeding it? Not right to keep an owl tethered as a pet.

helpfulperson · 21/08/2023 12:02

I thought you needed a license to keep owls. I know someone who has a couple of 'pet' barn owls which went into rescues and were deemed unable to be released. I'm sure she had to get a license which looked at her knowledge and experience as well as where she was keeping them

WomanAtWork · 21/08/2023 12:28

I would report it to RSPCA

ch4shirecat1234 · 21/08/2023 12:32

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DontGoJasonWaterfalls · 21/08/2023 14:36

Please don't set it free and don't encourage them to - it would die very quickly. Contact the RSPCA or local vet and ask for details of any local bird rescues.

Original poster
Toddlerteaplease · 21/08/2023 18:22

I'm not sure how I can do anything without them realising it was me. I've known them almost 30 years and don't want to loose the friendship.

OP posts:
vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 21/08/2023 18:25

Where did they get it from? did they hand rear it?

If it's come from the wild I'd maybe do an anonymous tip off to the local wildlife officer at the police station. If it's int eh garden anyone could see it and report it.

Living like that is not good for the owl and id' not want to be friends with people who'd do that to bird.

user76541055773 · 21/08/2023 18:30

You can’t be the only person who knows about the bird, so how would they know it was you who had reported it?

CardamomGarden · 21/08/2023 18:36

You say they’ve already gone down on your estimation - is losing the relationship so bad?

I’d hope to do the right thing in your shoes.

If that sounds self-righteous it’s because I didn’t in a similar situation (in-laws keeping a turtle in a completely unsuitable environment) and I can’t tell you how much I regret not doing something.

Triflenot · 21/08/2023 23:13

Why was it hand reared?
It’s possible that it will be difficult to return to the wild, but the current living conditions are not great.

Original poster
Toddlerteaplease · 22/08/2023 06:47

I suspect it was from someone who hand rears them to sell like this. I think they got it from
Someone in Scotland. I asked why they go it and they wanted something a bit more interesting than a budgie. Confused

OP posts:
ThePianists · 22/08/2023 06:49

Please report it. It’s hideously cruel.

MissingMoominMamma · 22/08/2023 07:09

Toddlerteaplease · 22/08/2023 06:47

I suspect it was from someone who hand rears them to sell like this. I think they got it from
Someone in Scotland. I asked why they go it and they wanted something a bit more interesting than a budgie. Confused

Please report them. I’m pretty sure that that’s illegal, and by reporting them you could potentially stop this at source.

In any case, the owl’s life sounds miserable. Put the owl first.

BeauSignoles · 22/08/2023 07:22

”they wanted something a bit more interesting than a budgie.”

they sound seriously awful. Please report!

Original poster
Toddlerteaplease · 22/08/2023 07:56

I'll get in touch with some wildlife places and get their advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Toddlerteaplease · 22/08/2023 07:57

If she was I. An an aviary with space to fly properly I'd have no issue.

OP posts:
user76541055773 · 22/08/2023 08:36

Having read your update, surely you have to report. From your first post I thought you meant that they had hand reared it, which made me assume there had already been some specialist support and they just were struggling as it had grown.

Please do report. It’s a horrible thing they are doing.

hdbs17 · 22/08/2023 08:54

Report it to the RSPCA for it to be taken to a sanctuary.

Why are they keeping it outside in the day and shutting it away at night?

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