Thinking about bringing a majestic bird of prey into your life? Buying a falcon isn't like picking up a new puppy. It is a deeply committed lifestyle choice that involves legal hurdles, specialized training, and significant costs. Here is what you need to know before you start your search. ⚖️ The Legal Groundwork
In some jurisdictions, apprentices are required to trap their first bird from the wild (usually a Red-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel ) to learn the basics of taming and training. The Real Cost Buying the bird is just the beginning.
You generally cannot just buy a bird. You must serve a two-year apprenticeship under a Master or General Falconer.
High-quality food (frozen quail, day-old chicks) is a recurring monthly expense.
Connecting with the community is the most reliable way to find reputable sources.
You will need gauntlets, hoods, scales, and telemetry (GPS trackers), which can cost $1,000+ .