How Much Do Ravens Cost? An Expert’s Guide to Corvid Commerce

The burning question that likely led you here: How much does a raven cost? The short, slightly frustrating, but truthful answer is: it depends. Legally acquiring a raven in the United States, or most developed countries, is incredibly difficult and often ethically questionable. If you find someone openly selling a raven, alarm bells should be ringing. However, if you were to hypothetically find a captive-bred raven legally available, you might expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to upwards of $25,000. This incredibly wide range is driven by factors like lineage, training (if any), health, and the legal restrictions that apply in your specific region. Keep in mind that owning a raven often comes with significantly more costs than just the initial purchase price. We’ll delve into those later. Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Raven Ownership

Here are answers to common questions that people have about ravens, focusing on their cost, legality, and ethical considerations:

1. Is it legal to own a raven?

This is paramount. In most of the United States, owning a raven is illegal without specific permits and licenses. These regulations are in place to protect native wildlife and prevent the exploitation of these intelligent creatures. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects many bird species, including ravens, making it unlawful to possess them without the proper authorization. Check with your state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, or equivalent agency, to understand the precise regulations in your location. You’ll typically need a compelling reason, such as educational purposes, scientific research, or falconry (depending on the state), and undergo a rigorous application process. Expect extensive background checks and facility inspections. Don’t even consider acquiring a raven without thoroughly understanding the legal landscape.

2. What permits or licenses are required to own a raven?

Again, this varies widely by location. However, typical requirements might include:

• Federal Migratory Bird Permit: Required for activities involving migratory birds, including ravens.
• State Wildlife Possession Permit: Your state likely has its own permit requirements for possessing wildlife.
• Falconry Permit (potentially): In some states, if you intend to use a raven for falconry purposes, you’ll need a falconry permit, which requires apprenticeship and rigorous testing.
• Educational or Scientific Permit: If you plan to use the raven for educational or research purposes, you’ll need a permit outlining your objectives and procedures.

Be prepared for a lengthy application process and significant fees associated with these permits.

3. Where can you legally buy a raven?

Frankly, finding a legitimate source for captive-bred ravens is incredibly difficult. Reputable breeders are few and far between. Legitimate sources might include:

• Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators: Sometimes, ravens that cannot be released back into the wild due to injuries or habituation may be placed with licensed individuals or organizations. However, this is rare and subject to strict regulations.
• Zoological Facilities: Some zoos might occasionally have birds available for transfer to other accredited facilities. This is unlikely for individual ownership.
• Specialized Bird Breeders (Rare): A few specialized breeders might focus on corvids, but their operations are heavily scrutinized, and availability is extremely limited.

Be incredibly wary of anyone offering a raven for sale without proper documentation. It’s highly likely the bird was obtained illegally.

4. What are the ongoing costs of raven ownership?

The initial purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. Ravens are incredibly demanding animals, and their care is expensive. Consider the following:

• Housing: Ravens require large, secure enclosures. These enclosures need to be weather-resistant, escape-proof, and stimulating. Building a suitable aviary can easily cost thousands of dollars.
• Food: Ravens have a diverse diet that includes meat, insects, fruits, and vegetables. The cost of providing a high-quality, varied diet can be substantial.
• Veterinary Care: Ravens are prone to various health problems, and specialized avian veterinarians are often required. Vet bills can be significant.
• Enrichment: Ravens are highly intelligent and require constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral problems. Toys, puzzles, and training sessions are essential and contribute to ongoing costs.
• Legal Compliance: Renewing permits and complying with regulations can incur ongoing fees.

5. What kind of enclosure does a raven need?

Ravens are large, powerful birds that require a spacious and secure enclosure. The minimum dimensions should be:

• Height: At least 12 feet.
• Width and Length: At least 20 feet by 20 feet.

The enclosure should be constructed from sturdy materials, such as heavy-gauge wire mesh or solid walls, to prevent escape. The bottom should be secure to prevent digging. Include perches of varying sizes and heights, as well as natural elements like branches and foliage. The enclosure should also provide protection from the elements, including sun, rain, and wind.

6. What do ravens eat?

Ravens are omnivores with a diverse diet. In the wild, they eat insects, carrion, small animals, fruits, seeds, and nuts. In captivity, their diet should mimic their natural diet as closely as possible. A good captive diet might include:

• High-quality bird pellets: Formulated specifically for large birds.
• Meat: Such as raw chicken, beef, or fish.
• Insects: Mealworms, crickets, and other insects.
• Fruits and Vegetables: A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as berries, apples, carrots, and leafy greens.
• Nuts and Seeds: A small amount of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.

Avoid feeding ravens processed foods, sugary treats, or foods high in salt.

7. Are ravens dangerous?

Ravens are intelligent and powerful birds with strong beaks and claws. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or provoked. Never attempt to handle a raven without proper training and precautions. Their beaks can inflict serious injuries. Children should never be left unsupervised around ravens.

8. How intelligent are ravens?

Ravens are considered to be among the most intelligent birds in the world. They exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities, including:

• Problem-solving: Ravens can solve complex problems, such as figuring out how to open containers or retrieve food.
• Tool use: Ravens can use tools to access food or other resources.
• Planning: Ravens can plan for the future and anticipate the consequences of their actions.
• Social intelligence: Ravens have complex social structures and can recognize individual birds.
• Vocal Mimicry: Ravens are known for their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech.

9. How long do ravens live?

In the wild, ravens typically live for 10-15 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live for 20-40 years or even longer. This long lifespan is another factor to consider before acquiring a raven. You’re committing to a decades-long responsibility.

10. Can ravens be trained?

Yes, ravens can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. However, training ravens requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of their behavior. Ravens can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as retrieving objects, flying to a glove, and vocalizing on command.

11. What are the ethical considerations of owning a raven?

This is perhaps the most important question. Owning a raven is a significant responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Consider the following ethical considerations:

• Welfare: Can you provide a raven with the complex social, physical, and mental stimulation it needs to thrive?
• Conservation: Is acquiring a raven contributing to the exploitation of wild populations?
• Legality: Is your ownership legal and in compliance with all applicable regulations?
• Impact on the wild: Will your raven ever be released back into the wild, and what are the potential consequences of such a release?

Think long and hard about whether you can provide a raven with a good quality of life before considering ownership. Many experts believe that ravens are best left in the wild, where they can live freely and express their natural behaviors.

12. What are the alternatives to owning a raven?

If you are fascinated by ravens but cannot ethically or legally own one, there are many other ways to appreciate these magnificent birds:

• Birdwatching: Observe ravens in their natural habitat.
• Support conservation organizations: Donate to organizations that protect raven populations and their habitats.
• Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center: Help care for injured or orphaned ravens.
• Learn more about ravens: Read books, watch documentaries, and attend lectures to learn more about raven behavior, ecology, and conservation.

Ultimately, the best way to “own” a raven is to support its conservation and ensure its survival in the wild for generations to come. By respecting their wild nature and contributing to their well-being, we can all appreciate the magnificence of these intelligent and captivating creatures.