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When looking for an exotic pet, many people want to keep a raven. However, these birds are only suitable as pets to a limited extent.
Raven as a pet: what you need to know
Ravens belong to the raven genus (Corvus). This genus also includes crows, which are also becoming increasingly popular as pets. Both are very demanding pets.
- Ravens are extremely intelligent animals. As pets, they quickly become frustrated if they are not challenged accordingly;
- In addition, you should never keep just one raven, as the birds quickly become lonely;
- In particular when a bird becomes sexually mature, it can become very territorial. For this reason, keeping them outdoors is less suitable;
- If the raven is underchallenged or not kept appropriately, it can quickly become destructive or even aggressive.
Keep ravens in a species-appropriate way: Permits and requirements
If you have decided to keep a raven as a pet, there are a few things to consider. Above all, however, it is almost impossible for private individuals to legally keep ravens as pets.
- Ravens are considered strictly protected in Germany and keeping and trading these animals is largely illegal. In special cases, exemptions can be granted by the relevant authorities. For example, for breeding stations or for animals that can no longer be released into the wild.
- The removal of ravens from the wild is a criminal offense of hunting poaching and will be prosecuted accordingly. Under no circumstances may you simply take ravens, their eggs or young animals home with you. Otherwise you could face a prison sentence of up to five years.
- Also bear in mind that ravens can live for up to 40 years.
You should therefore be able to guarantee long-term accommodation: Domesticated ravens cannot survive in the wild. - You will also need an outdoor aviary with sufficient space for the bird. The height must be at least 4 meters so that your raven can fly unhindered. In addition, the cage should offer at least 25 square meters per bird, i.e. 50 square meters for a pair.
