We raised 5 baby hawks in California. Their nest was blown out of our huge oak tree by a storm. the parents never went far. We placed them in a rabbit cage with the top removed so the parents could feed them. They always watched us when we fed the babies hamburger after school. only a small handfull each day. The cage was placed in our fenced yard by the garage. under the overhang for protection from rain and sun. we placed a pan of water in the corner. kept it full. after about a week they began hoping out of the cage and around the yard. always returning at night to the box and what was left of the nest. a week or so more they beag to fly around the yard. None of them, even the parents ever attacked us or ever did more than screech. we always were aware that we were being watched when around the cage. We moved slow and moved away if they began to screech very much. They loved the hamburger treats. soon they flew off. As long as we lived there (several years) the hawks always nested in our oak trees and hung around the area. Of course someone always screams about the law! But I say SHUT UP!!! I am an adult. I can feed and care for what ever I want. If you wanna take me to jail for being a good human being then do it, or shut up! They where never handled or treated as pets. we always respected their space and made sure the parents had access. the parents would bring them mice and birds and stuff too. This might not help. But I thought I would share my experiences with hawks. Just be mindful of the WILD in wild animal! No matter how sweet and cute an animal is still wild at heart and in instinct. They can and will react in wild animal fasion when spooked, in pain or in fear! Just a word of warning.
Good Luck and god bless!
