can you adopt a kiwi bird

One of the most common questions Googled about Kiwis is whether they can be kept as pets. The answer is a straight no but in this article, I will share some ways you can meet and see them.

Kiwi birds are the most recognizable national symbol of New Zealand, but can they also make for good pets?

Contrary to what a lot of people think, these unusual birds cannot actually be kept as indoor pets.

In this article, Ill take a closer look at the reasons why it is not legal to keep a kiwi bird as a pet.

I will also discuss the importance of protecting kiwi birds in their natural habitat and explore ways you can support the conservation efforts.

Critters Available For Adoption

Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haastii)	Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)	Kea (Nestor notabilis) New Zealand native mountain parrot
Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) New Zealand native owl	Red-crowned Kakariki (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) New Zealand native parakeet	Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)
Kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) New Zealand native wood pigeon

Where Do Kiwi Birds Live?

Native to New Zealand, kiwi birds inhabit both the North and South islands.

They favor native tree-dominated shrublands and temperate forests.

However, they can also be found in coastal regions.

can you adopt a kiwi bird

Since kiwi habitat is mostly forest understory, it can be challenging to identify these birds.

Being nocturnal animals, they primarily search for food by foraging among leaf litter.

When threatened by predators, they tuck themselves into a hollow in a tree trunk or hide during the day in burrows.

Sadly, cats, ferrets, and other introduced animals soon emerged as the main danger to kiwi chicks, which led to a rapid drop in kiwi populations.

Local populations of predatory animals have been able to recover and flourish again thanks to conservation efforts like setting traps for them.

Can You Buy a Kiwi Bird Anywhere in The World?

Because of their widespread appeal and cultural significance, kiwis are highly sought-after pets in many nations worldwide.

Nevertheless, nowhere in the world is it possible to purchase a live Kiwi bird.

Since there is a threat to their population, they are protected.

Still, a lot of shops and internet retailers sell plush toys, figurines, and copies of this bird (as well as the distinctive Kiwi eggs!).

These offer the perfect option for people who want to have a piece of Kiwi memorabilia without having an adverse effect on any wild populations.

can you adopt a kiwi bird

FAQ

Can I have a kiwi bird as a pet?

Answer: Hi Carly, Kiwi birds are very rare and are illegal to own anywhere in the world.

Can you legally own a kiwi bird in the US?

Absolutely not! In fact, it’s not legal to own them anywhere as a pet, including New Zealand. They are the national symbol of that country and are considered an endangered species. Therefore, they are protected and only very specifically permitted zoos and breeding facilities can have them.

Are kiwi birds friendly?

Also the Kiwi has very poor eyesight so prefer to forage at night, therefore they wouldn’t make cuddly pets – not least because they are very bad tempered and territorial and can inflict nasty wounds with their extra sharp claws!

Can you pick up a kiwi bird?

If the bird is calm and the crowd isn’t super huge, sometimes people can touch the feathers on the back side of the bird. In the vast majority of cases, only an accredited handler is allowed to hold a kiwi.