The Pet Corner covers the know-how for taking care of pets within the wizarding world every other Thursday. A pet will be chosen every week ranging from those students can have at Hogwarts (ie. mouse, cat, etc) to the wild and sometimes elusive advanced creatures (ie. hippogriff, dragons?) as the topic. Because we all know animals come in different species/breeds, the pet guide will also be specific to the species/breed of the chosen pet. Today's guide will be about one of the most majestic and proud creatures within our universe, the Hippogriff!

   

Hippogriffs are classified as XXX beasts by the Ministry and native to Europe. As powerful magical creatures and extremely dangerous until tamed, only graduated adult wizards should handle and take care of them. Hippogriffs are large in size, bigger than their cousins, the griffins, and easily towering over humans. With their fierce orange eyes and intimidating half eagle half horse appearance, it is easy to see why they are such proud creatures in the first place. They have beautiful coats ranging from, but not limited to, the legendary stormy grey, shiny bronze, warm pinkish roan, gorgeous gleaming chestnut, and the mystical inky black. Although they are dangerous, if properly tamed, hippogriffs can become the most loyal and protective companion you will ever find in your life. Because only highly trained wizards can deal with these beasts, hippogriffs are not available through the WoP stores but I will be giving some basic care information for my grad readers out there and any aspiring caretakers like myself.

 

Fun Fact!

Did you know that the hippogriff is a rare Patronus? Like the phoenix, not many wizards are known to possess this unique Patronus.

 

How to Take Care of Them

Food:

In the wild, hippogriffs are powerful predators of small mammals and birds with the amazing ability to snatch flying birds from the air with their razor-sharp beak. When there isn’t much food around, they can be seen digging up the ground for worms. Don’t give your hippogriff worms. Feeding small forest critters will be your best feed option if you wish to stay on the judgy beast’s good side. I’ve even heard that there are certain hippogriffs that would enjoy nice juicy ferrets. ☺

 

Shelter:

Hippogriffs don’t require any special safety shelters as they are perfectly capable of living in the wild but making a nice overhang or building can create a comforting and welcoming home for your hippogriff to return or retreat to during stormy weathers or when tired. I also recommend making a soft comfortable bed and a warm hearth for those cold winters.

 

Danger:

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAME A HIPPOGRIFF UNLESS YOU ARE A GRAD! As mentioned from previous sections, hippogriffs are dangerous if not handled properly but here some pointers in case you do find yourself face to face with one of these majesties. Hippogriffs are extremely proud creatures and are easily offended by any action they deem to be a challenge to their pride. To avoid a nasty confrontation, slowly bow in front of the creature as if you are meeting royalty making sure to keep direct eye contact at all times. Wait for the hippogriff to return your bow and make the first move before attempting anything as sudden movement may be seen as disrespect. And trust me. You do not want to face an angry hippogriff.

   

Last Thought/Advice

Even though hippogriffs are such proud independent creatures, they seem to also be able to get along with other large creatures in the forest such as thestrals. Perhaps if you also plan on adopting another large magical creature in the future, a hippogriff might be a great addition.

   
 
 

Thanks for reading this installment of The Pet Corner! If you wish for me to mention a specific pet, please comment below or owl me and remember to write down the specific breed if applicable.

 

This blog post has been written by:

Hannah Windsor