time spent with birds??

[danny boi 0]

just wundering how much time should you be spending with birds as i have always wanted to get into falconry but im unsure wether i have enough time??

 

i am at college 3 days a week and work weekend nights. any comments welcome,

 

cheers

dan

[Ruger8 0]

Obvously the more time to fly a bird the better, some people regard the harris as suitable for a "weekend falconer" this is not really fare to the bird IMO However they requre less commitment than a redtail for example. If you can fly a Harris around 4 times a week i feel this is acceptble, if you miss a day or two due the weather in a bad week, then atleast you are out with the bird a couple of times a week.

 

Sometimes i only have time to take the bird out for 30 mins, if this is the case then i make him work to the lure for that time to get him panting and maintan fitness. Lamping is also a great way to maintain fitness and hunt with a harris.

 

From the time off you have it appears you have more free time than most but you are at present a student, what do your future commitments hold, a hawk can live for 20 years, so think long and hard, and do your homework, get the knowledge before you jump in !

[blackdug 90]

good reply ruger,always wanted to know that answer myself,,cheers

[danny boi 0]

cheers mate!

im looking at joining tha navy in 2 years as a pilot a was hoping to get a bird that was ready to go giving it 2 years good work and then theres a guy i know that works at my college and he has birds so maybe passing it on to him??

 

i can remember people talking of a book for beginners anyone know what its called??

 

and how would you compare a spar to a harris in terms of a novices bird??

 

 

thanks

dan

[Ruger8 0]

Danny there is no comparison.......... a spar is not a beginners bird, you will either loose or kill it. It is basically to small and its metabolism is too high, weight management which is crucial in falconrywould be to difficult for you (trust me). If you do your research you will understand Do not get a spar it is for experienced players.

 

Good books for beginners Falconry and Practice (emma ford), Hawking and Falconry for Beginners (Adrian Hallgarth) and Training Birds of Prey (Jemima Parry Jones) . Many people buy The Harris Hawk (Lee William Harris) dont ! its average at best IMO and the others are far better. There will be variations betrween each book , one book is probably adequate if its a good one. But the help and advice of a local falconer should be sought, many are pleased to help out.

 

Earliest you may get a young bird is august or september, i would not get a adult trained bird as you will learn very little and they often have faults. Only you now about the practicality of getting a bird, think long and hard, and ensure the future of the bird is secured long term, and not passed from one idiot to another. They deserve better than that !!

[danny boi 0]

thanks ruger i no you have given some good advice and i am very greatfull and respect you for it thanks but i do hope in that last part of your reply " one idiot to another" you arnt questioning my competance!!

 

 

thanks

dan

[Ruger8 0]

thanks ruger i no you have given some good advice and i am very greatfull and respect you for it thanks but i do hope in that last part of your reply " one idiot to another" you arnt questioning my competance!!

 

 

thanks

dan

 

Wasn't aimed at you Danny, just that you said the bird would have be passed on, and as with a dog bird or any living animal, people should consider the long term implications , we all have that responsibility. Was in no way implying anything, and if you are confident on finding a suitable home for the bird then good luck to you, i have no problem with that. Some birds like some dogs are passed from idiot to idiot, just saying to consider the longterm implications for the bird. They can live for 20 years. If i thought you were such a person i wouldnt have wasted my time posting........ Black Beauty used to make me cry when i read it