New to falconry

[Mikey Dread 0]

Hi all 

just looking for some advice on Avairy / Mews I’m looking at getting myself a Harris Hawk ( I do shoot and have access to a fair few acres of land  ) ive read a few books and watched lots of useful stuff on YouTube to to prepare for the the arrival of my bird but there are many different opinions on housing the hawk ! the one I have is a 14 foot long x 6 foot high x 5 foot deep kennel ( used for the spaniel) which I’m thinking of using with a few mods , I’ve also got the option to ad around another 4 foot to one and leave open to the elements ( the roof at the moment is fully across and slopes towards back ) so the bird can get wet / get some sun . The kennel at the moment has a compartment for sleeping which is enclosed and was going to use this end to keep the bird warmer in the winter months ( maybe ad small heater tube ) the front is heavy gauge wire floor to roof with the other end open ( were I’m going to extend the 4 foot bit ) 

my question is should I let the bird have the space free or keep it tethered? 
 

Mike
 

[Mikey Dread 0]

On 23/02/2020 at 14:24, Mikey Dread said:

Hi all 

just looking for some advice on Avairy / Mews I’m looking at getting myself a Harris Hawk ( I do shoot and have access to a fair few acres of land  ) ive read a few books and watched lots of useful stuff on YouTube to to prepare for the the arrival of my bird but there are many different opinions on housing the hawk ! the one I have is a 14 foot long x 6 foot high x 5 foot deep kennel ( used for the spaniel) which I’m thinking of using with a few mods , I’ve also got the option to ad around another 4 foot to one and leave open to the elements ( the roof at the moment is fully across and slopes towards back ) so the bird can get wet / get some sun . The kennel at the moment has a compartment for sleeping which is enclosed and was going to use this end to keep the bird warmer in the winter months ( maybe ad small heater tube ) the front is heavy gauge wire floor to roof with the other end open ( were I’m going to extend the 4 foot bit ) 

my question is should I let the bird have the space free or keep it tethered? 
 

Mike
 

Also many people start of falconry with a Harris but I’ve read the red tail is also a decent hawk to start with ? Would this be advised? 

[Moorman 1 1,374]

3 hours ago, Mikey Dread said:

Also many people start of falconry with a Harris but I’ve read the red tail is also a decent hawk to start with ? Would this be advised? 

If you learn the trade with a redtail it will put you in good stead to fly just about anything. Whereas if you learn it with a Harris it will only condition you to fly a Harris. You would get a lot more knowledge about weight control and handling with a redtail. It will teach you patience and manners among many other attributes.

[Moorman 1 1,374]

my question is should I let the bird have the space free or keep it tethered? 

 

When the bird is fresh out of the breeding chamber and at flying weight you will need to keep it tethered, once it is conditioned you should be able to free loft it.

[George h 87 132]

As moorman said although [BANNED TEXT] it comes to free lofting the bird for molt I would change the mesh to vertical bars bird will hang of mesh and shred its tail 

[George h 87 132]

Edited February 25, 2020 by George h 87

[Mikey Dread 0]

Thanks both for your replies, the more help / advice I can get the better as far as I’m concerned . I don’t won’t to rush into things want to get it right for the welfare of the bird 

[Lee C 55]

Hi make sure the gaps in the bags are not to big, you don't want the bird escaping. I have a old post on here with a few notes i could pm you if you want.

All the very best

 

Lee C