Waterproofing

[johnny abbott]

hi to you all just wandering if anyone could tell me if they have ever used nickwax on there birds before flying them when it is raining and if so how affective is it at waterproofing the bird

[Barbary Boy]

your kidding ! right?

[BrianM]

the smart / stupid balance is restored:rolleyes:

[Barbary Boy]

this could be good! hee hee. o k buy an osprey right then transplant its oil gland from above its tail onto the bird of your choice! hey presto!!! waterproof bird. simple?

[GaryPCO]

this could be good! hee hee. o k buy an osprey right then transplant its oil gland from above its tail onto the bird of your choice! hey presto!!! waterproof bird. simple?
even better while its been cast,obviously after you've imped cormerant primary's onto your harris,you could transplant an otter skin,its pure genius.why nobody ever thought of it before il never understand!!!:cool:

[Tooker]

Guys..stop with the **** take...there are people on here who don't know right from wrong..don't mislead them....for all you know in a few months there may be a thread on here 'Found..Harris Hawk with Gos Feathers imped on...WTF?!?!'

Just be honest...no smart jibes...for the sake of the ignorant!!

[Big JoeJoe]

Guys..stop with the **** take...there are people on here who don't know right from wrong..don't mislead them....for all you know in a few months there may be a thread on here 'Found..Harris Hawk with Gos Feathers imped on...WTF?!?!'

Just be honest...no smart jibes...for the sake of the ignorant!!

pmsl good one pmsl

[Barbary Boy]

just be honest aye? OK **** off you silly ****. hows that?

[BrianM]

well i dont know about the rest of you but i am getting sick and tired of all these posts by folk who
A,, have got a bird but dont know what it eats
B,, have got abird but dont have anywhere to keep it
c,, can i cover it in wax so it doesnt get wet

the list goes on and on and on

i mean some of the questions are just common sense
the sooner we have a licencing system the better

[Tooker]

just be honest aye? OK **** off you silly ****. hows that?

Much better!!

[Barbary Boy]

well i dont know about the rest of you but i am getting sick and tired of all these posts by folk who
A,, have got a bird but dont know what it eats
B,, have got abird but dont have anywhere to keep it
c,, can i cover it in wax so it doesnt get wet

the list goes on and on and on

i mean some of the questions are just common sense
the sooner we have a licencing system the better
TOTALLY TOTALLY AGREE with you but it will never happen.

[Hacker]

well i reckon he`s another of those anti ****s that wants someone to put both feet in first.
Johhny Wan***f or whatever your name is take Barbarys advice!

[Big JoeJoe]

hi to you all just wandering if anyone could tell me if they have ever used nickwax on there birds before flying them when it is raining and if so how affective is it at waterproofing the bird

Alright Johnny never used nickwax but just made a bright yellow raincoat for my HARRIS HAWK. made from 100% waterproof plastic its easy to slip on my hawk if it pours down and comes complete with a plastic hood keeps my hawk perfectly dry it also looks really cool and you can see her for miles. It also comes with a whistle, if she gets lost due to bad weather then she can call for help

NOW DO YOU RELISE HOW DAFT YOUR QUESTION WAS

Cheers BJJ

[Barbary Boy]

Alright Johnny never used nickwax but just made a bright yellow raincoat for my HARRIS HAWK. made from 100% waterproof plastic its easy to slip on my hawk if it pours down and comes complete with a plastic hood keeps my hawk perfectly dry it also looks really cool and you can see her for miles. It also comes with a whistle, if she gets lost due to bad weather then she can call for help

NOW DO YOU RELISE HOW DAFT YOUR QUESTION WAS

Cheers BJJ
they sound really cool! can you make me one for a female barbary please?

[BrianM]

do they come in chav ie burberry tartan

[Big JoeJoe]

they sound really cool! can you make me one for a female barbary please?

There going in production soon but will have to wait as I aint tried it out on my falcon yet pmsl.

[Hacker]

Do they have the strobe light, so we can see where they roost.

[Big JoeJoe]

Do they have the strobe light, so we can see where they roost.

No but can accomidate that but only on hawks flying around 2lb 10 oz due to wieght of jacket.

[Altai]

your kidding ! right?


I think I read something Dr Nick Fox wrote about useing a waterproofing spray on his Northumberland crow hawking trips- for the falcons not the falconers.
Altai.

[PieEatersUnited]

hi to you all just wandering if anyone could tell me if they have ever used nickwax on there birds before flying them when it is raining and if so how affective is it at waterproofing the bird

Why am I seeing more posts about improving how the bird is built? If it is raining, why don't you just stay home and spend time with your girlfriend or wife? Would you bring a nice rifle or shotgun in the rain to hunt? If not then why a bird? Just leave the bird's structure alone.

[Hacker]

Jewson waterproof UPA.
Might not get wet but i would love to see it try to fly:evil: :evil: :evil:

[Zam]

I think I read something Dr Nick Fox wrote about useing a waterproofing spray on his Northumberland crow hawking trips- for the falcons not the falconers.
Altai.

I read the same thing. As I remember - it was a silicon-based spray, therefore, totally inert and harmless if ingested.

[Harrisii]

I read the same thing. As I remember - it was a silicon-based spray, therefore, totally inert and harmless if ingested.

as far as i am aware there is a spray which is designed for this,
(not nikwax or beeswax or mr sheen),
but again another stomping for the poor guy who asked a genuine question.
and yet another 99.9% ridiculing. is there any need??

[Fawkes]

This squashing of honest questions is really starting to get my back up. This is supposed to be a place where beginners can ask questions, those experienced can lend a hand, and all involved can get to know some other falconers.

An honest question (with at least some basis) deserves a decent answer, no?
But then, I've never heard of nikwax :P

I have also read somewhere about waterproofing birds - I think it was probably in Nick Fox's book.

[Harrisii]

This squashing of honest questions is really starting to get my back up. This is supposed to be a place where beginners can ask questions, those experienced can lend a hand, and all involved can get to know some other falconers.

An honest question (with at least some basis) deserves a decent answer, no?
But then, I've never heard of nikwax :P

I have also read somewhere about waterproofing birds - I think it was probably in Nick Fox's book.

exactly Fawkes. my sentiments exactly.

[ColdZero]

i have definitely read something about this, there might even be a thread on another forum...of course taken seriously i didn't say THIS forum.

[RabbitHawker]

I have read Nick Fox's book, and used silicone spray on my cast of male HH for the last 5 seasons. I only use it on the wing and tail feathers as these are the ones needed for flight. It makes a real difference to a wet day, as the day doesn't end with the first rabbit in long grass. The coating lasts 4-6 weeks, and then I repeat it. You do need to take care with any aerosol, I always spray my birds outside and then tether them out in the open to dissipate any fumes. There is a risk in using this spray, but all the falconers who have been out with my birds on a wet day have been impressed by the difference it makes.
Hope this is of use to you.
Chris

[Shaun Byrne]

What spray did you use?

[Pete Smith]

Johnny, A reasonable question, have used silicone based water proofing for a long time, as do several other well known UK falconers. Works well and no fatalities.
Really surprised at the response's youve received?
Pete.

[Pitbull]

Why am I seeing more posts about improving how the bird is built? If it is raining, why don't you just stay home and spend time with your girlfriend or wife? Would you bring a nice rifle or shotgun in the rain to hunt? If not then why a bird? Just leave the bird's structure alone.

here here.
would you spray yourself in silicone, and then lick it off for the next couple of weeks.

[Game & Pursuit Falcon UK]

Its only the same as keeping a bird tethered on sand thats silicon. The Spray being used by Dr Fox I beleive was of the type used to drive moisture from computers. Havent used it myself but there you go. Also Dr Fox comented upon the fact that it was very short lived in its usefullness as it washed off. So I personally wouldnt see a massive amount being injested. Geuss the whole procedure is only like anti mite spraying.

[StormRider]

I have used the anti moisture computer spray before, directly from reading Nick Foxes book. I would agree that it does make a difference and that it did seem to wear off fairly quickly.
BUT!
I did find that my MHH at the time came into moult very late that year and I did not observe the bird preening at all. I'll check my health notes for 'Manky' and try and copy them onto here some time.
Believe it or not but I did have a bird in for rehab (via the RSPCA) who raided a backyard breeder 2 years ago. That bird was very ill and its eyes were an opaque blueish colour. It died within 24 hours of me getting it. It had been sprayed with something similar to WD40. The owner had the case kicked out of court due to a technical issue with photographic evidence taken by the Police. A big shame.
I would agree that this is a very viable question to ask and that the originator of the question may be a bit confused now. Especially if they too have read it in a book from an expert like Nick Fix. But the question has now been asked and replied to and it is upto the individual what he decides to do. Personally, I havent used it since because IMO it looked like the bird was a tad uncomfortable with the spray. A good flight does not justify this to me, because the bird is with me for more than just that season and I want the best out of her all the time.

LOVE AND PEACE:heart: I LURV U ALL GUYS I REALLY DO
STU

[Musket]

Well looks like some people know what they are talking about after all , and not ready to shoot someone down in flames, before others hardly have time to open their mouth,
How do you guys fell now?. Do you think you owe him ( jonny abbott ) an apology? Or are you above that????

[Hacker]

Well looks like some people know what they are talking about after all , and not ready to shoot someone down in flames, before others hardly have time to open their mouth,
How do you guys fell now?. Do you think you owe him ( jonny abbott ) an apology? Or are you above that????
I still would not spray my birds with a water repellant, if i needed to fly longer in wet conditions i would have more than one bird.
I would not force my birds to ingest a foreign matter whilst they preen of which i have no scientific knowledge of what harm it could possibly doing.
Just "that they seem okay" does not cut the mustard.
IMHO

[BrianM]

I still would not spray my birds with a water repellant, if i needed to fly longer in wet conditions i would have more than one bird.
I would not force my birds to ingest a foreign matter whilst they preen of which i have no scientific knowledge of what harm it could possibly doing.
Just "that they seem okay" does not cut the mustard.
IMHO


ditto,,, why take the risk??? surely sitting your ass at home if its raining is better that spraying your bird with a waterproofing agent

[Musket]

“hi to you all just wandering if anyone could tell me if they have ever used nickwax on there birds before flying them when it is raining and if so how affective is it at waterproofing the bird”
He was only asking, I personally wouldn’t use it,( I have tasted silicon it’s not very nice acetone and the like ) and you guys did shoot him down!

[As The Falcon Her Bells]

Just for your info, NF did use another spray first as a try and that burned all the feathers on the bird.............

[Hawkmaster]

I personally can't believe someone is asking this question?:rolleyes: Must be a wind-up and before anyone asks me to read the whole thread, I can't be bothered!

[GaryPCO]

Well looks like some people know what they are talking about after all , and not ready to shoot someone down in flames, before others hardly have time to open their mouth,
How do you guys fell now?. Do you think you owe him ( jonny abbott ) an apology? Or are you above that????
Ok point taken,yes we did jump into it a little too quick and for that il be man enough to apologise,im sorry we didnt take you a little more seriously mate,however i still wouldnt dream about waterproofing my birds with any aerosol,weathering is a natural way of doing things,id stick to that,however i will be ordering one or two of big joe joe's yellow macs,cos you never know when your birds,might get lost at sea and need the whistle accesorie......:cool:

[ColdZero]

I personally can't believe someone is asking this question?:rolleyes: Must be a wind-up and before anyone asks me to read the whole thread, I can't be bothered!


i have no idea what Nickwax is, but the concept of waterproofing a bird is NOT a stupid question. Many disagree with using it, but so far there has been no evidence to suggest it is harmful to the bird so this falls into the 'personal choice' category.
If nickwax turns out to be a car wax then this is a windup or hes genuinely just stupid and asked a stupid question. 'There are no stupid questions, only stupid people' :lol:

[Musket]

http://www.nikwax-usa.com/
just done a web search and found this? the search only took about five seconds in all ,to look read and post, perhapes the chap thought Nikwax was made by Nick fox?? if he knows who he is?

[AndyYounger]

If Jonny hadnt asked the question his bird may be flying (or trying to) covered in some kind of silicone based spray.
again i personally wouldnt dream of it, the birds are made the way they are for a reason and who are wee to change it. iexcersise my birds even when its raining. its not a long session but the bird gets used to it and if you are out one day and the heavans open you know you bird will still fly to you. tis also great for fitness as they have to work harder.
you do have to make sure you have a dry and not drafty muse so the bird can dry without getting a chill.
i also think this helps the plumage as i have found my birds preen more once the have dried off.
Hope this helps

[As The Falcon Her Bells]

[quote=ColdZero]i have no idea what Nickwax is, but the concept of waterproofing a bird is NOT a stupid question. Many disagree with using it, but so far there has been no evidence to suggest it is harmful to the bird so this falls into the 'personal choice' category.


again, exept when it was first tryed out and it burned all the feathers of the birds back!!!!!

[AndyYounger]

Remember all areasole sprays contain cfc gas. this can kill humans.
Need i say more!

[HawkMan69UK]

again this is a simple question but ....noooo...do your homework on the particuler bop in question ..ie if its from a desert climate the likely hood its waterproofing will be nil..... indeginous birds to the uk are highly waterproof...and good diet regulary bathing and preening will help conciderably... harriss who regauly bath and preen have a good degree of waterproffing but ive had young ones that seem nether to preen and the fist sprinkle of water and there like a drowned rat.....so to some up no imping other waterproof feathers on your bird (another thread) and dont put anything to help waterproof it either if it get into the birds system ie preening one dead bop...or take a umbrella:supz:

[StormRider]

What planet did most of you guys come from? Im sorry but this question is neither stupid or anything else. We have to assume that this guy is a total novice and that he may have heard this topic bantered about in conversation or read it from a book. I have heard and have practiced exactly what he has asked about. some others on here have also done the same or heard the same. This suggests that the practice exists. maybe the reason he is asking the question in the first place is down to the fact that as a beginner he may find it strange to waterproof a bird. The fact that he asks about any concept within falconry shows that he wants a f*cking medal. Its proof that he is trying to learn.
When I was beginning in falconry I made my mind up over many aspects of falconry based on what I asked many people and not just one person. What this thread has shown this guy is that there are some who havent done their homework within their chosen field. If you havent heard of waterproofing your bird, then ask yourself why not? I aint saying you should do it.
As far as the practice being unkind and unnatural to the bird, then please accept that this was the reason why I only attempted it once and never again. But lets bare in mind that the whole ethos of falconry is a total unnatural process and sometimes unkind practice for the bird. I havent seen any bird come out of a shell with a set of anklets on it or a pair of jesses.
LOVE AND PEACE :heart:
STU

[StormRider]

What planet did most of you guys come from? Im sorry but this question is neither stupid or anything else. We have to assume that this guy is a total novice and that he may have heard this topic bantered about in conversation or read it from a book. I have heard and have practiced exactly what he has asked about. some others on here have also done the same or heard the same. This suggests that the practice exists. maybe the reason he is asking the question in the first place is down to the fact that as a beginner he may find it strange to waterproof a bird. The fact that he asks about any concept within falconry shows that he wants a f*cking medal. Its proof that he is trying to learn.
When I was beginning in falconry I made my mind up over many aspects of falconry based on what I asked many people and not just one person. What this thread has shown this guy is that there are some who havent done their homework within their chosen field. If you havent heard of waterproofing your bird, then ask yourself why not? I aint saying you should do it.
As far as the practice being unkind and unnatural to the bird, then please accept that this was the reason why I only attempted it once and never again. But lets bare in mind that the whole ethos of falconry is a total unnatural process and sometimes unkind practice for the bird. I havent seen any bird come out of a shell with a set of anklets on it or a pair of jesses.
LOVE AND PEACE :heart:
STU

[Tooker]

Remember all areasole sprays contain cfc gas. this can kill humans.
Need i say more!


CFCs are banned substances in most western countries...have been for the last 20ish years!!!

Also they don't kill humans...they were used becasue of their safe inert properties...unfortunatly nobody predicted their reaction with ozone in the stratosphere - hence they were banned.

:)

[HawkMan69UK]

As far as the practice being unkind and unnatural to the bird, then please accept that this was the reason why I only attempted it once and never again. But lets bare in mind that the whole ethos of falconry is a total unnatural process and sometimes unkind practice for the bird. I havent seen any bird come out of a shell with a set of anklets on it or a pair of jesses.
LOVE AND PEACE :heart:
... falconry in not unnatuaral where as adding manmade waterproff substances to the feathers are...as you have said you have tried and wont do it again...and as for a novice asking im sure there are far more pressing issues they should be asking //LOVE AND PEACE TOO :supz: :heart:

[Out Hunting]

Whenever i take my bird out in the wet i gaffer tape it into a plastic dustsheet (available from B&Q) this has two advantages:

A. It keeps the bird dry in all weathers (If its cold just add a candle between its legs)

B. Indulges my fantasy as long as i use the sexy silver duck tape, Ohhhhhhhhh yesssssss!!

Failing that i have it on good authority, yacht varnish keeps out the weather just the drying time which can be a problem!

[RabbitHawker]

The product I use is Grangers G sport( not G spot), and it lasts for about 4-6 weeks. The difference in the number of hunting days in a wet season is huge.
Maybe we should also throw out mineral and vitamin supplements, antibiotics, nylon leashes and creances, telemetry and bells as they are not natural, are birds hatched with bells on them.
I am amazed there are so many pig faced idiots on here who are not prepared to learn, but maybee I shouldn't be.
As I have said I have used the product for 5 seasons on 2 birds with only good effect.

[AndyYounger]

i stand corrected. thanks tooker i dont know where i got thet one from.
wut i still wouldnt spray an aerosol on any of my birds.

[AndyYounger]

RH i wouldnt count out using some products. it would all depend on application and what long term effect it could have on plumage. how is "g sport" applied?

[RabbitHawker]

It is an aerosol, I just spray the tail and primary feathers, and keep the bird out in the open for a few hours.
Several falconers have been shocked by the difference it makes to HH.

[AndyYounger]

i wouldnt be keen. Dont ask why but i am wary. i would like to see it done or see the product.

[Out Hunting]

i wouldnt be keen. Dont ask why but i am wary. i would like to see it done or see the product.

I tend to agree.

What are the long term implications for birds ingesting or breathing in this product? There must be a degree of toxicity if the birds need to be kept in the open for a while after 'treatment'?

[StormRider]

... falconry in not unnatuaral where as adding manmade waterproff substances to the feathers are...as you have said you have tried and wont do it again...and as for a novice asking im sure there are far more pressing issues they should be asking //LOVE AND PEACE TOO :supz: :heart:
How long have u been practicing falconry? I find it unreal that you say that falconry is not unnatural. I have not said this to provide fuel for the antis, I am just stating fact. Have u ever seen a wild bird wearing falconry furniture. I dont think so mate. (Unless its an escaped trapped bird). Lets break the whole process down here:
1. We take possession of a bird (from the wild or bred).
2. We fit the bird with anklets, jesses, telemetry mount, hood.
3. We give the bird a name.
4. We decide what we are going to fly the bird after.
5. We drop the birds weight to make it receptive.
6. We house the bird in a mews, aviary or whethering.
7. We sometimes tether the bird.
8. We provide medecine via a vet when it gets ill or injured.
9 The list could probably go on and on and on.

Now please dont get me wrong. I am a practicing falconer, but I certainly do not suffer from any illusions thinking that what I am doing has anything to do with nature. Because it doesnt.
What I do honestly believe, is that I am a privilaged person whom is able to be participate in a little part of nature when my bird is flying. A bird of prey does not need the help of me or anyone else on this planet to look after itself. Yet we humans may think that they do.
We humans practice falconry because we can. In the older days it was practiced out of neccessity to catch food for humans to survive. Just because we give a bit back to the bird, only means that it was kept alive for the next hunt to keep the human alive again. No other legitimate reason.
With regards to a novice asking any question, then again I think you have it all wrong mate. I bet your house that when you started you had questions that you needed answering. The questions you may have asked are no more pressing or important than those that others have to ask. If you didnt have any to ask then I guess you must be Einstein. There are individuals who I know practice falconry and have done for almost 50 years. They will be the first to admit that they dont know it all and that they learn something new every day. Im sure that even Nick Fox, JPJ, Emma Ford, etc would admit to this if you ask them nicely.
So lets get off our high horse mate and give the novices a chance eh.
STU

[AndyYounger]

if you dont ask you dont get!Knowlage in this case. once again i have learnt something new. not very sure about it but know jonny knows. i have told me apprentice that if he is unsure, ask. what might seem silly to us could be a milestone for the beginner. lets help them make the best of what they have.

[HawkMan69UK]

stormrider i dont have a high horse.....and if you choose to spray/squirt/or do anything else to your birds feathers then thats your choicei personly would do or recoment never had the need to as my birds daily managment has not led me down that path...your right that a bop does not need are help and we are on the side lines.....and i been practicing and still learning since i was 12 now 37 ill let you do the math..now like i stated i would be more inclined for inexperienced falconers to ask more basic traininng and hawk managment than to go into a grey area....and when i give some advice its my knowledge not something i read out of anyones book....we all have are opinions so lets not say there is not one true way just variations on a theme:D

[HawkMan69UK]

rabbit hawker tell me more about your product or a web site link..?

[Pete Smith]

Rabbit hawker, you took the words from my mouth...excellent!
Pete.

[W Jenkins]

Well said BrianM

[HawkMan69UK]

to every one i just read through the post and my first post is on page 5 when i started ther was only 1 reply .. so just caught up well still of the same opionion but would like to know more on products that have been used sucesfuly and over a number of seasons:supz:

[Hacker]

Look guys and girls,
I know we all have our own ideas about what is right and wrong, acceptable practice etc.
And as Stu points out we do add a lot of appendage to a bop in order to carry out our sport, but and here is the rub,
What do you all think would happen if an anti group like Lacs etc got hold of the "we spray our birds with chemical water repellants because our sport is a green sport etc etc"
As i say we all have a choice but i feel some are digging the hole quicker than others.

[Pitbull]

The product I use is Grangers G sport( not G spot), and it lasts for about 4-6 weeks. The difference in the number of hunting days in a wet season is huge.
Maybe we should also throw out mineral and vitamin supplements, antibiotics, nylon leashes and creances, telemetry and bells as they are not natural, are birds hatched with bells on them.
I am amazed there are so many pig faced idiots on here who are not prepared to learn, but maybee I shouldn't be.
As I have said I have used the product for 5 seasons on 2 birds with only good effect.

Well as a vet you should know I would have thought.
but still not for me. On a rainy day I normally get 3 - 4 hrs with my MHH
But on a rainy day I dont really go out to hunt, but mainly to fly.

[MattSpar]

Why am I seeing more posts about improving how the bird is built? If it is raining, why don't you just stay home and spend time with your girlfriend or wife?

Now you MUST be joking!

[Midge]

I hear Barbour are bringing out a whole new range of waxed jackets specifically for birds of prey .they'll even match the falconers !!!!!!!!!
i might be a newbie myself .but ***** !, nikwax on a bloody bird .........is the bird a stuffed one ?

[Neanderthal]

Hi Stormrider,
sorry cant work out how to highlight bits of your text but.....
Falconry is all to do with nature (which is different from being natural) It is as close as any field-sport can get to nature. It is also natural given that the bird doesn't give a proverbial whether it is wearing furniture or telemetry or telephone nos or whatever. It is out there to chase to kill to eat. The only unnatural part of falconry is the circumstance in which it is practised.
I.E. Man attempting to do some advanced bird watching whilst attempting to exercise some control over something which is only marginally controllable.
It isn't Formula 1 racing or trying to make what you have better by any kind of subterfuge. It is about: here is the bird - here is the rabbit/whatever - here is the weather - what to do - what if it goes wrong? Your shout...

[RabbitHawker]

If we were meant to fly natural birds why are we flying foreign birds not designed for our weather, and why are hybrids so popular if it's not about improvement.
Still a lot of people out there incapable of rational thought and original ideas I think.

[Hacker]

Nobody seems to have realised that Nikwax spray on is sold as a permanent coating?

[StormRider]

Hi Stormrider,
sorry cant work out how to highlight bits of your text but.....
Falconry is all to do with nature (which is different from being natural) It is as close as any field-sport can get to nature. It is also natural given that the bird doesn't give a proverbial whether it is wearing furniture or telemetry or telephone nos or whatever. It is out there to chase to kill to eat. The only unnatural part of falconry is the circumstance in which it is practised.
I.E. Man attempting to do some advanced bird watching whilst attempting to exercise some control over something which is only marginally controllable.
It isn't Formula 1 racing or trying to make what you have better by any kind of subterfuge. It is about: here is the bird - here is the rabbit/whatever - here is the weather - what to do - what if it goes wrong? Your shout...
Well uve stumped me on this one. I believe that what you have just said is a total agreement of what I previously said. Nothing different.
For the record, please agree that as I said previously, I have tried this method once and found that it wasnt right for the bird and stopped straight away. So in effect, I this means that I disagree with the practice. The only way to find out if anything works is to try it out, and it didnt work for me. Probably the same way when I tried using post perches and found that they are the best thing since sliced bread.
STU

[Jackson]

nope cant say ive ever herd of anyone using it where i am! howd it work, i mean our birds, ok spoilt il admit, dont fly in the wet. ive always thought they got water logged and soaked so couldnt fly that well so was better for them to stay dry! and its not nice for us lol. but havnt herd of this waterproof wax stuff? hows it work again? and whered you hear of it etc?

[johnny abbott]

your kidding ! right?
no not kidding and a reply to u is this all i ever read on most of your threads or replies is so negative it must be really hard to be a perfect falconer.never meet one myself in the 24yrs that i have being practacing falcony i was not talking about the spray and after talking to n .fox about nikwax for your information all u do is dilute the paste in warm water mix well then dip ur birds wings and tail in and quess what it is not toxic to the bird .but if u dont believe me speak to the man ur self oh sorry no point as you will probably know a lot more on the subject anyway.

[HawkMan69UK]

no not kidding and a reply to u is this all i ever read on most of your threads or replies is so negative it must be really hard to be a perfect falconer.never meet one myself in the 24yrs that i have being practacing falcony i was not talking about the spray and after talking to n .fox about nikwax for your information all u do is dilute the paste in warm water mix well then dip ur birds wings and tail in and quess what it is not toxic to the bird .but if u dont believe me speak to the man ur self oh sorry no point as you will probably know a lot more on the subject anyway. hello johny i think we will have to agree to disagree on this one mate every one has there own ideas and unlike mr fox a lot of us dont have umpteen birds we can practice on there are many things he does that i would not entertain... he is very kwoledgable gentleman but there probebly people of the same standing as his who would not use this method ...

[johnny abbott]

hello johny i think we will have to agree to disagree on this one mate every one has there own ideas and unlike mr fox a lot of us dont have umpteen birds we can practice on there are many things he does that i would not entertain... he is very kwoledgable gentleman but there probebly people of the same standing as his who would not use this method ...
hello hawkman yes you a right in what u say but the question i asked in my opinion was perfectly legit i do not know of anyone personly who uses anything to waterproof there bird but all i needed to know is if anyone did and to what affect it had if any

[Jackson]

also do U really want to go out in the rain!!!! i find it horrible enough with my dog, walking in the rain! its nice for like 15mins then you get soaked, cold and jus want to go back! and what happens if your birds is misbehaving then you get just as wet!
im not being selfish but if you then get a cold from this you wont want to go out for a bit and the bird doesnt get flown! ok this is a little ott but i cant see what good comes out of flying in the rain!

[HawkMan69UK]

hello hawkman yes you a right in what u say but the question i asked in my opinion was perfectly legit i do not know of anyone personly who uses anything to waterproof there bird but all i needed to know is if anyone did and to what affect it had if anywell people who have used it mate some say yes others no its one of those that you have to try cheers

[Pitbull]

no not kidding and a reply to u is this all i ever read on most of your threads or replies is so negative it must be really hard to be a perfect falconer.never meet one myself in the 24yrs that i have being practacing falcony i was not talking about the spray and after talking to n .fox about nikwax for your information all u do is dilute the paste in warm water mix well then dip ur birds wings and tail in and quess what it is not toxic to the bird .but if u dont believe me speak to the man ur self oh sorry no point as you will probably know a lot more on the subject anyway.


what one are you on about as I use the 1 for TECH WASH the machine and TX.DIRECT one for goretex and both of them have warnings..... not too be taken internally,....and....avoid contact with skin.oh and TENT & GEAR PROOF

though on the same label it also says
uses non propellant gases,
non toxic,environmentally safe.

[Bill]

here here.
would you spray yourself in silicone, and then lick it off for the next couple of weeks.

No, but people stick it in their tits and ****s!

[RabbitHawker]

Some serious falconers don't want to miss a day in the season, so getting out on wet days gets quarry in the bag and the bird fit. We've had a dry season this year, but last one was wet. I like to get at least 90 days in the season, so I cannot afford to be picky about the waether, but there are plenty of fair weather falconers out there if that's your thing.

[Barbary Boy]

Some serious falconers don't want to miss a day in the season, so getting out on wet days gets quarry in the bag and the bird fit. We've had a dry season this year, but last one was wet. I like to get at least 90 days in the season, so I cannot afford to be picky about the waether, but there are plenty of fair weather falconers out there if that's your thing.
OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH

[Cyclone]

started readin this thread but meh,got bord half way thru but i wouldnt personally use any aresols on a bird that i didnt know were safe for them, but thats my opinion
cyclone

[Hawkmaster]

MOVED FROM BOOKS???

[Bill]

started readin this thread but meh,got bord half way thru but i wouldnt personally use any aresols on a bird but thats my opinion
cyclone

Mite Spray?

[FlameHairedFalconer]

I saw a lanner which had been treated with, what I believe was silicone spray, shortly after Nick Fox's book came out. It had a lovely greasy patch on its back :x

Having seen this, I personally wouldnt use anything other than the hawks natural waterproofing, the chances of getting it wrong are too high IMO.

FHF

[StormRider]

Right Johnny Abbott - it seems that you have had a mixed response on this one. I have given you my experience with this method based on practice and I didn't really like it. I did also find that some feathers across the back area seemed to thicken up with the spray even though I sprayed equal amounts.
Like I say I have not used it since and never will again. My own decision as I felt that the bird was more hindered.
Have you come to a decision of your own yet on this one?
Just out of interest, where did you first hear of this practice?
STU

[Kevin Massey]

rabbit hawker tell me more about your product or a web site link..?


Is this the stuff?

http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/465-14912

[As The Falcon Her Bells]

I think I read something Dr Nick Fox wrote about useing a waterproofing spray on his Northumberland crow hawking trips- for the falcons not the falconers.
Altai.

All feathers burned on a falcon during these kind of experiments, even been told one falcon died.

[Shaun Byrne]

How about a drop of Zipwax, wash and wax carwash in the bath:supz: :lol:

[Dshaw]

Now please dont get me wrong. I am a practicing falconer, but I certainly do not suffer from any illusions thinking that what I am doing has anything to do with nature. Because it doesnt.
STU


I think your failing to appreciate mans place within nature itself. Everything that comes naturally is intertwined in nature. It is natural for man to manipulate and modify his environment and everything within it to his advantage no matter how uncomfortable that may sit with you. Therefore falconry is natural, if you dissagree with this then you should define your understanding of nature and everything that comes naturally taking into account all the complexities of ecology and all natural sciences.

In relation to the thread IMHO spraying any bird with silicone is not something I would ever practice. :roll:

[Greg]

If you can't stand the heat stay away from the fire! If you can't stand the water stay away from the rain! Why not use petrol that would make the water run off, and then if you go lamping just add a match! (Best of both worlds)! Most birds have quite good water repellent qualities but if we use birds from different climates we must expect there to be differences including water resistance. Personally I don't want to spend hours in the rain and I don't really know many falconers that do. Most falconers manage to shelter their hawks from the worst of the weather using their body but it really does come to the point where its time to pack up and visit the local pub!
Greg

[Bill]

. . . . . Most falconers manage to shelter their hawks from the worst of the weather using their body but it really does come to the point where its time to pack up and visit the local pub!
Greg

there are plenty of good hawking days where the ground is wet and the first fllight you have with a HH means wet wings and tail and much impaired flying ability. Silicon is pretty inert but it is the volatile carrier that is the problem.

There must be a natural oil that could be used for this.

[Bill]

If we were meant to fly natural birds why are we flying foreign birds not designed for our weather, and why are hybrids so popular if it's not about improvement.
Still a lot of people out there incapable of rational thought and original ideas I think.

And to continue, we use:
telemetry
Bells
We file the birds beak
feed day old chicks
use drugs
anaethstetic (Sprout help - spelling)
food additives
etc
etc

why not waterproofing?

If there was a safe way to aid waterproofing why should we not use it.
We have pages of opinion here when all it really comes down to is, that nobody knows of a recomended and truly safe product.

When we do have one I expect most of the dissenters on this topic will happily be using it.

[Mikey]

well i dont know about the rest of you but i am getting sick and tired of all these posts by folk who
A,, have got a bird but dont know what it eats
B,, have got abird but dont have anywhere to keep it
c,, can i cover it in wax so it doesnt get wet

the list goes on and on and on

i mean some of the questions are just common sense
the sooner we have a licencing system the better

Yeah...great.BUT until then we will always have people who wish to get into falconry/become an austringer.If the people that know dont want to share their knowledge then thats up to them,because of that a few more birds might suffer but what the hell ....we know what we're doing so **** the newbies!!!
We all had to start somewhere......If you cant/wont help then just keep yer trap shut ffs.All you do is drive the new guys away and undoubtably birds will suffer for this somewhere along the line.
You people that have the knowledge should stand up and make a difference.All the name calling n slagging just reminds me of the juvenile dope heads i see in town each weekend.If your knowledge is so great prove it.Think of it as helping the birds...not the new owners.

[GregMik]

Yeah...great.BUT until then we will always have people who wish to get into falconry/become an austringer.If the people that know dont want to share their knowledge then thats up to them,because of that a few more birds might suffer but what the hell ....we know what we're doing so **** the newbies!!!
We all had to start somewhere......If you cant/wont help then just keep yer trap shut ffs.All you do is drive the new guys away and undoubtably birds will suffer for this somewhere along the line.
You people that have the knowledge should stand up and make a difference.All the name calling n slagging just reminds me of the juvenile dope heads i see in town each weekend.If your knowledge is so great prove it.Think of it as helping the birds...not the new owners.

Mike,

That post was over a yr old and that person is no longer a member of the forum.

Greg

[Mount2C]

and dont you have a licsence system there in great britain?!
anyone can just buy??? thats absurd...

[Mikey]

Mike,

That post was over a yr old and that person is no longer a member of the forum.

Greg

Cool...i realise that...just had to say sumat..There's plenty of other threads i could apply it to and will!!

[LongVVing]

I recall seeing a tv program (It may have been Emma Ford) which showed someone using a plastic type mini raincoat on there falcon whilst carrying him around a moor hooded on a wet day. I guess the idea of this type of waterproofing for use in between flights etc.. is a good way of extending flying on a wet day. I personally wouldnt use any spray on my birds though.

Mark

[Bill]

I recall seeing a tv program (It may have been Emma Ford) which showed someone using a plastic type mini raincoat on there falcon whilst carrying him around a moor hooded on a wet day. I guess the idea of this type of waterproofing for use in between flights etc.. is a good way of extending flying on a wet day. I personally wouldnt use any spray on my birds though.

Mark

So you migh use a mini raincoat, so why would you not use a spray if it was proven as safe and effective?