Before getting a hunting bird

[KillaZ_Eyes]

One thing that Ihave noticed, is that some people have both Owls and what I call a hunting bord (HH/RT etc).

To get the experience needed to own and fly a HH would people recommend starting with an Owl? Im not saying they are easier to look after, but less chance of losing as you dont tend to fly them at prey in the field. Again, I am not looking to jump the gun and get a bird, but I am starting to plan my year, which will start with plans for the aviaries etc.

Any thoughts on this?

[The New Kid]

Isnt raising an owl somewhat different to raising a hunting bird? Sure, it might get your awareness of the basics up - but when it comes to getting a "hunting bird", you'll feel more confident using techniques you used with the owl, and perhaps make mistakes with the new bird? From waht i've heard, its best to wait until you're pretty sure you know what you're doing, and starting with one of them hunting birds... If you've done your homework you should be fine :D

Greg

[KillaZ_Eyes]

some good points, I was just pondering the idea.. I agree that a HH would be completely different once out of the cage, and really having an owl was more to get the experience with the real basics of feeding, cleaning and training.. These skills are then used on the HH etc later on..

Tim

[The New Kid]

If you want those skills, theres no point just getting an owl for a year or two then passing it on - those are all pretty basic skills, you could perhaps find a centre nearby to volutneer at for weekends, or a mentor to teach you thosr things - imho, theres no point buying the owl just to learn the basics if you're going to pass it on to someone else - or maybe see if you can do a 5 day course or the likes! (Might be expensive, but it'd be cheaper than buying and raising an owl just to learn these things!) Just my opinion mind ;)

Greg

[Ben C]

What happens to the owl once its been 'used'. :wink:

[The New Kid]

Yeah, thats what I was thinking... it would just be passed on to someoen else, as I doubt as someone somewhat new to the sport you'd have the time and skill to be able to keep and fly both birds regularly enough... And if anything went wrong, you could get yourself a bad name when you try to pass the owl on!

Greg

[Saker-Clive]

Tim, find a falconer/austringer close by to where you are, see if there is a club in your area and go down that route. If you can get to going out with someone close then you will learn a lot that way. You know your welcome anytime to come out with me but I know it's a fair way to travel just for a couple of hours.

I think that yesterday has really given you the bug big time:supz: which is good but there is a lot more planning to get done first;) . You said your going to move if I remember; so its not worth building and enclosure where you are, just to take it down and start again in a new place. All the birds need the same when it comes to manning and training etc. but for hunting, the birds obviously needs a different way of training to get it used to it's quarry.

[Ben C]

lot of people have an owl and a HH...thats not the issue...they have them for seperate reasons. But an owl is not really an option to help train a HH, it may up to a point but it won't help with flight style, dispatch, motivation, fitness, imping, health, the moult etc etc

[Tim Laycock]

You wont learn a great deal about how to manage and maintain a hunting bird from keeping an owl!

Owls are a whole different ball game to diurnal raptors and are not and should not be used as a learning tool.

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Hmmm, now youve got me thinking.. What ever birds I end up with will be for the duration, and not handed down to others, but you raise a very valid point, that would I or anyone new to the sport be able to keep and give 'both' birds what they needed when the upgrade to a HH lets say happens. This is why I asked the question initially, as from my standpoint, wanting to get things right is of upmost importance.

Thanks for the answers etc, just wanted to see others thoughts on this.

Tim

[Ben C]

Listen to Clive......he makes sense...as does Blackbird.

[The New Kid]

Im confused... upgrade from an owl to a harris?

Thats like upgrading from a car to a motorbike :P It barely helps that you can drive the car, chances are you're going to bail off the motorbike anyway :P
And sorry for the **** analogy there :P

Greg

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Wow, in the time it took me to reply, 2 more posts pop up :-)

I know what your saying Clive, and as I have mentioned before, i will not be getting 'any' birds for at least a year, probably longer if I am honest with myself. The thread was more of what was goingthrough my head, and wanted to see what everyone thought.. You have all given me the answers I need.. DO NOT DO IT :supz: Yor right about the bug, and you know I will take all the advice I can from everyone.. My real plan at the moment is to get down as a Vollie somewhere, but there is no rush.. TRavle has never bothered me either, as the company pay for my fuel :-D so happy to travel anywhere to get the right experience.

Tim

[The New Kid]

Ahah, free petrol :P Thats always good :D i'd set up a post in which ever of the forums you post in to find people locally, tomsee if anmyone would be willing to take you out for a days hunting - lots of people buying birds this time of year, you might even get to see someone train one...

Greg

[KillaZ_Eyes]

Clive is an hour away and has already offered to take me out with him (thanks Clive). My birthday is at the end of the month, and the missus is taking me out for a day at a centre (probably in the New Forrest) I havent decided yet.. I want to get out and meet as many people as possible, as the friendships that grow from these meets will only help in the future.. I am also going down to my local club (Home Counties) when they next meet after a great chat with the chairman, so lots happening

Tim

[The New Kid]

Ahh, goodgood! SO you have plenty of opportunity for experience and to learn the basics then ;) So theres probably nay need to start with an owl, if you put the time in! :D Better luck than me, i've been searching for o'er a year for someone nearby to help me get some experience... just got an opportunity now! :D

Greg

[GregMik]

Moved out of General Falconry Talk...........