Starting from scratch

[Wetherbyfalconer]

Hi everyone,
Firstly I think this forum is first rate and very amussing:lol: reading some of the posts!

We have finally moved into our own house and am now in a position to take up my much loved and admired hobby:supz: . As the name suggests I live in Wetherby in West Yorkshire. I have loads of questions and hope not to repeat too many already answered! Is there a Falconer near me who would be willing to mentor me? I have some experiance but not much :roll: and would like to do things the right way! Below is a pic of my back garden at the moment and would like some advise on weatherings. Design, size & materials. Time is not much of a problem as i don't expect to get my first BOP till early next year. I would appreciate everyones input as I keep getting mixed advise on weatherings as people tell me what works best for them.

Hope someone lives near who's willing to be teacher!!!
P.s. I will be joining Northern Falconry Club shortly!!!

[Ben C]

Use the whole of the length of the fence and right out to the path...also get a ****ing HUGE gun to kill the junkies that think it is good to come and seal your hawk over that larch lap. :supz:

[GoodFooter]

early next year worst time to train a BOP.....just before or as the season starts is the best time as BOP will be significantly easier to enter. Welcome though:D

[Ben C]

Goodfooter is right (mmmmm gotta stop agreeing with him:oops: )...this is my mews......Not perfect, but it works, also I have 'lost' the stupid camo hat. :supz:

http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/gallery/browseimages.php?c=9

[Moses]

nice garden mate

[Wetherbyfalconer]

Thanks for the quick responce!

Have no fear, that larch lap will be getting sorted! Apparently need to leave space for something called decking???? :confused: (so says the wife!) Was thinking of using the whole back fence! out to about 12 feet.....:lol:

[Ben C]

Bottom line: Bigger the better...so long as the hawk cannot get up to speed and clatter itself on the mesh.

Others may have a different outlook......as I am not an expert.:supz:

[GoodFooter]

before you build ...what bird were you planning on? makes sence to build a set up to suit the bird....and the bird to suit your land...so what are you flying over at what quarry?
Rob

[Wetherbyfalconer]

HI,
I'll be flying them over a race course, abondoned railway lines and farmland... Main quarry will be rabbits, crows, magies and pigeons with some pheasants possible..... Would love to own a pere but was thinking of a M/FHH or a red tail to start with...... Would love to own one of each! but think the wife might object as she wants a small owl!:D

[GoodFooter]

sounds like you have your land sorted asuming you have permission...I'D spend the next season getting use to the lie of the land checking for hot spots...and trying to get some days out with other falconry folk and there birds. That way you will have a better idea of what each bird can do first hand...Then once you have decided you could build your 'housing' to suit the bird you were going to fly. and decide if you want to go the longwing route or the broadwing. If your ultimate aim is to fly a peregrine you may wish to start with a lanner and skip the harris / redtail . ( probably get shot down for saying it!) but I would very strongly advise getting a bird to start hunting at the beggining of the season.....your life will be 100 time easier and sucess 100 times greater ....you just need to read the threads on here to see all the problems caused by starting a bird late in the season when most quarry will be strong & experienced......good luck
Rob

[AmateurAustringer]

Get along to the NEFC mate they will help you out.

www.northernenglandfalconryclub.co.uk

[Tim Laycock]

Come along for a chat, we will get it sorted 8-)

[Kevin Massey]

Thanks for the quick responce!

Have no fear, that larch lap will be getting sorted! Apparently need to leave space for something called decking???? :confused: (so says the wife!) Was thinking of using the whole back fence! out to about 12 feet.....:lol:

looks like 5 fencing panels @ 6 ft = 30 foot by 12 foot....you could get a cracking mews/weathering and even a weigh room....and the envy of a few:supz:

[buzzbee]

[QUOTE=Ben C]Goodfooter is right (mmmmm gotta stop agreeing with him:oops: )...this is my mews......Not perfect, but it works, also I have 'lost' the stupid camo hat. :supz:

http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/gallery/browseimages.php?c=9

This isnt ot to do with this thread but thats looks a stunning hh Ben.

[Wetherbyfalconer]

Really need to get some idea of sizes as want to construct it with a weigh room in the middle..... Arranged in an L shape along the back fence and down the right side. Want to be able to keep two bops and an owl but size matters!:wink:

[Trappa]

Dont rush in to building the aviary, i did and after a season knocked it down and started again! You should get a weighing room,enclosed aviary and a decent sized weathering in that garden easily!
I live between middlesbrough and whitby, its a bit of a drive but you would be more than welcome to join me in the upcoming season if you wish.

[Trappa]

Weighing room doesnt need to be that big, 6-8,enclosed aviary about 10-8, weathering as big as you like !?!

[Wetherbyfalconer]

Thanks for the offer to join you this season, will certainly take you up on it! :) Don't mind driving any distance really as i drive for a living...

Main plan was to put an 8x6 or 10x8 shed where the slabs in the garden are then build off this along the bottom fence. Keep getting mixed messages on the sizes of the aviary and wetherings.:confused:

I guess its what works for the individual falconer.....

[Wetherbyfalconer]

Quick thanks to everyone who's pm'd and invited me to some hunting later when the season starts, looking forward to some splendid days out!!!

Thanks everyone for the advise, will post some design idea's when i work out how to post them!