Male or Female Harris?

[Sarkee]

As a beginner, does it matter whether I get a male or female HH, do their temperaments vary with gender at all, is either easier to train or make more succesful hunters?
Also, does anyone know of any reputable breeders in the Kent area?

[Hawkmaster]

I would say NO, but I am sure you will get more in depth answers as to why one is better than the other. I find no difference at all in their natures or behaviour, except to the size of quarry, but then even that has been proven can be debunked too.

[Shaun Byrne]

I would advise any beginner to start with a decent size male. I find the males temperament to be pretty consistent throughout their lives. Females on the other hand do seem to get a bit moody after a couple of years and a few get downright nasty. This can be handled easily with a bit of experience and in the field they are normally ok as they have something to ocupy their minds.

The important thing is that you have the nesesary field craft to get your bird, male or female, entered as soon as possible. In my opinion THIS is what makes a bird good or bad.

[Sarkee]

Thanks for the info.

[Claire]

I would say a male I think they generally have good temperaments and although females may be able to catch bigger prey the males tend to be quicker and often more sucsessful

[Hawkmaster]

Females on the other hand do seem to get a bit moody after a couple of years and a few get downright nasty.

The newbie should be able to handle it after that period and therefore would overcome a new challenge instead of getting a new bird?

[ColdZero]

i don't think it matters personally. Unless you get a very small male when you might it might have trouble with larger quarry. Also, don't waste your money buying a 'superior' bird.

[Sarkee]

I've found one breeder in kent so far "Kentish Falconry". They sell superior HH, £350 males and £500 females, is this an average sort of price for HH? I haven't found aanywhere else in this area yet, I might have to travel a bit.

[Shaun Byrne]

Cough!! How much?

[Shaun Byrne]

"Superior" to what??

Big male, small female, you know it makes sense!!

[Sean]

calm down about that h4wka for god sake lol

[Sarkee]

I assume that's expensive then? lol. Its just the only breeder i've found so far. What sort of price should i expect to pay?

[Renton]

£250 for a male and £350 for a female are the average prices for a Harris straight from the aviary.

[Sarkee]

I will definitely have to shop around then. Thanks Renton.

[Falconry Equipment International]

Try IBR,( their yellow pages type directory is good avlue for money, with useful articles as well as most of the well known, breeders, eqt providrs etc etc) you should find loads of breeders of HH these days, as Renton says £250 for a male and £350 for a females are fair prices, however it is important that you get a a recommendation for a breeder if you can
J

[Sarkee]

Looked on the IBR directory, found some breeders, thanks SJ. Just need to find people that have used them now, see if I can get some recommendations.

[Falconry Equipment International]

Sorry what I should have said as well is also don't nec go for the most convenient breeder, ie georgraphicly etc
J

[Sarkee]

Thanks again. I've just realized I can send away for an up-to-date copy. LOL. I must read things properly.