Training

[graham001]

how do you train a barn owl to fly to your fist?
also how do you know when its ready to fly free?
thanks

[Rob999]

mate i really hope you've not got a bid yet!! if you have there are loadsa questions that need answering first, eg. what age is it? is it creche reared or parent reared or fully imprinted?
i'm asking this first cos if this seems perplexing then you need help!! sorry if being negative. but from my point of view .birds health comes first!!
i strongly advice urgent attendance of course and find a mentor (someone you can trust and seek advice/help from)
mate i've got no probs helping.....but you've got loads to ask and be answered.....................:-|
wish you well and keep asking, get books and read too!!

[graham001]

thanks rob :)
i havnt got her yet
shes 6 or 7 month old
all the man said was that she was hand reared
also im planning on feeding her day old chicks how many should i give her and what should i put the water in?
thanks

[FalconGriff]

Barn owls train in the same way as any other hawks but are VERY difficult to train unless hand reared. I suggest you get Falconry and Hawking by Glazier from your library and settle down for a long read The ask your questions and we will all help.

[Anstey]

lets hope your just starting to find out about our sport and are maybe planning one day to fly a bird of your own.......there are lots of books to read and questions you need to no nd ask yourself before commiting to a bird of any type....most people start out with a mentor for a few seasons to gain a better understanding and there are always people on here willing to help! wish you all the best!

[HelenG]

thanks rob :)
shes 6 or 7 month old
all the man said was that she was hand reared


Graham,
There is a difference between hand reared and a "properly" hand reared barn owl. As I saw someone else say, if its done wrong, it can be a screaming nightmare you wish you never picked up. You should maybe find out more about handling, caring for and flying a barn owl before you commit to this one. I don't know who's selling her to you, but if it wasn't done right she can seem quiet, but as soon as she gets to a flying weight will scream nonstop, and trust me, a screaming barn owl is no fun!
I would suggest you get a mentor who knows about barn owls, or chat long and hard with someone who knows barn owls and can help you learn how to chose the right one. Being a bit patient and finding out more about their care could help you become a barn owl lover and not a barn owl hater if you have a bad experience due to not being prepared.
Good luck,
Helen

[SparkleBee]

how do you train a barn owl to fly to your fist?
also how do you know when its ready to fly free?
thanks

This has to be a 'just back from the pub **** take' post?!

[graham001]

ok thanks also where can you let them fly free?
thanks

[Rabadswompe]

graham001... Do you have a mentor, someone knowledgable, to guide you as I presume this is your 1st bird and first contact with raptor training ?

Questions asked and answered over the internet will only take you so far... I encourage you to seek a mentor, get a good feel of the housing-training-feeding requirements will be.

There are a good number of "owl-people" one here and surely they will know of someone in your area. Search the threads.

Good luck in your research.