proving HH is safe enough for military housing

[HardHousedJ0]

I'm going to sound like a retard, but here it goes...
I'm about to move into Base housing and, when I'm ready, I want to have a MHH. I have to write a letter to the base commander proving that they're safe, IE.. not going to damage the facility, not going to attack people, and not going to scream constantly (which I can't prove :? ) We all know it's not going to be a problem, but I have to convince a non-falconer of the same thing in a letter. Any thoughts on the best way this can be accomplished would be great.
Jason

[Mr_Colin]

Yeah get them invited to a local Falconry Centre. I had to do the same at the RAF Base I am at. I spoke to the local centre where I did my cources and they arranged for a free 2 hours session for the base commanders and a few others. Once they get to feed a HH on the fist they will soon realise they are,in the right hands, a lovely bird. They will also have the so called experts on hand to answer questions.

This all worked for me and I can now hunt on the airfield during the times the runway is closed.

I hope this helps

Colin

[Osiris]

I take it you don't hav the HH yet?

[HardHousedJ0]

not yet osiris, not quite ready yet. Still need to build and acquire more necessities... scale, portable perch, etc... I'm working weekends at a raptor centre, so I might just invite him, that's a great idea.

[Mr_Colin]

I've been to Alconbury, it would be great hunting ground. If your boss has issues getting to the centre will help to give him a better understanding.

[Shaun Byrne]

HHDJ, I fly on 4 active airfields in Lincolnshire. I had to do a risk assessment for each one and put all details in writing. By far the best way is as MR C says, get them some hands on. I volunteered to do a free display on Families day on the camps, this was far more convincing than any letter.

[HardHousedJ0]

The biggest problem that the base seems to have with it, they say it's a "wild" animal. They don't recognise the difference between wild and tame, they just see "bird that kills animals". They're mostly worried about human safety and damage to government housing. Like I always say, ignorance breeds fear and fear breeds hatred.
Jason

[Mr_Colin]

You never know, my bosses were so interested they help me apply and win a bid for funding to convert some un-used dog kennels on camp. £1000 later and I was able to get my bird a year before I had originally planned. It's worth asking.

[Shaun Byrne]

Last time I was at at Alconbury there wasn't a lot of stuff left to damage :D

[Newbie FHH]

Hi

Hope you don't mind me hijacking this thread a little. I was wondering something similar myself in that how do you convince the average person that a HH is not a threat to their pet rabbit. I have just spent 15 mins trying to explain to a friend that we will be flying her on fields at rabbits and things that farmers don't want on their land and not letting her fly around the house tops!!! :roll:

If there is anything on the net that you are aware of explaining that would be helpful. Thanks :)

[HardHousedJ0]

um, just don't let her rabbit out of the cage at the same time the bird is flying... I think.

[Newbie FHH]

sorry i meant the hypothetical rabbit not an actual one!!

I've been getting questions like, well where are you going to keep it? Its wild isn't it? Wont it go for pets? What about people? etc etc

I would just like to point them to something they can read to put them right. Know what I mean?

[Shaun Byrne]

sorry i meant the hypothetical rabbit not an actual one!!

I've been getting questions like, well where are you going to keep it? Its wild isn't it? Wont it go for pets? What about people? etc etc

I would just like to point them to something they can read to put them right. Know what I mean?

There's not many that would guarantee a bird is not going to nail something its not supposed to, so I wouldn't think you'll find anything of any use.

One thing we must remember as falconers is that we are dealing with a bird, that by its nature and hopefully training, wants to chase and kill things as it would do in the wild. With this in mind we must be ready for when things don't go quite to plan.

Its OK telling people that your HH is as soft as a kitten and wouldn't hurt a fly but what are you going to tell them if your bird whacks a dog or as you say, nails someones pet rabbit.

By all means assure people your bird is not a vicious man (or woman :D ) eater but always take care not to let your bird get into a situation that puts you or falconry into a bad light.

Amen :D

[Gaz]

Well put Shamus :finga:

[Wightwings]

praise be the word of the shaun..... :butthead: :wink:

[Shaun Byrne]

Well put Shamus :finga:

From you Gaz, that is the compliment to top em all 8) :D

[Shaun Byrne]

praise be the word of the shaun..... :butthead: :wink:

Thanks brother WW :supz: :finga: