Tail protectors.

[IAmTheWeasel]

I am interested in hearing what designs folks have for a tail protector and the methods of attachment they use. I am still entertaining the idea of a coops so I am exploring different options. I have access to lots of x-ray film and several people I know have used this as well as a material called Tyvek. I was told to use a velcro stip attachment to both deck feathers to hold the tail protector in place. Any idea?

[The New Kid]

Tail protectors? like, tail sheathes? Theres a description of them in emma ford's book... using a tail mount with velcro on, and attatching velcro to the sheathe is a way of attatching them

[OutFlying]

Put a hole in the top of the tail protector and it will fit over the tail bell, best and easiest method of fitting one.

[OutFlying]

photograph of tail sheath fitted and in use

[Coedhirion]

Got a cheap protector from Westweald, fastens with velcro. Took the spring clip off that's meant to go in tail mount, cut a slit. Reinforced the slit with a bit of copydex and nylon and like OutFlying, I just slip it over the bell.

[Moses]

outflying very nice mate, man thats one beautiful bird u got bud :D

[Jiff]

to tell the truth i baught a tail guard from westweald for my female harris and never used it, as all novices i'm sure, the first couple of sesions it was left behind(by accident) then comes the leaving it in the car syndrome, then you get past that by finding it it's own place to live in you're falconry bag,then you bag you're first rabbit, you're excited and determined to make the perfect move in and despatch as this is where you can make it or break it, then you sit and savour the moment, then go through the perfect pick-up, then pat you and the bird on the back,then get back to the car put the bird and gear away,head off home and then realise " i had a tail guard in me bag" by the time as a novice hunting on my own things settled down there was little point in using a tail gaurd, as she resembled a battle bitch. :lol:

[Moses]

to tell the truth i baught a tail guard from westweald for my female harris and never used it, as all novices i'm sure, the first couple of sesions it was left behind(by accident) then comes the leaving it in the car syndrome, then you get past that by finding it it's own place to live in you're falconry bag,then you bag you're first rabbit, you're excited and determined to make the perfect move in and despatch as this is where you can make it or break it, then you sit and savour the moment, then go through the perfect pick-up, then pat you and the bird on the back,then get back to the car put the bird and gear away,head off home and then realise " i had a tail guard in me bag" by the time as a novice hunting on my own things settled down there was little point in using a tail gaurd, as she resembled a battle bitch. :lol:

nice read mate :D

[Hawkmaster]

MOVED FROM GENERAL FALCONRY TALK

[GrendlesGirl]

Weasel you can get free tyvec by going to the post office and getting free priority mail envelopes!

[Wightwings]

i like the look of that guard OF but what kind of weight does it come in at?? i use the same material as you know but its its a slightly diff design and weighs 17g....also the shoulders on mine ( design taken of Gaz cheers mate) dont come up as high.....

[OutFlying]

its a weight that doesn't bother the gos.

[Matt]

whats the gos eating ? is it a crow or rook?
this gos thing is driving me crazy i wont one so bad .
iv not long moved and all the permision i get is so more suited to accipters than falcons .

[Wightwings]

mm just wondered Jim i was going to stitch some leather around the bell section on mine but was a little concerned the extra weiht would put pressure on the decks...the prob i hav found is the hole soemtimes falls over the leather plectrum and ends up sat directly on the ties if you can picture it.....thought the leather might stop that

[Jastreb]

I had Ben Longs tail guard few days ago, and his tail maunt!
I am very happy with bouth!
You just cut 2cm cross shaped hole and thats it!
If you want to fly a goss you need one, befor this guard I had 5 impings!
Cheers Jastreb

[Wightwings]

hi Jas......my birds had one on from the first day but for a variety of reason all is tips are shot...very naffed off about it so when going i may have to have an imping session.....

[OutFlying]

mm just wondered Jim i was going to stitch some leather around the bell section on mine but was a little concerned the extra weiht would put pressure on the decks...the prob i hav found is the hole soemtimes falls over the leather plectrum and ends up sat directly on the ties if you can picture it.....thought the leather might stop that

The opening covered by leather only just lets the bell through, it will not allow the plectrum through. Used for many seasons - no feather damage whislt tethered or on a kill ever (if fitted).

JIm.

[Wightwings]

cheers jim i'll get the needle and thread out then:rolleyes: :)

[Harris]

Hi folks, just a quick question about tail guards. If the bird is wearing it whilst out hunting, how does it affect the flight, as the bird can't use its tail to hit the breaks etc. :confused:

[HawkMan69UK]

Hi folks, just a quick question about tail guards. If the bird is wearing it whilst out hunting, how does it affect the flight, as the bird can't use its tail to hit the breaks etc. :confused: you are joking arnt ya :lol:

[Harris]

you are joking arnt ya :lol:

PMSL :lol:

[Tim Laycock]

Document folder from Asda (Wallmart)
Velcro from the same.

Cost next to nothing :supz:

I use this method of attachment (Keyhole) as opposed to to a large hole because it is such flimsy material but after all its only to stop the train from opening.

[OutFlying]

Hi folks, just a quick question about tail guards. If the bird is wearing it whilst out hunting, how does it affect the flight, as the bird can't use its tail to hit the breaks etc. :confused:

April the first was last month :lol:

[Harris]

April the first was last month :lol:


I slept late :lol:

[Bird_Dog]

Hi Weasel,

It's getting close to the time to take an eyass, don't you think?! Chris and I found a nest last Saturday. Well it was mostly him finding it. I'm going to check the nest again today. They should be hatching any day! Have you decided if you want a tiercel or female? By-the-way I'm not going the THA picnic... need to work.

-- BIRD_DOG

[Jimmy]

Noel,
One of my dogs cut his leg pretty bad last week. He kept chewing the stitches so now he's wearing a plastic "lamp shade" from the vet. It's made from some type of clear plastic. I plan to make a tail guard out of it. Should work great. If you know any vets, see if they'll give you one. It's a lot thicker than x-ray film or tyvek and should pretty much last forever.

[IAmTheWeasel]

Hey Bird Dog, Sorry to hear your not going to the picnic/ camp out this weekend....I know the feeling as I may still not go due to work....If I don't go, we need to swill a few beers at Freds sometime!. I am now not taking a coops as I have taken on another Harris's hawk. He is an immy passage bird that Roger had and no longer wanted. I will be using him for bird control in the downtown FT Worth area along with several other falconers. I think Chris is still planning on taking Bob to put in a breeding project, so I am entertaining the idea of pulling an eyass Kestrel to do some sparrow hawking around my job site this summer......Know of any Kes nests around?
Jimmy, The only thing I would worry about with that material is that it is heavy and could cause the bird to become "annoyed" with it. I made one out of x-ray film for now, but I will not need it as I have this other Harris instead of the Coops now.
Cheers,
Weasel