View Full Version : Free lofting problems
I free lofted my harris for the first time tonight, since hes been free lofted all he has been doing is scream scream scream. and hes also sitting on the perch in the rain instead of the perch under cover lol. any tips?
Shaun Byrne
19-10-2005, 09:00 PM
I free lofted my harris for the first time tonight, since hes been free lofted all he has been doing is scream scream scream. and hes also sitting on the perch in the rain instead of the perch under cover lol. any tips?
Put him back on the bow.
Why are you free lofting him?
because all he can see on the bow is 3 and a half walls, dont think it would be right to leave him at that. also thought that maybe he would be a bit fitter being free lofted
Kanati
19-10-2005, 09:02 PM
the screaming is a bit odd if hes not done it before??? as for the sitting in the rain...thats because they are not as birght as people think :D If its raining I go and put them under cover once it gets dark. Make sure the highest perch is inside...thats the one they will want to sleep on.
ohh and also because the cold nights are starting to come in, was a touch on ground frost last week, and some expected for sunday
hes been screaming beofre, but only when he hears me open the back door or so
MickeyDredd
19-10-2005, 10:05 PM
I free lofted my harris for the first time tonight, since hes been free lofted all he has been doing is scream scream scream. and hes also sitting on the perch in the rain instead of the perch under cover lol. any tips?
Sean
Sorry I cant remember what stage you are at with your hawk, is it flying free yet, has it been entered yet, is it killing regularly?
From memory it is a 2005 hawk so like Hawka I believe it should not be free-lofted yet. If the design of your aviary is not suitable for a bowed hawk then it should be changed. If it is suitably designed frost should also not be a problem.
If he screamed on the bow perch there is no reason why he would stop by being free-lofted - the perch is not the cause of the screaming.
With regard to rain, harrises absolutely love sitting out in it - even if you do provide them with a bath.
Tim Laycock
19-10-2005, 10:32 PM
I would not free loft a hawk until it is entered.
i was thinking that maybe he was bored and thats why he was screaming, and having things to look at would stop it. no hes not entered yet
HunterPaul
20-10-2005, 08:48 AM
get him back on a bow and get him entered...
Would putting black polthemye over the front maybe stop it? i really dont want to tether him again.do use think he will quiet down after a kill or 2?
Kanati
20-10-2005, 01:20 PM
not a kill or two...no. A kill or 10 or 15 or more, hopefully!...but no promises
HunterPaul
20-10-2005, 02:45 PM
i dont understand ...if you put black polythene over the front surely this negates your reason for freelofting him...which as I understand..is he cant see anything but three walls...
Dave G
20-10-2005, 02:57 PM
:) sean you will have to get used to the screaming as they dont stop over night might take a year who knows so go down the gun shop wait for it and buy some ear muffs:) who knows what makes harris hawks vocal but this seems to be a big issue at the moment with the newbies who have got themselfs a new hawk as its something that should have been discussed before getting a hawk
Kanati
20-10-2005, 03:13 PM
:) who knows what makes harris hawks vocal but this seems to be a big issue at the moment with the newbies who have got themselfs a new hawk as its something that should have been discussed before getting a hawk
The books you read and things you get told, all say the Harris can be a bit vocal... 'A bit vocal' is the odd call for food now and again... or the little cheeping noise they make when they are content. If you do a good job, thats what you can expect from your harris hawk.
If you have done it before or are lucky...you avoide the little things that can start them screaming. Routines...too much food from the glove early on...etc... but all the really little things that not every one knows about dont get found out about because... 'the course didn't mention that'. or 'thats not in the book Ive got!' etc... So i think the issue is that the harris hawk can be a lot more vocal then the average newbie was expecting.
They make a flying start, day2 bird feeds on fist. day 3 flew 2metres. day 4 flew 20. then 50metres. Day7 bird starts screaming..... Day 10 (ears bleeding from the noise) start a new thred on forum... My hawk wont shut up - can anyone help!
This is a good reason to have a falconer about who can walk you through and advise you constantly when you get your first hawk.
HunterPaul
20-10-2005, 04:16 PM
well said that man....
Tim Laycock
20-10-2005, 04:22 PM
indeed!
Cant fault that post.
Harris110773
20-10-2005, 04:42 PM
i have one thing to ask and that is what is free lofting
HunterPaul
20-10-2005, 05:14 PM
instead of having the bird bowed down...(tied to the bowperch) it is left to fly free in the mews...( place it is kept)..Often called a loft...hence the term free lofting.... hope this helps harris230891756`6339-565637853476354`36891347546535545435435827639-7....
you dont ask you dont learn is my phylosophy...how do you spell phylosophy.... is that right ...
Harris110773
20-10-2005, 05:59 PM
i havent got a clue i was told if it looks right it must be right. i always thought flying rats were kept in a loft not birds of prey
Shaun Byrne
20-10-2005, 06:57 PM
Cant fault your post either Kanati but all the advice you mentioned WAS available, on here. I know people have to learn their own way sometimes but listening at the right time can save a lot of heartache later.
Quote: Hawka:
So you got your bird at last
It sounds like its going real well but here are a few things you might want to consider.
1. Start skinning your chicks so you dont have to worry about casting.
2. Feed 2 washed chicks instead of one unwashed. This will give your bird a feeling of being a bit more satisfied at each feed.
3. It sounds like you are getting into a bit of a routine i.e. Into mews, man for a few minutes and feed off fist. IMO you are possibly heading for trouble(noise). vary your routine, man for say half an hour and hide the chicks so he can eat when you have left.
4. Stop feeding in his mews, this is a sure way to start him vocalising.
5. Try and let him start seeing things from a distance, like your sister The things that scare him now might scare him for the rest of his life so be very careful when introducing him to dogs etc.
Not being critical mate, these are all mistakes I have made when I started so hopefully you dont have to.
All the best.
__________________
The sight of a Hawk in flight-Priceless
h4wka i took in all ur advice, and used alot of it, as i told u before. Ive appreciated every bit of help i have been given on the forum. Guys i do have a friend who is helping me along the training, and i have read books and learnt alot, been out hawking. but its all different when you get you own bird, he seems to be quiet tonight as i gave him alot of fluff with his food, with yolk , so i guess he feels really full up.
OutFlying
20-10-2005, 10:00 PM
h4wka i took in all ur advice, and used alot of it, as i told u before. Ive appreciated every bit of help i have been given on the forum. Guys i do have a friend who is helping me along the training, and i have read books and learnt alot, been out hawking. but its all different when you get you own bird, he seems to be quiet tonight as i gave him alot of fluff with his food, with yolk , so i guess he feels really full up.
Sean,
Usually if someone gives a detailed training method, follow all the advice - if you miss or change small details the outcome can be vastly different.
Why is your hawk still unentered, its now nearly November ?
Jim.
well im had him nearly 5 weeks now, and for the last 2 weeks hes been chasing but not catching, on saturday there rabbits bolted very cleanly, and even a few oyung rabbits, but the wind was against us. im sure ill have him entered by the end of the week
OutFlying
20-10-2005, 11:05 PM
good luck,Sean
instead of having the bird bowed down...(tied to the bowperch) it is left to fly free in the mews...( place it is kept)..Often called a loft...hence the term free lofting.... hope this helps harris230891756`6339-565637853476354`36891347546535545435435827639-7....
you dont ask you dont learn is my phylosophy...how do you spell phylosophy.... is that right ...
Philosophy
Wightwings
09-01-2006, 07:55 PM
easy for you to say:rolleyes: :lol:
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