suitable cage

[Desert Eagle]

hi
I've been into falconry for a while, and after reading a couple of books, I've decided on a harris hawk. But before I take the plunge into buying, I thought I'd come online to get some expert opinions. My question on this section would be:

Is a cage made from treated OSB or marine ply with strong mesh or bars for screening suitable, and has anyone got some pictures of enclosures to share with me for Ideas? Please reply
thanks:yawinkle:

[Coedhirion]

dont use mesh unless you put bars or netlon on the inside. The bird climbs the wire and minces the feathers.

[RedNoseK9]

Hi I would say it depends on what your intentions are if you are going to keep your bird tethered on a bow and fly it regularly then you only need a mews these can be easily made from a garden shed or something along those lines if you are going to free loft then a suitable aviary should be built bamboo bars suitible door and perches etc have a think and dont hesitate to get intouch, enjoy the sport

[Shaun Byrne]

Hi, I would say that if you still think a bird of prey is housed in a "cage", you need to do some more reading and are not ready, or equipt to own one.

Just my opinion.

[JFSeaman]

Hi Desert Eagle,

So this is research for next years bird or later? Good on ya for asking now!

The debate over what first bird is endless since you made the decision, why a Harris Hawk?

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Now for the caustic part. When I make a comment, critisism or ask a question, it is so we (all of us net falconers) can help. It is not to point out faults, belittle you or discourage you. Fight back on your opinions but listen to what others say as it is usually good for your efforts in falconry, good for you and good for your bird. There are many ways to do things right and some things that are completely wrong. Oh, and I'm an american so I don't know how to take a mick on ya.

a littla about Hawka's comment:

Terminology and dialect is very important to falconers. When you use a term like "cage" in refernce to housing a falconry bird, it does worry some people who believe it is a sign that additional study is needed or that you will (sorry) polute the falconry dialect by being lazy with your choice of words. Additionally, some will also worry that if you are lazy with your falconry words you will be lazy with your care of the bird.

(yeah, some of this typing is because I am waiting for the tablets to take effect, then I'll stop drooling and gabbering)

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So to help (and anyone can correct me if I get it wrong) the proper terminology for what you are asking is more complicated. There are 5 (ish) places where you may house your bird.

Hawk house: the night time quarters for your bird during the hunting season (winter), must be draught free and dry, may contain cells or perches for multiple birds.

Mews: the summer time housing where your bird will molt new feathers.

Weathering: A place where your bird can be sat in the sun and sometimes rain if not cold.

Aviary: A place where your bird will be allowed to fly free, perhaps attempt to mate with another bird.

Travel box (also known as a giant hood in America): The box for your bird to be in the car on the way to flying/hunting grounds or the vet. Have you contacted your vet yet? In days of old birds where transported on a cadge. Ever cadge a lift?

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In the current world many of these can be combined so you don't have so many buildings. For example in america the falconers generally build one 'mews' and one enclosed or semi enclosed wethering, look at http://www.themodernapprentice.com/ for suggestions. In the winter that same falconer will say mews, in the summer he will say chamber (as in molt chamber).

If your garden is safe from crows, ravens, magpies, foxes, cats or other bird eating preditors you can skip building and enclosed weathering and put your bird on the lawn. I never leave my bird for longer than it takes for a wiz and if I do even that the dog is set by him to discourage any preditors.

I actually use an enclosed weathering for a mews/aviary and have a hawk house for when the weather is bad or my bird needs a break from the stimulous of the world.

[Shaun Byrne]

Nice post JF.

You put it much better than I could, not bad for an American, lol.

[Legion]

Thanks for that JFSeaman...

im a newbie to falcanry and thats one of the best posts ive read so far....

(no offence to anyone else)
i learn a little from each of the posts on here every day so please keep up the good work.....
my first bird will benefit from all your advice
thanks

[Freddie1]

Hi dude the question that you asked was a good one for the welfare of the bird my question is when do you get the bird??????:confused: