will this work ?

[Claire]

At the centre I used to volenteer at we used to have the hawks on running chains with one bow perch under cover and one in the open. I have a kestrel and want her to have the option of being able to choose where she sits, in shelter or out. A running chain would be too heavy for a kestrel, I was planning to have 2 blocks for her one under shelter and one not with her tethered between the 2 so that she can reach both.

I have thought about this for a while and cant think of any reason that it wouldn't work. Any opinions

[Game & Pursuit Falcon UK]

The leash would come up through and damage the tail. As you would have to make sure she couldnt go the wrong way round the block and become entangled. Seen it done not a great idea.

[Kanati]

At the centre I used to volenteer at we used to have the hawks on running chains with one bow perch under cover and one in the open. I have a kestrel and want her to have the option of being able to choose where she sits, in shelter or out. A running chain would be too heavy for a kestrel, I was planning to have 2 blocks for her one under shelter and one not with her tethered between the 2 so that she can reach both.

I have thought about this for a while and cant think of any reason that it wouldn't work. Any opinions

I think that if you get the distances just right so the birds cant wrap its self around either block, but can reach them both comfortably then it would be ok. use a loop leach maybe for extra precautions agains getting tangled and feather damage as K said.

You would need to get the leash just right...I think thats the important thing in this case. the hawk must not be able to go beyond the blocks or she could go right around it and get caught up - try it one day when you can be there to keeop an eye on her. Then let us know how it went !

[LeighJauncey]

It helps if the block it's not tethered to is bigger in diameter so the bird can't go over the top or round but the leash doesn't have to be so taut. Definitely use a loop leash - even if the ring end is a traditional knot. It works well with my falcon - no tangles or damaged feathers.

[Pitbull]

rather than a block why not a D-shelf on the side of your shelter than the block

[Claire]

rather than a block why not a D-shelf on the side of your shelter than the block


If it was a d shelf, or shelf perch the leash would have to be very long to reach the block that is out of shelter. and this would mean that she would be able to reach the mesh that encloses her weathering. she will have a shelf perch at the back for night time, just to make sure she is well out of the wind and rain at night.

just out of intrest why a loop leash, the only time i have seen them used was on a kes we had once that used to be very good at undoing knots

[FlameHairedFalconer]

The other option would be to have the block in the centre of the wethering and a lower static perch running the full length of the wethering infront of the block and in the open (like a cadge arrangement, with kestrels you could just use a plank of wood nailed to a base), you need not then give her that long a leash, just long enough for her to be able to sit on the lower perch at the front. Dont you just wish you could put your thoughts into pictures sometimes?

This should reduce the risk of train damage as the perch is lower. You do need to watch train damage with kestrels as they do have quite long train feathers. Their feathers, whilst being able to take some stick (being cavity nesters) are prone to damage. Especially as the can be a bit like lanners in ******** down the side of the block and then getting it all over their train feathers!!

FHF

[Claire]

The other option would be to have the block in the centre of the wethering and a lower static perch running the full length of the wethering infront of the block and in the open (like a cadge arrangement, with kestrels you could just use a plank of wood nailed to a base), you need not then give her that long a leash, just long enough for her to be able to sit on the lower perch at the front. Dont you just wish you could put your thoughts into pictures sometimes?

This should reduce the risk of train damage as the perch is lower. You do need to watch train damage with kestrels as they do have quite long train feathers. Their feathers, whilst being able to take some stick (being cavity nesters) are prone to damage. Especially as the can be a bit like lanners in ******** down the side of the block and then getting it all over their train feathers!!

FHF


I understand what you mean, the other thing I considered was giving her a low log at the front to perch on, and her block at the back, her weathering will finally be finished tomorrow yey

[OhMyGod]

Hi Claire.I know you have been advised to tether it short so the bird can't reach the other end of the block stopping its leash from going round the block, but this is dangerous and I wouldn't advise using your setup in this way as it not right like this.The bird flies out onto the block with the leash tight so it can't go round the block, if the bird bates off the block in the direction it can't go, the bird goes over the block but the feet cannot, this is where I think it's dangerous and will break the feet! The birds feet need to be able to go over the block if it bates resulting in your tangled bird. I use a shelf perch in my weathering, and a tyre or bow out the weathering, and it works fine, I'm sure it would work for a kestrel but you would have to use light equiptment, light swivel, leash, ring. There are a few pics of it on page 2 and 4 of the "before after" thread - http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7424 Seriously though, the tight leash idea is well dodgy, don't try it.Can you not take a picture of your setup?

[Claire]

Hi Claire.I know you have been advised to tether it short so the bird can't reach the other end of the block stopping its leash from going round the block, but this is dangerous and I wouldn't advise using your setup in this way as it not right like this.The bird flies out onto the block with the leash tight so it can't go round the block, if the bird bates off the block in the direction it can't go, the bird goes over the block but the feet cannot, this is where I think it's dangerous and will break the feet! The birds feet need to be able to go over the block if it bates resulting in your tangled bird. I use a shelf perch in my weathering, and a tyre or bow out the weathering, and it works fine, I'm sure it would work for a kestrel but you would have to use light equiptment, light swivel, leash, ring. There are a few pics of it on page 2 and 4 of the "before after" thread - http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7424 Seriously though, the tight leash idea is well dodgy, don't try it.Can you not take a picture of your setup?


her weatherings not quite finished yet allthough I should be able to finish it today then I will take some pics, she wont be staying in her weathering at night at the moment. it doesn't have doors and with this being my first bird I prob a bit over cautious but shes happy enough boxed over night, or on her block in my lounge lol, thanks for you imput and i think you are right. and will try out a running chain first and see how she gets on, hmmmm looks like i will have a busy day