Moulting Out

[LongVVing]

Hi I would be interested to know if anyone here uses artificial lighting to bring forward a birds moult. I have a female peregrine who a few weeks ago collided with a car whilst out hunting.
I have stopped flying here but continued to build up her condition with high jumps after getting the all clear from the vet.
She had suffered some bruising to her right keel muscle which is now cleared up. Less seriously she had also suffered some feather damage and as I dont have the feathers to replace them I decided to retire her for the rest of the season then start her again after her moult.
I so far have just left my birds to moult out normally but just out of interest would like to know what others here do. I have heard of people using chemicals/medicines/hormones to achieve a faster moult but this option i would never consider myself and leave to those who choose to do so.

Good hawking and happy new year to all,
Mark.

[Miguel]

You can use beef / sheep thyroid, to speed up the process... Normally you should feed 15gr per kg of bird, during a week, and see what happens. In case it doesn't triggers / speeds the molting process repeat one more week.
I've seen people using full spectre light to do the same, I don't know if it works or not. I'm not a big fan of using those processes to force the birds to molt, but in extreme cases it's always helpfull... :rolleyes:

[RabbitHawker]

I wouldn't use hormones, the risks outweigh the benefits. I have used lighting with success as per Nick Fox's book Understanding birds of prey

[LongVVing]

I wouldn't use hormones, the risks outweigh the benefits. I have used lighting with success as per Nick Fox's book Understanding birds of prey
Have just bought a copy and will look through the info on it.. Thanks RabbitHawker. I would not use hormones etc.. myself as I would be worried about doing the bird more harm than good.

Thank you for the info also Atomic its always interesting to know what others do and have tried.

[Miguel]

I don't like any of them... I'd rather let nature take it's course. But I understand that for hunting, people will need their birds asap... In a show situation we can use different birds, while waiting for others to molt...