the reason for imprinting

[Harris110773]

is it possible that anyone can explain the reason for imprinting of birds of prey i had a barn owl a few years ago that i had from a ball of fluff wich would follow me like a dog even before i had a chance to train him i know that was because he thought i was his mum but uther than that iam unsure why the need for imprinting is needed for some birds of prey many thanks for your time and will look forward to your veiws on this matter
thanks
andrew

[Tim Laycock]

Depending on species it is usualy to achieve an altered temprament, make the bird more receptive to training or alter its sexual orientation towards humans

[Coedhirion]

Depending on species it is usualy to achieve an altered temprament, make the bird more receptive to training or alter its sexual orientation towards humans
That's about it, but for hunting reasons, take say a Gos...it is by nature a shy bird which finds quite a lot of things in a captive life rather scarey, including people. Imprint it properly and it is far less uptight. Gos in particular when stressed and/or having their weight reduced, prone to illness in particular Aspi. imprinting properly, reduces stress.