Injury to Harris today

[WeeDodger]

Jusyt a quick one folks - im off out for tea, but today, my harris - junior - caught a tawny owl in a tree.
An almighty tangle ensued, but we freed the owl, but junior has a torn piece of skin inside his leg , quite high up.
Its not bad looking, and he flew the rest of this afternoon, but what should i treat it with?

Salty water?
Help required thanks
Steve

[HawkMan69UK]

is it bleeding if so wound powder to stop it..if not clean then antiboitics to be on the safe side the last thing you want is an infection ..a vet is always the best option

[Sean]

go to the vet m8, but im afriad this post wont does us any could, even if it was accidentally caught,

[Talon]

theres not alot you can do sean if your bird nails a owl by accident.
only get in there as quick as possible.
accidents will and do happen.

[Sean]

i know m8, but i dont think posted it on a public forum is a good idea

[Out Hunting]

Does the WCSA state that if you injure a protected Spp. whilst taking part in an otherwise legal activity no prosecution will persue. That is why if you run a badger over, hit a barn owl or mow-down a deer in the closed season no action is, will or can be taken against you.

As far as i interpret the Act then as long as you do not intentionally slip at a protected spp. you are flying at legal quarry and in season then no action will be taken. So i fail to see how this legitimate accident will harm our 'sport' I mean how many barn owls are killed whilst quatering, how many badgers do you see dead at the side of the road? well if the Antis are going to take one accident as a president well surley they should be trying to ban driving, or people walking dogs in woodlands without a lead first.

I am sure that calling falconry our 'sport' will be more damming and will cause the antis to jump on us quicker than one highlighted incident.

Anyway mate probably better to see the vet, especially if it is a large'ish' flap of skin, he may be able to stick it back down or give you some anti-biotics incase of infection.

PS: Love the name WeeDodger, whats the story behind that??

[MattSpar]

As far as i interpret the Act then as long as you do not intentionally slip at a protected spp. you are flying at legal quarry and in season then no action will be taken. So i fail to see how this legitimate accident will harm our 'sport' I mean how many barn owls are killed whilst quatering, how many badgers do you see dead at the side of the road? well if the Antis are going to take one accident as a president well surley they should be trying to ban driving, or people walking dogs in woodlands without a lead first.


Perfectly true, but I think perhaps the "Antis" will ignore the road kill issue, as there's precious little they can do about it, but may well pounce on the accidental kill as more "ammunition".

[Out Hunting]

Too true.....If Only we lived in a perfect World!?!

[Harrisii]

i am sure the guy wants advise on the wound to his hawk not the legal ramifications of his bird fighting with an owl, and what the anti's may say. f*ck them.
the wound should be treatred, preferably with povidone iodine, or chlorhexidine. these substances are included in first aid kits and can be puchased from Brian Smith at westweald falconry, they are app' £20. http://www.westwealdfalconry.co.uk/
the first aid kit comes with instructions etc, and should be carried with you at all time whilst hawking.
in the meantime, seek vetrinary advise and get anti-biotic cover.
best wishes WD40.

[WeeDodger]

Thanks to all for advice - will not hunt tomorrow, but clean the wound again, and vet on Monday, and purchase avian care kit.
The owl was fine, it flew off, but what a scary moment.
Cheers Steve

[Fires59]

Had a similiar occurence with a barn owl, it punctured my harris,s foot in the tangle and it got an infection in it staright a way but some antibiotics and abit of rest and shes back to normal in no time hope all goes well, if need any more info on it pm me

[WeeDodger]

Phoned my local vet and he supplied me with anti biotics (pevidine iodine) this afternoon.
Wound healing up nicely, but will treat to be on the safe side.
Cheers Steve

[Sprout]

Sorry, iodine is not an antibiotic, its an antiseptic! Big difference. Hope the hawk is ok.

[Coedhirion]

"westweald" first aid kit includes the granules that stop bleeding...about the most useful item in there. If a bird bleeds you have to stop it quick. So carry those and an antiseptic spray in your hawking vest...takes care of those awkward ferret bites or arguements with barbed wire fence that humans get too...before the BOP spots your blood and tries to investigate a potential food supply...ouch!!
Hope your birds Ok

[Zam]

I use Marbocyl. Not condoning the use of antibiotics wiily nilly, but
when it doubt - especially a wound caused by a talon..............