I should also state that she has done this for nearly the last 2 months when I had to put her up early due to a severe ankle and midfoot sprain that I’m only just getting back to work

Hi again Dylan, thank you for this great question. While its pretty much standard practice to hood a falcon prior to being cast, (and _certainly_ a growing practice to unhood them again once they're settled into the casting-jacket), there are two philosophical "camps" where the hooding of hawks - particularly larger hawks, buzzards, and even eagles, is concerned. Some Falconers believe its acceptable, or even preferable, to hood these larger raptors just as a matter of course, and others, like myself, feel this can stimulate less desirable (ie: more _aggressive_ ) conduct from these feathered-companions. This is why its imperative for you to make swift work out of 'small-packaging' your hawk/buzzard/eagle for the purpose of casting them...it helps to keep the stress they *will* experience at a manageable level. Our feathered companions benefit from seeing what's going on (once their cast up) as they can see your facial expressions while you undertake the task at hand, be this coping, changing furniture, or addressing a first-aid issue. Imagine how much more stressful it would be for you were you to be blindfolded while sitting in a dentist's chair; never mind the fact you're a human being and the doctor can explain what he/she is going to do, you wouldn't be able to see what's coming, and thus mentally prepare yourself to put up with something which - logically - you _know_ is only temporary, and for your benefit. If you can't *_see_* what's coming, your stress level will - naturally - approach the stratosphere, (this is why some folks actually opt for being knocked-out when undergoing even some of the most benign dental procedures). Its my position, (and I'm in good company in this regard), given the fact birds-of-prey are self-aware, emotionally informed beings, their stress level is needlessly elevated by the practice of hooding them while we do something *to* them. Unless there's some overarching medical emergency in which hooding our companion will help to reduce their fear, pain and anxiety, allowing them to be involved with what's going on - albeit from the "cozy" confines of a casting jacket, will result in a much more foundationally trusting relationship between the two of you. Always remember, they will trust you until you give them good reason *not* to. I hope this offers a useful perspective to you, Dylan - thanks again for the question. Jo

@@TheFalconLady OUTSTANDING Response Jo, thank you for taking the time to write this response. Im still watching (and learning) from your videos. I hope all is well for you up there in Canada! (Im in Maine)

Hi there Dylan; I'm so incredibly grateful the "random factors" aligned, and you were connected to our content. We've been away for a while now, and just recently Joseph and I started discussing how we could go about starting up again. Please let me know if you've got any questions I can offer some thoughts on, and I promise we'll do our best to get some new content up shortly. Take care, Jo

@@TheFalconLady Thank you... and yes... lol .. i have many questions.