Falconry: Raising an imprint part 2

[@oldsagerat]

I had an "old-school " falconer advise me on raising an eyas prairie falcon. Zero contact ! Food chute . When it came time to take her up from free loft in mews, she was psychotic ! His advice was to spend weeks carefully stroking her with an unsharpened pencil while hooded. Hooding was a challenge. Nothing about this youngster was enjoyable. I didn't get to have her long. She was shot off her block in my backyard. No clues. Neighbors are cool. Two years later I raised another prairie on my lap with 2nd hand store baby blankets. Got her at about 25 days. She was a delight ! She was killed by a dragon ( golden eagle) on jer first free flight. Thanks for sharing this.

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

We used to use fresh pine needles about 4 in deep, in a shallow cardboard box. It made it smell nice, especially if you were raising them in the house. 🏡🌲👃👍

[@jasonposey9896]

Hi Ben, just wanted to say a thanks for the video's. Just got my test score back today and passed. Now to find a sponsor.

[@alkonost8459]

Do you heard about "imprint cylinders"(cone of transparent plastic with bottom of astroturf grass) they are widely used here, but i dunno... Isnt better to just let them wander around?

[@jeromangkuputraweda820]

Thanks 🙏

[@j3-in-ga]

Josh form ga just got my General upgrade yesterday you have been inspirational. I have a family of Cooper’s hawks nesting in my backyard for the third season have found several crows feet underneath the nest tree, just wanted to know if this was common to find this year they had three babies there in the branching stage as we speak

[@richardthompson3296]

Yes normal

[@robertgettleman18]

Ben, would there be a problem with using paper towel instead of t-shirts or old towels? Possibly it might be easily shredded? Thanks.

[@rifaatisk1061]

Is it possible to train a wild adult kestrel?? Or is it hard and impossible and does the steps differ or the same with a parent reared juvenile?

[@emmagunter6727]

It’s typically the same, and it happens super often because of how hard it is to tell the difference between a haggard vs a passage Kestrel.

[@rifaatisk1061]

@@emmagunter6727 thanks, im going to start tomorrow with the bird making it comfortable around me, she is calm kind off she steps on the glove but i dont think shes comfortable yet, and she accepted the anklets so so far so good, i took her from an owner who only kept her in a cage so i have some training to do

[@rifaatisk1061]

@@emmagunter6727 there arent any where I'm from and i contacted a special league lets say who take care if raptors but no response , there are some people who raised falcons hawks and buzzards in my area they're quite experienced, and i have experience training other animals and im familiar with body language of animals, im only concerned because ive never seen anyone train an adult and i had my doubts i needed confirmation because i want this bird to have a good safe life, its not that safe to release it cause itll probably be captured again and will be in the wrong hands again

[@emmagunter6727]

@@rifaatisk1061 I get that, I still highly encourage you to get into contact with falconers Wether it be in your area or a few hours away. As many as you can talk to will give you lots of knowledge to continue on.

[@rifaatisk1061]

@@emmagunter6727 i did that and i also look up for people like, ben and other falconers online who provide precious tips and advice to anyone who wants to get into the sport, so i have some sources, thank you for your care

[@lohikarhu734]

Talking about songbird "bathroom habits"...I see that the parent comes into the nest, feeds the chicks, and the chicks stick their butts uo, squeeze out some feces, and the parent grabs it in their beak, and get rid of it outside...kind of gross to watch, but keeps the nest clean...