HARRIS HAWK, our daily routine during the moult

[@philipsutton8921]

What happens to them in the wild during the malt - when they can't fly, or hunt? Obviously, nobody there to feed or care for them, how do they not starve?

[@freebirdofreason1994]

@@philipsutton8921 They hunt fine during their moult, but we give nature a rest, they would naturally take young rabbits as it coincides with less feathers , nature and evolution. We try to keep the hawk eating well during the moult and grow a find set of feathers. They live like Kings really. Hope that helps answer your question.

[@Connor-sq6bc]

Love how tame he is great job 👍🏼 my FHH is not a fan of me at the minute.

[@freebirdofreason1994]

I think female are known to be more like that anyway, mine has has daily flying and manning which is not always possible so it may be easier for me. I will say ,he would be happy just left alone. Good luck with the moult.

[@Connor-sq6bc]

@@freebirdofreason1994 I probably fly her 3/4 days a week in the season and she was great however she’s never been as tame as yours. I can tell she has a bit of attitude anyway lol. Can be a bit grabby towards food etc and if I handle her in the dark she’s a bit feral.

[@codycox2685]

I'm an aspiring apprentice, no sponsor, apologies for the ignorance. But, I don't understand the molt in terms of what the bird wants to do, how much to interact with them, etc. I guess my question is, how do my duties as a falconer change during the molt? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[@freebirdofreason1994]

During the moult you only need to feed them, don't need to interact. Make sure you have proper mews good light ,proper astro turf . After the moult you can retrain the hawk no problem. Good question always willing to help .

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

His moult is definitely taking off quickly, just like last year Pete. 👍

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Yes hopefully all done by end of August, I'm hoping to fly him as the combine harvester cuts the corn .lots of rabbit coming of the field, not sure how it will work but it's a plan.

[@phillipwasson2980]

🦅👌

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Thanks

[@Hawktok]

What bounce netting do you have in his weathering part of the mews ceiling.

[@freebirdofreason1994]

it’s old netting from a school cricket practice area.

[@JeremyThePlayer88]

Woody is doing extremely well! You even kept him in your living room for a little while to help out with his manning! When he ate from your glove and you picked the pieces of meat from the rabbit, he knew you were helping him! This is the Woody I've always known! Keep his routine going, because its the only way he's going to trust you! At 6:32, you said, "He's gotten to a weight now where he's seemed to stable out, and just eating what he needs to eat". He lost 4 oz of weight already! That's 11% of his body weight once I do the math, so that is a lot of weight loss! My question is, now that he's molted most of his feathers, is his metabolism slowing down and therefore not eating as much food? That's sad that he's not a 2-lb hawk anymore! Woody feels happy at that weight though!

[@freebirdofreason1994]

At the beginning of the moult he will eat more than he needs and put on extra weight, once his body has realised, he will then eat only what he needs then the weight drops of again until the natural fat weight is stable. He did the same last year. The moult has only just begun. Lots of feathers still to be mounted.

[@Zombie_Longwinger]

That’s correct feeding behind the ball of the thumb not from inside the hand it stops the Hawk turning on the glove with his back to you.

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Thanks, take care and good luck with the moult.

[@Zombie_Longwinger]

@@freebirdofreason1994 I’m not moulting anything I sold my Falcon I’m buying off a pal this year probably 2 tiercel peregrines for a breeding project.

[@freebirdofreason1994]

@@Zombie_Longwinger That will be good, my mates is on a couple eggs hopefully fertile.

[@Zombie_Longwinger]

@@freebirdofreason1994 prices will crash this year for falcons/hawks you should add another Hawk to your household if the boss lets you I think you’d do a goshawk justice it would suit your style of hunting and land really well. But nothing like your Harris all drama unless you get an imprint but a male would be perfect.

[@freebirdofreason1994]

@@Zombie_Longwinger I get out often with my mate flying Merlins and peregrines, I did at one time fancy a sparrow hawk , goss would be nice but probably easier to keep as I am, although never say no.

[@ABWatchdog519]

so cool!

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Thank you .

[@adamgordon161]

Dose he not scream at all when you give him food ?

[@freebirdofreason1994]

No silent at fat weight, called a little at his flying weight, but no screaming .

[@britishgal1808-Sue]

Terrific video, Pete. We really enjoyed it. :)

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Thank you ,have a great summer.

[@phbirdlovehunting3785]

its so lovely boss I really love hunting bird

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Thanks for watching, pleased you liked it.

[@philwebb606]

So during his moult do you still daily fly him?

[@freebirdofreason1994]

No is the answer, he just chills out and eats plenty, he doesn't need to fly as he is happy not needing to hunt. This way his feathers are getting constant good nutrition, then when it's time he will have a perfect new set of feathers.

[@philwebb606]

@@freebirdofreason1994 super, thanks for reply. What’s a rough timescale from his last flight through his moult to his first outing?

[@freebirdofreason1994]

About 6 months sorry only just seen this comment.

[@LewisWilson-z5g]

When woody is moulting out how much extra do you need to feed him?

[@freebirdofreason1994]

@@LewisWilson-z5g once weight is up the same really. All depends on weather temperatures too, if for instance 28 grams of chicken kept his weight at flying weight then 28 grams would keep weight at higher weight. Any thing above 28 grams will increase. These are not guidelines just to understand the theory. If I put loads of food in the mews he would eat what he wants and the rest would go rotten. So over time I realise he only needs a certain amount each day to keep him at fat or flying weight. The increase from flying weight to fat weight will happen with a slightly extra increase in food over time. Or you can give large amounts of food and it will increase quicker. Hope this helps and answers your question.