HOW TO TRAIN A HAWK | How to Train a Bird of Prey

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How to train a hawk the first week. In this video I go through my steps on how to train a bird of prey. Flying a hawk takes a lot of work, and its not just hawks, training and flying a bird of prey can sometimes take weeks, even months of work. Some birds do not even unlock their full potential until after years of flying. Training hawks can be broken down into different steps. Each day for the past week I have been taking these steps and filming them with a brand-new hawk. Hawks are exceedingly popular falconry birds of prey; however, my birds are all used for education rather than hunting. This is not exactly a How to train harris hawks tutorial. This is just the process I take when training birds of prey.
If you are not a falconer but are interested in falconry and the training and flying of birds of prey, then consider subscribing for more future videos like this.
If you are a falconer and use different methods to what is shown in this video then leave a comment about what you would do differently, I am always up for discussing and trying new training techniques.
If you are planning to get a hawk soon or thinking it might be something for you in the future, then although this video may help, after watching this it does not mean you are ready to go and get and train a bird, there is a lot more that goes into it than this!
As this is quite a long video, I have broken down each day and what they include here:
Day 1 01:40 Feeding on the fist - asking the hawk to eat while on the falconer’s glove.
Day 2 03:08 Jumping to the glove - asking the hawk to do a small jump from perch to glove for food.
Day 3 04:32 Flying to the fist - flying the hawk to the glove over short distances while on the training line.
Day 4 07:00 Flying between perches - flying the hawk between 2 perches while on a training line.
Day 5 08:52 Reinforcing glove work - flying the hawk between the glove and perch on the training line.
Day 6 11:11 Free flying a hawk - flying the hawk free for the first time between glove and perch.
Remember to like this video and subscribe for future falconry related videos!
Music: www.bensound.com
#falconry #howto #hawk

[@MercerFalconry]

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[@Escrima88]

Part Falcon, Raven buzzard red tail hawk ,and God hawk. Your a great beastiarien

[@Awindow]

I just discovered what falconry is , I won't do it , but I loved every second of this video , keep doing this , do not stop !🦅🦅🦅🦅

[@TheTrainedFerret]

Great job! So fascinating! I’ve always wondered how they were trained.

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot, I simplified it a lot for the video but that’s the general gist of it!

[@WildwoodTV]

Very interesting to see her in training, thank you - what a beautiful bird, loved seeing her have a bath too 🦅🦅

[@moonjui]

this is so cool! falconry is awesome :)

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot, it really is!!!

[@zzzzzzaaa6]

kzbin.info

[@JeremyThePlayer88]

That was a nice detailed step-by-step process that you provided right there. You knew right away based on the reaction time if she's had enough to eat! Also, throughout the 6-day training session, you managed her weight extremely well! I do plan on becoming a Falconer myself one day once I can get enough free time from my job. You made it all look so easy only because this is a captive-bred Harris Hawk! You did ask about what to name this hawk! I'd say she's a Sara! Its just a simple name and she simply does whatever she's supposed to do!

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you for the comment, there is a chance she is actually a wild taken hawk because that’s not allowed in the European country she was in and that is possibly why her and 3 others had to be confiscated and she came to me. I know the people who got the others and one of them was a lot more aggressive and difficult so I think I was just very lucky with her temperament. And thanks for the name suggestion, nice and simple!

[@JeremyThePlayer88]

Wait a sec, I thought only captive-bred hawks are allowed in Falconry in the UK! So was this hawk released and then recaptured?

[@MercerFalconry]

No she was confiscated from someone in Belgium (I think), and sent to the uk. I’m not 100% sure on the reason but it’s very possible that she was a wild taken hawk from America not captive bred

[@JeremyThePlayer88]

Wow, its hard to believe any wild taken hawk can be trained so quickly, even if its spent a short amount of time with someone else! The bonding is strong already, and I can tell that you'll both accomplish a lot together!

[@geronimocruz9123]

4:22

[@amritapreetsingh5304]

It’s amazing to see how you train the bird and how trusts you to and how fast it can fly also ❤👍

[@MercerFalconry]

I’m very lucky to have the bond with them

[@Subzyy]

thank you for this! she's absolutely beautiful 🦅

[@MercerFalconry]

You are very welcome 😁

[@Subzyy]

@@MercerFalconry 😎✌🏻

[@EmilioRomanofficial]

What do u feed her when training?

[@MercerFalconry]

Mainly a mix of chicken and beef, sometimes quail

[@3mzodiactherapy59]

Amazing journey in this video! Thank you👏👏

[@MercerFalconry]

Great thanks a lot, are you a falconer?

[@jakemurray8080]

Great video Dan, can’t wait to see her flying in a cast!

[@MercerFalconry]

You might have to help with that next time you visit!

[@danmercer6590]

Any suggestions on name? 😂

[@jakemurray8080]

@@danmercer6590 I can’t think of names for my own birds let alone yours😂

[@MercerFalconry]

Well that’s not very helpful 😂

[@danmercer6590]

You need to hurry up and get a Harris hawk so we can take them all out together

[@TomStormont]

Love the cinematics. Could you please do a similar video for barn owls?

[@khazi54]

Great video Dan. If only I was younger I would definitely have taken falconery up.

[@MercerFalconry]

I think falconry can be done at any age, I plan to fly birds until I’m 100 years old!

[@MercerFalconry]

Always best to be properly prepared and ready before getting a bird, keep it up

[@Harristiger667]

0:50 Hello, what are the correct measurements to make a transporter box for Harris?

[@MercerFalconry]

It depends on the hawk really, try looking into the dimensions of boxes on the market already to base yours off

[@emilywelsh1072]

Thank you so much for these videos! Falconry is fascinating!

[@magneresjuan]

nice vid !!!! I will have my Harris en a few days so this video it´s very useful. A couple of questions, how do you know wich is a good weight to start the training? how many grams it´s a normal day food? do you give her just baby chickens? Thanks

[@jamiesharp1207]

Going to get my first hawk later this year, had dogs and ferrets since I was a kid but there's something more majestic about hunting with a bird

[@Escrima88]

Happy for you, proud of you

[@JCResDoc94]

*mad snaps.* gr8 vid. JC

[@airman4023]

I know I'm late to the post of this video but I am incredibly impressed with your methods!! Top notch training and excellent diligence with her! She is quite special! I do have one question, how many baby chickens in a day do they eat? It looked like you portioned them, but in a week would you say it's 7-10 chics? Seems like you would also have to have a small chicken farm to feed the hunters you are training 🤣 I'm am only asking out of educational purposes, they are after all birds of prey and that's what they naturally hunt!

[@MercerFalconry]

It varies depending on her weight, typically 3 a day but sometimes more and sometimes less, I buy 1000 a month for all 13 birds

[@phbirdlovehunting3785]

hello i am a hunting bird fan from Cambodia boss💓💓🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭i'm really glad to meet you on KZbin boss

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you, nice to hear from you too

[@Bjarku]

Great video and what a beautiful Hawk! We use bullet jesses so things look a little bit different to what I’m used to. Out of interest why do you use button jesses and a swivel instead of bullet jesses?

[@4Lpet]

Hello. It's a very helpful video. Editing is also good and wonderful. I subscribed to the channel.

[@MercerFalconry]

Excellent, thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@TheNormaness]

Great Vid Dan. Informative even for a cotton brain like me. I think her name is Dolly fantail.

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot I appreciate that 😁

[@danmercer6590]

I’m reserving the name Dolly for a future bird 😂

[@psycon4793]

That hawk is stunning 🤩🤩🤩

[@Bjarku]

2:51 I was taught that if you stroke the bird’s feet gently this will encourage them to eat as it’s what their mother does when they’re young to draw their attention to the food by their feet.

[@MercerFalconry]

I’m not sure about that, the mums tend to touch the side of the beak to encourage them to eat, I think tapping or touching the toes probably simulates prey moving in their feet and encourages them to kill or eat it

[@gaztopswright252]

Keep up the great work

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot, work has slowed due to bird flu but there should be more videos up soon!

[@freebirdofreason1994]

Very interesting, great channel you got here.

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot 😁

[@Davidg2017]

Do you think being different birds there still communicating to each other ?

[@MercerFalconry]

Which birds are you talking about?

[@84Tysken]

Awesome video. I wish this was legal around here, would be such a blast to hunt with birds. Perhaps some say in the future..

[@romeparrilla8307]

AWESOME VIDEO,I WAS WONDERING IF I CAN USE A FAUX LEATHER FOR THE ANKLETS?THANK YOU.

[@MercerFalconry]

Why would you need to? Kangaroo hide is excellent for hawk furniture

[@marinoserafini8036]

Explanation perfect

[@kathrynlittle3298]

Great videos Dan 👍 I think you should call her Doris 😊

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you 😁

[@danmercer6590]

That’s such an old lady name 😂 But patsy behaves like a grumpy old lady so I guess it works well with her

[@williamstentzsr.9568]

Really cool...nice bird

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you very much!

[@joaquinemiliano4005]

Nice video bro! new sub from Arg

[@mohalsma5991]

I found a hwak and i need some advice to make him better like the food , nest, disease, wether , i need some knowledge. Help

[@MercerFalconry]

Take the hawk to a vet

[@oceanarts6976]

whats that thing you put it in first scene where we see the hawk

[@MercerFalconry]

Her travel box?

[@Thailandtraveller]

Can I ask roughly how many hours a day would u say is adequate for spending tie with a new bird?

[@katiaciavatta5029]

Thanks for the video she's beautiful i love how you training her 🦅😍

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you very much I appreciate it, she is beautiful!

[@themotherspassport4458]

Can anyone train a hawk/ falcon (asking for myself) or should I pay someone to train them? Also do you recommend a hawk or a falcon for my bird of pray? I live in San Diego Cali

[@MercerFalconry]

If you own the bird you generally train it yourself but you need a lot of experience and knowledge before you own one

[@DaleHarrison-fx1tx]

Amazing video sum thing that iv all ways wanted to get in to but would not no we're to start 👍

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot, there are a few other videos on the channel about what it involves and how to get into falconry. It’s hard work sometimes but I love it!

[@DaleHarrison-fx1tx]

@@MercerFalconry thanks nice 1

[@neillackenby3626]

Tweed is a good suggestion, I have been thinking of names for getting my first bird later this year but wondering around the countryside calling out 'Tweed-tweed' we might get confused. I have made contact with a UK breeder however, I had not thought of getting a re-homed bird - would any bad habits be easy to re train?

[@MercerFalconry]

Always make sure you pick a name your comfortable shouting at a tree from time to time 😂 For you first bird I would stay well clear of second hand birds, carry on with your plan to go straight to the breeder. What age will the hawk be when you pick her up?

[@neillackenby3626]

@@MercerFalconry It’s a new 2021 bird and just spoke to the breeder and he suggests we wait until late summer when it’s had a chance to be reared and crèched with its own hatchlings so still a way off yet. Plenty of time to learn from your up and coming videos 😀

[@MercerFalconry]

Yes I would definitely go with a parent reared bird, it might be worth asking the breeder exactly how many weeks the hawk will be when you plan to pick it up, I wouldn’t go any younger than 18 weeks, some people suggest younger like 14 or 16 weeks but I think the hawk is still developing at that stage and you risk partially imprinting the bird. 18-22 weeks I would say is a good age to pick the bird up and start training. After your first comment with the things you would like to see I have decided to turn ‘How to train a hawk’ into a series so keep an eye out!

[@kwamesolo3315]

Great video 👏🏾

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks a lot

[@kwamesolo3315]

@@MercerFalconry You're very welcome. I grew up raising finches in a little village in Ghana. I had no idea until moving to Canada, that birds of prey could be used to hunt. I have become obsessed with falconry and can't wait to bring this amazing sport to Ghana.

[@MercerFalconry]

Wow that’s quite a climate change going from Ghana to Canada! There are some awesome birds of prey in Africa, I would love to visit to see them in the wild

[@kwamesolo3315]

@@MercerFalconry It definitely was.It was my first time seeing snow and as a 10 year old, it was wonderful lol. Keep up the videos coming brother, I'm learning alot from you.

[@lubongilestemela7709]

I have 2 hawk, buzzard or eagle chicks. When they were born they were white, their nose and feet are yellow. Now that they are about 4 weeks old, their colour is starting to turn brown. What kind of birds are they?

[@MercerFalconry]

I really couldn’t say just from a comment, why do you have them?

[@SuperVeshi]

If you catch a hawq from the wild.do you have to deprive it from sleep for a whole.month?

[@MercerFalconry]

No not at all, that is an old method called ‘waking’. It’s not necessary

[@SuperVeshi]

@@MercerFalconry thanks. Also how do I get the fone tracker app???

[@MercerFalconry]

You have to have the Marshall GPS system which costs about £1100 and then download the app in the App Store

[@ivandennis9655]

How often should you feed the hawk?

[@MercerFalconry]

I feed mine once a day when they fly

[@ChrisRon1k]

Amazing!

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you very much!

[@Mistersigmad]

i really like this video that you make

[@Harpy111able]

Great stuff. Thx for the training insights. Name her “Jess,” because she trained up jess like that! Lol! Cheers

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you, she’s been named for a while now, she’s called Peggy!

[@randomaotfan5593]

Hey quick question. What state do they live in (The hawks)

[@MercerFalconry]

They are a southern American bird so states such as Texas

[@iam0nlyhuman939]

That was awesome

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you very much 😁

[@jakewest8270]

Hi, Would you be able to give me the dimensions of your wooden travel box please?

[@rajarizwanakhtar8401]

Hey Mercer I dont know if you are into Eagles or not but I want to know from you or any experienced falconer like you, that how many days it takes to train a bonelli or golden eagle?

[@MercerFalconry]

Hi, I am a big fan of eagles and have trained and flown several, I would love one of my own they are just very expensive! I have more experience with fish eagles rather than golden eagles but I don’t think anyone could answer the question of how many days it takes to train one, every bird is different and will get the hang of things and take to the training at different speeds. It also depends on how experienced the trainer is, an example of this is with how many Harris hawks I have trained I know I can train one to fly free in roughly a week where’s it would take someone with less experience a lot longer.

[@rajarizwanakhtar8401]

I got your point. The reason I asked cause generally falconers talk about hawks and falons training but not for the eagles.I read a book of Philp Glacier "Falconry & Hawking" He mentioned too training time of falcons and hawks, especially Harris hawk for an experienced falconer but not for the eagles.He did flew golden and his most favorite Bonelli. Secondly every country have there own dynamics, where I am Falcons & Hawks are very expensive but Eagles are way less.

[@MercerFalconry]

Falconry and hawking is a great book, if you search for the channel Dave Sharpe Nature Boy he makes videos about training a golden eagle

[@rajarizwanakhtar8401]

@@MercerFalconry Alright I will and thanks alot

[@georgehawking9126]

Just subd mate nice harris 👍

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@gayanrangana3370]

I am in Sri Lanka What should be done to tame the hawk first after catching it

[@MercerFalconry]

I am not familiar with the laws about catching birds in Sri Lanka, the best thing to do would be to find a local falconer who can help and teach you

[@dominiquelopez8237]

?.. why do u blow whistle, after, she lands on ur hand? Please

[@MercerFalconry]

To associate her eating the food with hearing the whistle so that when she is flying free and I whistle she knows it means she can come and get food

[@starwick.v2864]

Hi, so how do you train all of your birds, in other words do you train them daily? Or do you train some birds at specific days?

[@MercerFalconry]

I don’t have another job so for me every bird is flown every day as and when they need to

[@marinoserafini8036]

Creative falconry

[@liliaaaaaaaa]

Birdy birdy sweetness bird 😊

[@juliemercer5665]

Julie at work thinks you should call her Edina if it's not too much like Eddie, but I think you should call her Beauty. ❤️

[@MercerFalconry]

Eddie was named after Edina so we can’t use that name

[@danmercer6590]

I already know a hawk called Beauty

[@SL-vx1sx]

@@danmercer6590 Bella is Spanish for beauty. Given where Harris hawks are from, it seems appropriate.

[@MercerFalconry]

An American hawk from Belgium now in England with a Spanish name, could get quite confusing 😂

[@danmercer6590]

I guess it means I would just have to get another called beast

[@gayanrangana3370]

After catching a big hawk What to do to tame first 😢

[@MercerFalconry]

You should know this before you have caught a hawk, if not you need to find someone local to yourself with knowledge who can help you

[@ghb7311]

Love the video just hard to hear you sometimes with all the birds chirping haha

[@MercerFalconry]

Thankyou, this was an early video for me so I was still learning, and I still am!

[@ghb7311]

@@MercerFalconry no problem man have a great day!😎

[@MercerFalconry]

You too! 😁

[@mdquadir-hr9uf]

I have a falcon .... I Don't know how to train ...Please give me some technique

[@jamesmorgan4162]

How can I add videos need show you mine

[@MercerFalconry]

Anyone can upload videos to KZbin, you can also send me videos on Facebook or Instagram messenger

[@aayzee9929]

How many grams do you feed her per day if not cutting weight?

[@MercerFalconry]

I don’t ever weigh the food so I couldn’t say how many grams, every bird is different with how much food they need

[@aayzee9929]

@@MercerFalconry I see. So for your bird particularly, you feed them based on what measurement? Hunch? or by feeling their crop? You did mention your bird weight in the video, I'm guessing the amount of food should be proportional to their weight

[@Mistersigmad]

please continue 😢😢

[@l-BigJohn-l]

Where do you get a hawk tho

[@MercerFalconry]

From an established breeder, its a lot more work than just getting a hawk though

[@paulg3913]

Lovely bird

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you

[@TasteandSipbyTesha]

Love the coffee maker at the 1st and omg. The falcon looks so beautiful... i also wanna have a pet like that

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks, a day can never start before I’ve had a coffee. They really are beautiful but a lot more work than just a pet, it’s my full time job to care for them!

[@adonisperezabreu3163]

That was easy bro, my kestrel doesn't want to take food from my hands.

[@MercerFalconry]

Have you done any manning?

[@adonisperezabreu3163]

@@MercerFalconry not yet, I have one week trying to feed it from my hands. It just take the food to drop it.

[@MercerFalconry]

Have you got any experience with keeping birds of prey?

[@adonisperezabreu3163]

@@MercerFalconry not at all, but I wish learn.

[@MercerFalconry]

Really you should have gained the experience and knowledge before having a bird

[@amberreal444]

How do I message you directly?

[@MercerFalconry]

Search for Mercer Falconry on either Facebook or Instagram, I’ll keep an eye out

[@jeromangkuputraweda820]

This imprint?

[@tenguigaming5072]

I wish u get 1m subs

[@MercerFalconry]

Wow thank you very much

[@tenguigaming5072]

@@MercerFalconry btw can u do a hunt with your birds of prey im 12 and im thinking of getting into falconry and i wanted to see the birds hunting

[@MercerFalconry]

None of my birds hunt, they are all display birds so it would be difficult for me to make that video, but I will keep it in mind!

[@tenguigaming5072]

@@MercerFalconry thanks ;)

[@sotiriskonstantinidis9759]

greetings fromGreece ( a new student ... ;) )

[@MercerFalconry]

Hi, what’s falconry like over in Greece?

[@sotiriskonstantinidis9759]

absolutly nothing my friend , only 2,3 guys......

[@MercerFalconry]

Oh that’s a shame

[@leahanderson1576]

Harriot Hawkins

[@brianheidel4550]

First step: Have a cup of strong coffee. :)

[@MercerFalconry]

Every single day starts the same with me 😂

[@Top10Facts_YouTube]

How to find is my hawk male or female?

[@Hawk-riders]

Yer boi

[@MercerFalconry]

We need to make a video together!

[@Yefooo]

I own a falcon but he isn’t willing to jump on my glove even after almost a week.

[@Tylerjoe307]

I have been watching you at school because I have Autism

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you very much, did you already have an interest in birds of prey or is this something new to you?

[@Tylerjoe307]

@@MercerFalconry me and my dad have a Harris hawk

[@MercerFalconry]

Great, do you fly the hawk?

[@Tylerjoe307]

@@MercerFalconry yes I fly her she is amazing she is so calm

[@MercerFalconry]

Excellent 😁

[@PARAHAWKINGBRASIL]

👏🙌👏

[@MercerFalconry]

👍👍👍

[@evanwainscott4174]

camera audio is messed up

[@livjsp]

Hork yes

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you very horking much

[@familytheis4700]

Your Harris is beautiful!

[@MercerFalconry]

Thank you, I think so too!

[@karvinjones4246]

I Love your videos I am a falconer in the United States I actually have a small channel called KJ Falconry

[@derickadshade]

Name her Sunrise😀

[@MercerFalconry]

Thanks for the suggestion, she’s now called Peggy!

[@-karimhassan5356]

Hi there, first of all I still didn't get your name haha, second, I am so interested in falconry since like years, and I have been researching about it for so so long, but so far I still haven't started due to a lot of enquiries...I am not sure if you can offer some support ..thanks :)

[@MercerFalconry]

My name is Dan, are you in the uk?

[@-karimhassan5356]

@@MercerFalconry Nice to meet you Dan :) Yeah I am in the UK if you have any contact numbers or Facebook

[@MercerFalconry]

I have a Facebook page also called Mercer Falconry 😄

[@arkansasboi5013]

Do you sell hawks?

[@littleladyFelicia]

You should name her Melody

[@bobryan8793]

She is soo beautiful..how about Piper!!!

[@agaimless3724]

Sorry to say this but I had to completely mute the video and just read subtitles I can't hear over all the screeching

[@hystloko2890]

Do you pet it ¿

[@MercerFalconry]

I don’t, birds of prey don’t really like being petted, it’s more of a mammal thing

[@hystloko2890]

@@MercerFalconry I would expect it work on all animals , positive reinforcement or whatever they call it , instead of food you give it affection like puppies 🐶 who I would say are also animals of pray

[@MercerFalconry]

But a puppy being petted is likely mimicking the mother licking the puppy when it’s born and so it’s a bonding thing with mammals, birds don’t do this with their young and they have special oils on their feathers. If we start petting them we can remove these oils and then the feathers are no longer waterproof, the oils also help the bird absorb vitamin D from the sun so if we remove that we are taking away an important nutrient, they would likely feel more comfortable with me slightly tugging on some feathers as if I am preening for them

[@1stcrg]

And that’s a Harris’s hawk (which is a buzzard not a hawk)

[@kimberwolvert3758]

Is she for sale

[@MercerFalconry]

No none of my birds are for sale

[@deusvult8251]

juniper

[@koltrane70]

There’s a meme in here somewhere

[@MercerFalconry]

I don’t understand

[@ever-fit]

Perez

[@chazzswanson4632]

Bruh this hawk was already trained. Do a video with a wild one

[@MercerFalconry]

Oh wow thanks, is there any more information on the history of my bird that you can tell me please?

[@Crosswindsaviations]

@@MercerFalconryyour going to get haters

[@JCResDoc94]

are you a saudi prince?

[@kanchanmishra4790]

Can a hawk be a vegetarian

[@MercerFalconry]

No, they are strictly carnivorous