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Falconry Equipment Buyers Guide

Falconry is the art and sport of hunting with raptors. It has been practiced in many forms for thousands of years by many cultures. It is the oldest field sport known to mankind. Falconry takes a lot of dedication, patience and time spent with your bird almost everyday. It also requires special equipment and other necessary items to ensure safe and effective training of your bird. FalconStuff.com has a selection of some of the basic and essential equipment needed in falconry which are further explained below.

EQUIPMENT:

Mews

A falconry bird is usually housed in a mews. This is typically at least an 8 by 8 feet-sized area with perches, a bath, and other necessities for the bird. Mews can be a simple single chamber. It can also have an equipment room attached and a weathering yard where the bird is placed in to sun and spend her days.

Hood

Probably the most important piece of equipment. This is used in acclimatizing the birds to humans and the human world. It also helps to keep the raptor in a calm state, both in the early part of its training and throughout its falconry career. Hoods are made from several different patterns, each designed for a particular species

                  Arab or Bahraini - marked by the circular pattern to make the hood fit the contours of the eyes and head. The braces are woven in and out of leather pleats making an accordion of the back's base which tends not to catch the bird's crest feathers.

                  Dutch - traditionally made from three pieces of leather, but ise recently being made from a single piece as well. It has an inverted V opening in the back where the braces close. Although the Dutch hood style was used exclusively on falcons, a good, well-made Dutch hood will properly fit a hawk, falcon, or accipiter of the right size.

                  Indian, Pakistan, or Amritsari - this hood style is from Pakistan and is sometimes also known as the Indian hood outside the Indian subcontinent. This style is marked by a straight line where the leather meets that makes the contours of the hood. Generally thought to best fit Accipiters, eagles, and Ferruginous hawks, many falconers dislike this hood style and prefer the Dutch hood for all their various species.

                  British "Game Hawkers" Hood - the plume for this style of hood would be made from the first type of game caught with the falcon. When falcons were carried on the cadge one could quickly see the required falcon by the color of the eye panels and the type of feathers in its plume. Green felt eye panels would be used for a Crow hawk.

                  Kazakh - This hood originated in Mongolia and is used by the Kazakh falconers most typically on Golden Eagles. The tab at the top or back of this hood serves the same function as the more familiar top knot.

Bell

Bells are a great help in locating a falcon or hawk out of sight. This is usually attached on its legs via small leather strips called bewits.

Bewit

Small strips of leather which attach the bells or other hardware to the bird's leg. If a different material is used as a bewit, it should not be attached directly to the leg, but rather to the anklet.

Anklets

The leather strap which goes around the bird's leg. The jesses are attached to this. Sometimes also called a bracelet.

Identity Band

Although not required, this equipment is used by most in many countries. A small ID tag on your bird with your name and phone number can identify your bird and makes it possible for others to return it when lost.

Jesses and anklets

These are strips of strong leather, nowadays often kangaroo, on both legs. These are used for holding the bird and are connected to the leash through the swivel. Jesses and anklets need to be replaced periodically, and checked for fit if they are causing injury. Keep the jesses supple with proper dubbin or similar grease.

Jesses are of 2 types:

                  Traditional - a single strap specially knotted onto the bird

                  Aylmeri - a two part restraint featuring an anklet that is grommeted on, and a removable jess strap. Nylon Aylmeri jesses, which are thinner, lighter, and stronger, have recently grown in popularity. They do not rot or need oiling to stay supple

Leashes

Similar to a dogs leash, this is what falconers hold on to. Nowadays it's also usually made of nylon. Although leather is traditional, materials such as nylon and parachute cord are stronger and do not break down like leather.

Swivel

It links the leash and jesses. The two eyes rotate independent of each other. The bird, in this way, avoids getting leash and jesses entangled.

Perches

Having a variety of perching surfaces in a variety of diameters will help keep your bird's feet in good shape.

                  Block Perch - can be incredible works of art made of marble, cast of plaster, turned from wood, or they can be very simple. As long as it is safe and comfortable, it will serve its purpose.

                  Bow Perch - a bow of metal or wood with a perching surface where the bird will stand. These can be made in all different sizes. These perches are typically wrapped with rope.

                  Ring Perch - also called a Rotating Ring Perch, these are sometimes maligned as having too many moving parts. They are compact and stable as they have a single spike that typically goes into the ground.

                  Screen Perch - These are excellent perches in the right hands, and disasters if used incorrectly. One of the biggest advantages of this design is that it can be placed up off the ground when birds naturally want to get up high and hide in the evening.

                  T Perch - is a tall perch putting the bird at eye or shoulder height. This particular perch is about 5' tall and is used for remote control jump-ups or general inspection or talon care. It is unsafe for a leashed bird as the leash can get can get caught on one of the T pieces

                  Shelf Perch - just as the name indicates, this is a shelf coming out from a wall. Typically wrapped in sisal or covered in Astroturf, the bird can choose where to stand on this perch.

                  Presley Perch - named for Floyd Presley, this is sometimes called a high perch or tall perch. This is basically a rotating ring perch elevated up in the air, anywhere from 5 feet high to 20 feet high appropriately scaled for the bird it is being used with.

Bath

Some individual hawks and falcons will not perform well without their daily bath. The bath should ideally be about half the wingspan in diameter, but less will do. The water should be changed every or every second day, depending on the climate. The bath should also be disinfected regularly.

Scale

A weighing scale is used to weigh the bird and its food. Weight is key, especially in small species. The scale must be reliable and accurate. There are two types that are mostly used, digital scales and triple beam scales. Be sure the scales weigh at least 5 pounds.

Gauntlets or gloves

These are used by the falconer to turn the arm into a suitable perching surface. Falconry gloves may only cover the fist and wrist, while gauntlets for larger species extend to the elbow. An eagle glove may cover the entire arm and a portion of the chest, or it may be a heavy sheath worn over a standard hawking glove. The traditional falconers glove is made of buckskin, but can also be made of moose or other strong leather.

Creance

A long line or cord attached to the bird while training. This is tied to the swivel or jesses. Ten yards is going to work for most situations, but for free flights to verify that your bird is ready to be taken from the creance, many recommend 50 yards in length.

Telemetry Transmitter

A radio transmitter fitted to the bird, useful in tracking it when not in sight or does not return from flight. The transmitter emits a radio Beep, which the falconer can track with a portable receiver.

FOOD:

Raptors are birds of prey and eat a strictly carnivorous diet. Some falconers raise pigeons, chickens, quail, or rabbits for the food. Others store the bird's catches for food and supplement by purchasing frozen foods. The birds must be fed a good quality, varied diet along with a vitamin and mineral supplement. In all cases, a bird's diet is carefully measured to control its weight.

MEDICATIONS:

Falconers also have to be aware of potential health problems specific to the type of bird they are caring for, and how health problems can be prevented. Significant progress and new development of diseases and treatment methods have been made in the past years. Special medications for birds effective in treating specific illnesses are now available. Some of these medications can be bought here at FalconStuff.com.

Some common medicines that a falconer must have handy:

                  Antacid preparation (TUMS)

                  Benadryl Allergy

                  Pepto-Bismol

Topicals:

                  Aloe Vera

                  Antiseptic towelettes or wash

                  Artificial tears

                  Band-aids

                  Cornstarch

                  Neosporin Ointment

                  Rubbing alcohol and alcohol swabs

                  Tissue glue

                  KY Jelly

BOOKS:

For beginners, initial knowledge of the sport is key to a good start in falconry. The beginner must learn about the various gaming birds, their stages of life, characteristics, prey, care, feeding and suitability for the falconer and the hunting environment. FalconStuff.com offers a selection of books which provide useful information about falconry.

                  The Falconer's Apprentice by William C. Oakes

                  Falconry & Hawking by Phillip Glasier

                  Falcon Fever: A Falconer in the Twenty-first Century by Tim Gallagher

                  Practical Handbook of Falcon Husbandry and Medicine by Margit Gabriele Muller

                  Art of Falconry; Being the De Arte Venandi cum Avibus of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen by Frederick Second of Hohenstaufen

                  Falconry: The Essential Guide by Steve Wright

                  Falconry: Art And Practice, Revised Edition by Emma Ford

                  Training Birds of Prey by Jemima Parry-Jones

                  Falconry For Beginners by Harris

                  Falconry Manual by Frank Beebe

As an apprentice falconer in the United States, you only have the options of a Red-Tailed Hawk or an American Kestrel for a bird, unless state laws state otherwise. The easiest way to start your venture into falconry is to contact a local club and ask for help and information regarding the sport. This will give you a good idea about what is required to be a falconer, and whether or not you want to pursue it further. We hope that these information serve you well in your endeavor to becoming an expert falconer. Have a safe journey in falconry and happy buying at FalconStuff.com.

Bestselling Falconry Books

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enlarge		The Falconer's Apprentice Author: William C. Oakes Buy Used: $39.30 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details In Stock New (4) Used (5) from $19.97 Rating: 4 reviews Sales Rank: 110,854 Category: Book Publication Date: January 2002 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days	enlarge		Fine Day For Squirrels Author: Kenn Filkins Rating: 2 reviews Sales Rank: 30,443 Category: eBooks Publication Date: December 24, 2009
enlarge		Falconry: The Essential Guide Author: Steve Wright List Price: $45.00 Buy Used: $25.12 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $19.88 (44%) In Stock New (17) Used (9) from $25.12 Sales Rank: 315,909 Category: Book Publication Date: October 1, 2006 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days	enlarge		Falconry & Hawking Author: Phillip Glasier List Price: $49.95 Buy Used: $26.67 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $23.28 (47%) In Stock New (20) Used (6) from $26.66 Rating: 6 reviews Sales Rank: 341,758 Category: Book Publication Date: June 30, 2006 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
enlarge		Falconry Manual Author: Frank Beebe List Price: $17.95 Buy Used: $15.00 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $2.95 (16%) In Stock New (15) Used (10) from $15.00 Rating: 7 reviews Sales Rank: 349,514 Category: Book Publication Date: January 1984 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days	enlarge		Falconer on the Edge: A Man, His Birds, and the Vanishing Landscape of the American West Author: Rachel Dickinson List Price: $24.00 Buy Used: $10.79 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $13.21 (55%) In Stock New (19) Used (11) from $10.79 Rating: 40 reviews Sales Rank: 600,776 Category: Book Publication Date: May 11, 2009 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
enlarge		Falcon Fever: A Falconer in the Twenty-first Century Author: Tim Gallagher List Price: $25.00 Buy Used: $2.71 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $22.29 (89%) In Stock New (28) Used (21) from $2.71 Rating: 4 reviews Sales Rank: 340,580 Category: Book Publication Date: May 9, 2008 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days	enlarge		Art of Falconry; Being the De Arte Venandi cum Avibus of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen Author: Frederick Second of Hohenstaufen List Price: $145.00 Buy Used: $92.80 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $52.20 (36%) In Stock New (7) Used (11) from $92.80 Rating: 8 reviews Sales Rank: 524,214 Category: Book Publication Date: June 1, 1943 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
enlarge		Falconry Today Author: Jack, Samson List Price: $8.95 Buy Used: $2.43 as of 7/31/2010 11:48 EDT details You Save: $6.52 (73%) In Stock Used (14) from $2.43 Sales Rank: 524,300 Category: Book Publication Date: July 1976 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days	enlarge		The Kings and Their Hawks: Falconry in Medieval England Author: Oggins, Robin S. Rating: 2 reviews Sales Rank: 102,853 Category: eBooks Publication Date: October 11, 2004
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