What are jesses and why are they used on owls?
Jesses are thin strips of leather that are attached to an owl’s legs to help falconers keep control of their birds. Owls have extremely sharp talons that can inflict serious injury, so jesses allow falconers to handle the birds safely. Jesses also enable the falconer to tether the owl to a perch or lure.
Jesses serve several key functions:
- Allow the falconer to hold and control the owl without risk of injury from the talons
- Enable the falconer to secure the owl to a perch, keeping it in place when not flying
- Allow the falconer to attach a leash that can be used to retrieve the owl after a flight
- Provide a means of identification for the owl with unique patterns, colors, bells etc.
- Protect the owl’s legs from getting caught in brush, vines or other hazards when flying in the field
Jesses have been used throughout the millennia by falconers to safely handle and fly birds of prey. They are an indispensable tool for any falconer flying an owl. The materials and designs have evolved over time, but leather jesses remain a staple for their strength, flexibility and durability.
What materials are used to make jesses?
Traditionally, jesses were made from leather. Quality leather provides an ideal material for jesses, as it is:
- Strong and durable yet flexible
- Smooth and comfortable against the owl’s legs
- Thin enough to minimize added weight on the bird
- Resistant to weathering and outdoor conditions
- Simple to maintain and replace as needed
Leather jesses can be crafted from various types of hides including calfskin, sheepskin, deerskin, or kangaroo leather. Most are made from calf or sheepskin for an optimal balance of strength, suppleness and affordability. Kangaroo leather is exceptionally strong and lightweight.
Synthetic materials like nylon cord and seat belt webbing are sometimes used as lower cost alternatives to leather. However, these tend to be less comfortable for the owl, deteriorate faster, and are more prone to fraying.
Leather jesses come in different widths, thicknesses and styles. A bracelet or slit style jess with a width of 1/2″ – 5/8″ provides a good balance of control and comfort. Thinner jesses are more prone to breaking, while wider jesses may irritate the owl’s legs.
What are the different components of jesses?
Jesses are made up of a few basic components:
- Ankle straps – These form the circles that go around the owl’s ankles.
- Connecting points – These are loops or rings on the ends of the ankle straps to attach the leash.
- Decoration – Jesses may be decorated with unique colors, stitches, bells etc. for identification.
- Slits or clasps – These allow the ankle straps to be opened and closed for putting on and taking off.
- Leash – A strong cord attaches to the jesses to control and retrieve the owl.
The ankle straps wrap around each leg to encircle the ankle securely. They should fit snugly but not tightly.
The connecting points provide a place to attach the leash using a girth hitch or falconer’s knot. These may be simple leather loops or metal rings.
Any decorations are purely aesthetic and don’t affect function. They help identify the individual bird.
Slits or small clasps allow the ankle straps to be opened and closed. This allows the jesses to be removed without having to slip them over the feet.
The leash or creance is a flexible, strong cord, often made from leather or terylene. It connects to the jesses and allows the falconer to control and retrieve the owl during and after flights.
What size jesses should be used for an owl?
Jesses must be sized appropriately for the individual owl. Jesses that are too tight restrict blood flow. Too loose, and they may slip off or get caught on objects.
For most adult owls, a circumference of about 2.5 to 3 inches around the ankle is ideal. The diameter of the ankle strap should be about 20-35% larger than the ankle’s width.
Consider these factors when sizing jesses:
- Breed – Larger species require longer jesses.
- Age – Young owls will need larger jesses as they mature.
- Weather – Cold temperatures may require slightly looser jesses.
- Flight style – Agile flyers do better with shorter jesses.
- Leg shape – Measure above and below the joint to get proper sizing.
Take precise measurements of the owl’s ankle circumference when fitting new jesses. Markings on the straps can identify sizing for future reference.
It’s recommended to choose jesses that are on the roomier end of the ideal size range. Keeping them slightly loose provides growing room and flexibility.
How do you measure an owl’s legs for sizing the jesses?
Follow these steps to properly measure an owl’s legs for fitting jesses:
- Use a flexible cloth or paper tape measure.
- Have a helper gently but securely hold the owl.
- Grasp one leg straight out at a 90 degree angle from the body.
- Measure the circumference at the narrowest part of the ankle, below the joint.
- Repeat measurement on the other leg – sizes may vary slightly.
- Add 1/4″ – 1/2″ to the measurements to determine appropriate jess size.
- Mark measurements on the new jesses to indicate sizing for that bird.
Taking the measurements with the leg straight helps get an accurate reading. Always measure both legs rather than assuming they are the same size.
If measuring a newly acquired owl without jesses, wrap a temporary cord around the ankles to gauge sizing before purchasing permanent jesses.
Periodically re-measure as young birds grow or if swelling is noticed indicating jesses are too tight.
How do you put jesses on an owl?
Putting jesses on an owl takes patience and care. Follow these steps:
- Ready supplies – Have properly fitted jesses, fasteners, gloves, towel, and helper available.
- Choose a calm environment to minimize stress.
- Gently wrap owl in a towel exposing one leg at a time.
- Hold leg straight out at a 90 degree angle.
- Open jess slit or clasp and wrap ankle strap around.
- Check for proper tightness – should be snug but allow 2 fingers space.
- Attach fastener while helper keeps leg extended.
- Repeat process for other leg.
- Give owl a treat when finished to reward cooperation.
Having an assistant gently hold the legs extended makes the process much easier. Ensure jesses are secure but not overly tight.
New owls may resist at first until they become accustomed to wearing jesses. Patience and positive reinforcement will help them accept jesses over time.
How should properly fitted jesses look on an owl?
Ideal jess fit exhibits these characteristics:
- Snug but not tight around the ankles
- Smooth, with no pinching or bulges
- Slip no more than one finger between strap and leg
- Ankle joint easily visible beneath straps
- Excess strap tucked through slit or clasp
- Connecting rings have 1-2 cm slack when legs relaxed
- Owl stands naturally without resistance
Proper fit is snug enough to not slip off or catch on things, but loose enough to avoid restricting circulation or irritating the skin.
Ill-fitting jesses either impede movement or risk the bird wriggling free. Check the fit regularly and adjust sizing over time if needed.
What problems are caused by improperly fitted jesses?
Improperly fitted jesses can negatively impact an owl’s health, safety and training:
- Too tight – can restrict blood flow, cause abrasions
- Too loose – may slip off, get caught while flying
- Uneven lengths – can hinder balance and flying
- Heavy metal parts – adds unnecessary weight
- Cheap materials – may irritate skin, not durable
- Sharp edges – could cut or abrade the legs
Ill-fitting jesses also force the owl to compensate in ways that impact its natural stance and movement. This may lead to strained muscles or joints over time.
Owls with too little room to move their feet freely may start resisting training or become aggressive with handling.
Any signs of injury, changes in temperament or restricted movement are indications to modify or replace jesses.
How often should an owl’s jesses be checked and maintained?
An owl’s jesses require regular inspection and maintenance:
- Inspect daily – Check for wear, damage, fit
- Check fit frequently as young owls grow
- Monitor for irritation, soreness, swelling
- Replace when damaged or well-worn
- Check attachment points for security
- Watch for signs jesses need to be loosened or tightened
- Clean dirt and debris regularly
- Condition leather periodically to prevent cracking
Growing owls should be measured at least monthly to account for growth. Look for any redness, swelling or abrasions as signs jesses need adjustment.
Well-maintained jesses improve safety, extend useful life, and contribute to the bird’s health and cooperation.
What precautions should be taken when handling an owl with jesses?
Special care should be exercised when handling an owl wearing jesses:
- Use thick leather gloves to protect against talons
- Grasp the jesses to control the legs before restraining
- Keep slack in the leash when jesses attached
- Avoid dangling owl loosely by the jesses
- Hold wings gently but securely when carrying
- Minimize time restraining the owl
- Provide additional perches at proper height for jessed birds
- Pad perches to prevent irritation of legs
- Watch for foot swelling if owl sits too long on a perch
The jesses allow control of the legs, but the owl’s sharp beak and talons can still injure an incautious handler. Use restraint and protection.
Prevent jesses getting caught on objects around the mews. Add padding to avoid abrasions.
Conclusion
Jesses provide a safe, effective means of handling and flying owls for both falconers and birds. Properly measuring for size, careful fitting, consistent maintenance and conscientious handling will allow jesses to benefit the owl throughout its life. Close observation, patience and making needed adjustments over time are key to keeping an owl comfortable and secure in its jesses.
