Falconry is the art and practice of training falcons and other raptors to hunt or pursue game for sport. It has a long history across many cultures as both a pastime and hunting technique. Those who practice falconry are known as falconers. An important aspect of falconry is housing and managing the birds. This requires specialized facilities, equipment, and techniques to ensure the raptors are healthy, safe, and ready to hunt when needed. In this article, we will explore where and how falconers house their birds of prey.
Where Falcons Are Kept
There are several main facilities falconers use to house their raptors:
Mews
A mews is an enclosed space designed specifically for housing falcons and other raptors. Historically, mews referred to spaces where raptors were kept within castles, estates, or manor homes. Today, mews can be custom-built enclosures, rooms within a home or garage, or even sheltered spaces outdoors. Mews provide a controlled environment for the sensitive birds where they are protected from predators, pests, and extremes of weather. This allows the falconer to maintain the health and condition of the raptors.
Weathering Area
Weathering areas are outdoor spaces where raptors can Sun themselves, bathe, exercise, and acclimate to the elements. A weathering area may be part of a mews setup or a separate outdoor space like a lawn, yard, or patio area protected from predators. Providing time outdoors helps keep birds fit and well-prepared for hunting.
Transport Boxes
Falconers use specialized transport boxes called carriers to move birds safely when traveling to hunting grounds or between facilities. These rigid boxes are designed to protect the raptors and can be made of wood, aluminum, or composite materials. Transport boxes are equipped with perches, ample ventilation, and access ports for feeding and care.
Hacking Sites
Some falconers utilize hacking sites for housing and training young raptors. A hacking site is a natural setting where eyasses (young hawks or falcons) are released to live and hunt on their own for a period of time. This allows them to acclimate to the wild and build strength and survival skills before full training. Temporary shelters, perches, and feeding stations are set up at the hacking location to aid the falconer in monitoring and caring for the birds-in-training.
Housing Setup and Equipment
Within the housing facilities, falconers must provide proper setup and equipment for the comfort, health, and safety of their birds. This includes:
Perches
Raptors require perches for resting and sleeping. Natural wood branch perches of varying sizes and textures are ideal to help keep feet healthy and prevent sores. Perches are placed at different heights within the mews to allow birds options.
Bathing Water
A bathing pan or basin must be provided to allow birds to bathe and cool themselves as needed. Clean water prevents feather parasites and encourages preening to maintain feather condition.
Outdoor Access
Doors, windows, or protected outdoor spaces allow supervised time outdoors for exercise and environmental enrichment. Outdoor access helps prevent obesity and health issues.
Flooring
Falconry mews floors are covered in materials that are non-toxic, easy to clean and keep sanitary. Wood shavings, river sand, pea gravel, turf matting, or rubberized flooring are commonly used.
Lighting
Proper indoor lighting on cycles mimicking natural daylight helps maintain natural circadian rhythms for the raptors.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation and air exchange are vital. This may require windows, air vents, fans, and climate control systems.
Monitoring Cameras
Surveillance cameras allow remote monitoring of birds and alert falconers to any issues or problems.
Housing Type | Benefits |
---|---|
Mews | Protected indoor housing customized for raptors |
Weathering Area | Outdoor access for exercise and hunting prep |
Transport Box | Safe temporary transport and shipping |
Hacking Site | Allows young birds adjustment to the wild |
Caring for Captive Raptors
To thrive, falconry birds require specialized daily care and management beyond just appropriate housing. Falconers must be diligent in providing for both the physical and psychological health of their raptors. Some elements of caring for captive birds include:
Regular Weighing
Weighing helps monitor health status and catch weight issues early. Falcons should be weighed at the same time daily on accurate gram scales.
Nutrition
Providing proper nutrition is vital. This means offering the appropriate types and amounts of fresh meat from approved sources. Vitamin and calcium supplements are often added to prevent deficiencies.
Bathing and Plumage Care
Falconers must provide regular opportunities for birds to bathe and preen to maintain feather integrity and hygiene. Fine mist baths may substitute when needed.
Jesses, Leashes, and Equipment
Managing jesses, leashes, telemetry devices, and other falconry gear to ensure proper fit and prevent injury is an ongoing task.
Beak, Talon, and Foot Care
Overgrown beaks and talons must be trimmed. Foot scales and pads should be monitored for cracks or sores needing treatment.
Regular Exercising
Daily flying and exercising is crucial to prevent obesity and keep muscles, bones, and the cardiovascular system healthy.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Mews and equipment should be cleaned regularly to prevent disease. Disinfectants safe for raptors must be used appropriately.
Interacting and Enrichment
Captive life can be mentally taxing for raptors. Providing varied enrichment and gentle human interaction helps keep birds relaxed and engaged.
Regulations for Housing Falconry Birds
There are federal and state regulations in the U.S. governing the housing of falconry raptors. These include:
Facility Inspections
Falconry housing, equipment and birds must be available for periodic inspection by state wildlife officials.
Minimum Facility Standards
Cages and mews must meet minimum established size guidelines for the species housed. There are regulations for perch types, flooring, bath containers, outdoor access, and more.
Care Standards
Falconers must adhere to standards for provisioning of food, water, shelter, veterinary care, bathing opportunities, and daily enrichment and exercise for birds.
Marking and Records
All raptors must be properly marked with ID bands. Detailed records on origin, health, maintenance, and training must be kept for each bird.
Permit Requirements
Housing a raptor requires proper state and federal falconry permits. Permit grade levels dictate how many birds can be kept at a site.
Endangered Species Restrictions
It is illegal to house threatened or endangered raptors like bald eagles without special endangered species permits.
Adhering to these housing and care regulations is key to maintaining legal compliance as a falconer.
Typical Falconry Bird Housing Setup
A typical minimal mews setup for housing one or two falconry raptors may include:
– An enclosed 8′ x 8′ x 7′ foot square room or building section
– One large window or bay doors for natural light
– A few roof vents or windows for airflow
– One or two padded perches at different heights
– A bath pan 2-3 inches deep and 2 feet across
– Astroturf or sand flooring substrate
– Exterior doors out to a 6′ x 12′ enclosed weathering yard
– Surveillance cameras with remote viewing
Example Mews Floor Plan
Wall Wall |
This setup allows the basic needs of most common falconry birds like red-tailed hawks to be met. More elaborate facilities are constructed for those housing multiple raptors.
Special Considerations for Large Falcons
Large falcon species used in falconry like gyrfalcons and goshawks require some special housing considerations:
Size
Larger enclosure dimensions are needed to accommodate big birds with long wingspans.
Outdoor Access
Large flight cages or sizable weathering areas are ideal for exercise.
Perches
Heavy scaled perches help prevent foot damage. Perch spacing and placement must minimize territorial issues.
Prey Storage
Larger cold storage units are needed to hold food for big eaters.
Enrichment
More elaborate enrichment like ponds, branches, and toys help prevent boredom.
Hybrid Mews Setups
Combining indoor mews with attached outdoor volaries or flight cages can work well for large falcon species.
Properly housing large falconry birds requires extra consideration, space, sturdy equipment, and falconer diligence.
Costs of Falconry Housing and Equipment
The costs to house and equip birds of prey for falconry can add up. Expenses may include:
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Custom mews construction | $5,000 – $30,000+ |
Prefab modular mews | $500 – $5,000 |
Perches | $20 – $150 each |
Bathing pans | $50 – $200 |
Flooring | $200 – $2,000 |
Doors/windows | $300 – $2,000 |
Outdoor flights/volaries | $1,500 – $15,000 |
Surveillance systems | $100 – $1,000 |
Ongoing costs for food, enrichment supplies, and veterinary care can also add up. Serious falconers often invest $10,000 to $50,000 or more to construct and equip facilities.
Conclusion
Responsible falconers put meticulous effort into ensuring raptors under their care have proper housing tailored to the needs of each species. From thoughtfully designed mews, to daily diligent maintenance and interaction, the health and condition of these amazing hunting birds depends on the habitats provided by falconers. With the right enclosures, equipment, husbandry techniques, and regulatory compliance, captive falcons can thrive. Though costly, creating specialized facilities to house raptors is very rewarding for devoted falconry practitioners.