I want to start falconry again after some years away from the scene, and i am having a hard time deciding if i should, as i have to use a pair of crutches to get around and can only put one foot to the ground for weight bearing. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions, i would really like to start again but i dont want the birds to suffer.
I think you can definetley do something with raptors, but obviously disability may reduce your options of exactly what.
Firstly what birds were you thinking of keeping? Hawks or Falcons?
Do you want to keep birds because you enjoy the birds, and is that enough reason to keep them? Maybe rehabbing birds, or keeping permenantly injured birds may be an option in this case.
Do you want to hunt?
If so what land do you have access to, that you can navigate fairly easily?
I think that in short there is no reason why you can't do this, but you will obviously need the right sort of bird.
Hello Owen thanks for some interesting thoughts. I used to fly hawks and falcons and would be happy to fly either. Hunting would be great as this is the real meaning of falconry, but i really enjoy the training and flying of the birds. The biggest problem i have is that i cant carry the bird on my fist as i have to use both hands for my crutches. I dont have any hunting land sorted as yet, i thought i would sound out opinions before involving land owners and then letting them down. Your idea of rehab is interesting, maby i could combine both falconry and rehab if i were able to hook up with the right people. I am based in Kent and i can drive and i also have an enthusiastic if a bit squemish wife, who is willing to help. I guess i need to take the plunge and adapt things to suit my lifestyle.
Great, if you are in Kent then we might be able to help.
There is a few of us down there who fly, and I am sure that we can do something, fortunatley if you have done broadwings and longwings in the past you know what is involved.
You are right, you'll have to adapt what you do, but I am sure with the support of a few of us in Kent, we can get something suitable sorted.
Why not drop me a mail directly and we can hook up and discuss, and get you out with us for a start if you like.
