How to Lower Weight After a Molt in Falconry

During molting, falcons gain a small amount of weight due to the lethargy and lack of exercise during this time. This weight gain helps them grown healthy feathers. Once the molt is over, however, the weight must be brought back down so the energy level of the bird increases, and it is in good condition for flying. Falcons lose weight much like people, with a combination of reduced caloric intake and exercise. Carefully monitoring your bird's weight and providing it with healthy food and exercise helps it be healthy and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Scale
  • Calculator
  • Meats
  • Large pot
  • Warm water
  • Knife
  • Rangle stones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh your post-molt bird. Calculate the amount of calories it needs by taking its weight in kilograms to the 0.75 power. Multiply this number by 78, then multiply the product by 1.5. This gives you the amount of kCals you need to feed your hawk to maintain its weight.

    • 2

      Consult the nutritional information of your meat sources or falcon food websites to understand how many calories are in a serving. Feed your hawk slightly less than the amount you calculated to maintain the hawk's weight.

    • 3

      Feed the falcon dark meats rich in vitamins and fat. Pigeon and duck are some of the best meats for maintaining falcon weight. Vary the type of meat you feed your falcon, to encourage healthy eating. Quail, rabbit and chicken and turkey bits can also be used.

    • 4

      Prepare the falcon food by thawing it in a pot of warm water. Do feed your hawk frozen or cooked food, but meat that is warm to the touch. Use a large knife to split open bones and expose the marrow, which is good for the hawk's health. Do not feed the falcon the head or crop of pigeons, as it can spread diseases.

    • 5

      Insert rangle stones into your bird's meat every couple of days. The bird ingests these stones, which help to clear food waste materials from the bird's digestive track. Once the stones clear the stomach, they are spit up with excess materials such as feathers and bones.

    • 6

      Provide plenty of exercise for the falcon after its molt. Allow the falcon to fly freely every day, or work on training in the mews. Exercise increases the falcon's metabolism and promotes weight loss.

    • 7

      Monitor the falcon's weight every other day. Gradually reduce food intake over several weeks to promote weight loss. If your hawk begins to lose large amounts of weight, feed it more food. Once the falcon reaches its ideal maintenance weight, feed it the amount of kCals you calculated to keep it in healthy shape.