How to Wrap a Hawk Perch

Falconry has been around for thousands of years and is the oldest known field sport. During this sport, falconers use trained birds such as hawks and falcons to hunt for food. When the bird returns from a hunt, it is trained to fly back to its perch, which is a high structure wrapped in a padded material like neoprene or astro turf. Wrapping the perch is not only more comfortable for the hawk, but it will giveit a better surface to grasp with its talons.

Things You'll Need

  • Perch wrap (Astro turf or neoprene)
  • Scissors
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Tie wraps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the perch wrapping material to the desired length. The length you need depends on how large or small your perch is. Typically the perch wrap only covers the center of the perch, leaving room on both sides, but you can wrap the entire perch if you choose.

    • 2

      Lay the strip of perch wrapping so it sits lengthwise along the top of the perch.

    • 3

      Wrap both sides of the perch, wrapping around the sides so they overlap underneath the perch.

    • 4

      Secure the wrapping underneath using nails. Hammer the nails through the overlapping material every few inches to hold it together.

    • 5

      Attach tie wraps around the entire perch to hold it in place. Not all perches are made from wood --- if you have a metal hawk perch use tie wraps to secure the material instead of nails. Place tie wraps every few inches and pull them tight to secure the wrapping.