Post by chesapeakehawk on Apr 2, 2009 15:16:08 GMT -5
First pattern was designed for a female red tail. This pattern does not have the swirled eyepiece but has the elegant back. In fact, the back is so large that a separate strip is needed to run the arab-like braces through. The braces themselves are cut large and circular at the ends.
Post by stygianchild on Sept 9, 2013 12:09:39 GMT -5
Hey I'm looking for a pattern for a hood big enough to fit a bald eagle. I would be using it when catching eagles for research so it needs to be an average size to fit a male or female. Any ideas?
I was thinking a Berkutchi Hunter Hood but I'd take any other pattern or advise.
Post by Falcon Boy on Sept 9, 2013 13:49:15 GMT -5
You most likely won't find a hood that will fit both an average male and average female of the same species. In most raptors the females are 1/3 larger than the males. Hood sizes even vary by locality. For instance, a big female eastern redtail might wear a size 24 tait block hood, while a large female western redtail might wear a 22 tait block hood. Best bet is to buy at least one hood for each sex, preferably 2-3.
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Post by stygianchild on Sept 9, 2013 15:03:50 GMT -5
Right now I'm looking to make my own so I'll probably make two then.
Any opinion on the type of hood? It can't be one that requires a block because i have no blocks, but like I said it's going on a wild bird and I wouldn't want it to shake it off.
Post by Falcon Boy on Sept 9, 2013 18:14:16 GMT -5
Well anglo-indian style hoods or maybe the one you mentioned earlier might work. Hood making isn't the easiest skill in the world though....If you're making your own, you might as well make numerous sizes for each sex. When you buy hoods from a hood maker, you aren't paying for the leather, you're paying for their time and skills.
Have you looked into the cheap hoods from falconry suppliers? You can usually get a low quality hood for about $20 a piece. If you haven't made hoods before that will save you a lot of headache unless you're a talented leather worker or just want the challenge of doing it.
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Post by Falcon Boy on Sept 9, 2013 18:20:07 GMT -5
Another thought, you should try and get in touch with Brian Kellogg of Dragon Hoods. He used to make 'trappers' hood that were adjustable and the prices were pretty good. They would probably be the best thing i'd think if you're doing trapping for research purposes and the bird won't have to wear the hood too long. I found an old email address, not sure if it's current or not. bphawk@gte.net
Last Edit: Sept 9, 2013 18:20:38 GMT -5 by Falcon Boy
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Post by stygianchild on Sept 9, 2013 21:44:36 GMT -5
I would like to try i'm not too bad with leather working. And i did check out Brian's stuff but from what I've read they are pre-made and you need to cut and glue the chinstrap yourself to fit the bird and his website is no longer there so it doesn't look promising.
Good idea tho. thanks.
I'll just wait and see if i can find a good pattern.
Post by Falcon Boy on Sept 10, 2013 0:13:19 GMT -5
From what I remember you are correct about some of his hoods, but I thought he also made some that had braces for the chinstrap as well as in the back so they could be adjusted for each bird you trap. I could be wrong though, it's been years. His website is down but that doesn't mean he doesn't make hoods anymore.
Anyway, just an idea. Best of luck with making them!
Falcon Boy Apprentice Falconry Administrator
Ethics make the individual, not the other way around.
Post by aussiedream109 on Sept 10, 2013 6:06:10 GMT -5
I modified a pattern to make a trapper hood with the adjustable chin strap...I actually made it last night....basically instead of the normal chin strap when you cut the hole for the beak, I cut all the way and made two extra braces. I then made a slit on each side of the beak area, and threaded them through......I will post a picture of it in a minute.....not the prettiest thing ever, but I thought it was a good first try.
In every living thing there is a spirit that needs to be free. ~Unknown
Hello all. I am New in here and i don't know much about falcons. Recently i got a Falcon and i want to make a hood to it, can anyone please help me how to make a good hood.