I was going to start a new thread but noticed someone mentioned the trolley system used by Derry Argue here. Has anyone every tried that? It loooks fantanstic for keeping a bird in shape for those birds that are difficult to free loft.
I would like to set up something like that, but would have to have the whole run covered to protect from animals and avian predators. Anyone tried this?
Here's a link to set up. You have to scroll about midway down:
Post by moredtailboy on May 11, 2006 20:32:05 GMT -5
my sponsor asked a vet that rehabed bird and the vet wanted to find some thing that kept the talons sharp on the birds for realease and he kept trying stuff and my sponsor gave him this idea and it has kept them like razor blades
well now there a bird in the mew im happy now the bunny slaying beggins
John and Matt, I use the trolley system myself, as does my sponsor and about 4-5 other Ohio falconers. In fact, I don't know if Bubba uses it or not also, as he had the same sponsor as I do. Anyway, it works great and it does allow the bird a lot more freedom in the weathering area. I like to call it weathering yard freelofting light. -Joe
Thanks, Joby. I'm trying to keep track of everyone who uses it so I can hit them up for pictures and advice when I move and build mine in a couple years. Do you or your friends have their's covered or open? I plan on covering mine to avoid the risk of avain predators.
John, I've got mine covered. It's a 15x12x7' weathering are and the zip line runs about 13' between two perches. I've got a hawk house at one end for her and she just loves it in there. I'll see if I can get some pics. I've got some of before I put the zip line in, but none of the after. -Joe
I had a 12 X 24 foot flight pen for my eagle with the 'trolley" system in it. The eagle could fly 20 feet from end to end without touching the side or the top of the flight pen. It worked great, but, now that I am free flying the eagle, I don't use it anymore.
Thanks, Joby, I'd love to see pictures of it if you can do that. I'm trying to get ideas and work out in my head the best way to cover it. I like the length of yours, raptrlvr, as I was thinking of making mine in the 20-25 foot range. I seem remember Derry Argue writing that you shouldn't make it longer than 29 feet, but I can't remember why.
Joby, raptrlvr please post any photo's you have of the trolley system as well as the jump box ( bird house ) that is used. I don't freeloft but tether my male redtail & am seriously considering the trolley system if I can adapt it to my property. Acre lot in subdivision & am planning on fencing it in.
Post by apprentice16 on Jun 2, 2006 7:44:42 GMT -5
Hmmm, I may have to do that. I have made perches out of springy branches for my pigeons, but I suppose I could make a larger one for a hawk. I need a perch anyhow... now if only I could make a scale out of wood too
One of these days I'll find the time to get a permit... until then, all of you better keep the pics and stories comming!