Using spray bottle

[Deleted]

Is it acceptable to spray your bird with water from a spray bottle? I've seen people do this with their birds and they seemed to like it. I'm asking because my new kestrel (i've had her for a little under 2 months) refuses to take a bath. So is it ok for me to mist her with clean water as a sort of bath substitute until she decides to take one for real?

[falconer147]

I had the same problem with my kestrel and I used the spray bottle as a substitute and I know several falconers that use the spray bottle for baths and for drinking water.

[Desertfalcon]

I use one for both purposes. My kes will not use the bath I bought her either after many attempts, so the dog has decided it is his.

[blackwolf]

I use it on my Redtail Hawk too , to clean the dirt and blood off of him and to rehydrate him. .STAY STRONG

[Deleted]

When a bird is uncomfortable it wont bath. Spray bottle is totally acceptable, just dont do it very forcefull. It also helps in manning

[oldguy]

I carry a spray bottle "falconry purple" in vest pocket.

I got my male redtail as a re-hab in late Aug. and it was hot. My friend/mentor/sponsor keeps his gyr/peregrine cooled down with a cool mist. I misted my bird every day in hot weather.

I also use it to clean his front and feet off. He's not a big preener and looks like a bloody pig sometimes.

Send off to American Falconry magazine and after you subscribe, order the last issue. Tell Steve its the one with the water manning article. READ IT !

One thing I would caution you about is wetting a bird (really wet) that doesn't have a chance to dry in cold or even cool weather. Hypothermia can happen in cool temperatures.

Good luck. Dan.

[Isa]

My kestrel loves her bathpan, but on warm days or if her feet are particularly icky, I'll mist her down. Like Echo said, the mist is really handy to help see if the blood on the feet is just from the kill or if it's an injury. Eowyn seems to enjoy the mist, and will go through the maneuvers she does when bathing while under a mist [or while weathering in a light rain]... it's really cute!