Post by irishhawker on Aug 7, 2014 18:11:44 GMT -5
I am looking to purchase an American kestrel, here in the United States. There are very few here, making it hard ti trap. Does anyone know of a reputable breeder?
^ Have to agree with Rob here. The reason American Kestrels aren't typically bred in the US is because they are so common. I can't drive a mile from my home without seeing at least one. Where are you? Are you licensed in the US?
If you dislike someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. --Jack Handy
Assuming you are a licensed falconer, I can understand the desire to purchase a captive-bred bird. Even if it's parent raised (I'll assume you're not high enough for an imprint), it is sometimes reassuring getting a captive-bred because it is almost guaranteed to be disease free, healthy, and come from good stock. Also, it avoids the sometimes frustrating trapping process.
That aside, it seems odd to try and come to a falconry forum with a complete lack of context or information and ask for a kestrel breeder. Most breeders won't consider sending a falcon unless proper state and/or federal licensing documentation can be provided. I do know of one kestrel breeder, who has been extremely pleasant to work with - I'll PM their info to you if you want.
If you need trapping tips, that's a different story - let us know and I am sure many members would be happy to help. Like Ally said, kestrels are everywhere! They can be finicky but they are usually available to trap, for free.
Assuming you are a licensed falconer, I can understand the desire to purchase a captive-bred bird. Even if it's parent raised (I'll assume you're not high enough for an imprint), it is sometimes reassuring getting a captive-bred because it is almost guaranteed to be disease free, healthy, and come from good stock. Also, it avoids the sometimes frustrating trapping .
There's no "[Guarantee]....to be disease free healthy and come from good stock ". That's absurd to assume. Yes some falcon and hawk breeders choose selective , performance based breeding techniques to produce exceptional game hawks , but there are just as many or more who don't apply such care and concern to the hawks they breed. I know of one such hawk breeder who also breeds Kestrel. Wild born and bred stock have more genetic variability and are more likely to be healthy and disease free due to a varied wild fresh food diet.
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
You're absolutely right echotadog - that's why I said it's "almost" a guarantee. I made a lot of assumptions in my statement, one of them being that if a falconer were going to put forth the money on a captive-bred bird, they would likely do their research and go through a quality breeder, maybe even requesting a CVI ahead of time, etc.
Although, you're right about the wild born and bred stock as far as their tenacity and variability.
I shouldn't have generalized. Just trying to play on both sides of the field. I can see why buying captive-bred is attractive (at times) and unattractive at other times.
For me, personally, it equates to time -- a new toddler running around leaves me less and less time to scout and trap. Was hard enough to convince my wife of the path for falconry *before* the baby. Now it's even more difficult!
Reading this Forum I too am looking for a Breeder of American Kestrels Semi Disabled Master falconer... Trapping season just Started. just starting to look for a new RedTail.
However Kestrels are Fun. someone Asked another in this forum why not trap a kestrel Answer... There has been a decline of Kestrels here in New Jersey. As far as I know just over 2 years ago NJ Fish,and game put a stop to Trapping Kestrels here in New Jersey, Unless its changed again. I was flying a Redtail released him after 2 seasons currently with no birds. Hence I am looking for a kestrel breeder.. I can be reached via my Cell Email w2cja@yahoo.com
Post by yosemity71 on Sept 10, 2016 8:17:39 GMT -5
Hey Neal, I know the two most recent NJ falconers that were/are flying captive bred kestrels, both got them from Aimee Picco. Her user name on here & NAFEX is: Sadiehawk. (see the post directly above yours for her contact info) I know the female that Robbie Robbins flew for a few seasons was a starling killing machine! Good luck, hope that helps.
Thanks Yosemity yes I know Bill and Steve Both are good Friends of mine. They Gave me Aimee's Number I called her she has no more birds this season. she told me to call her back just after the Hoildays.. to be put on her list for next year. I also found out that Only Masters can trap one kestrel each season.. so I guess as a Master Im Ok to look and trap one, Even though Im out Looking for a RedTail.
I am interested in an American kestrel and would like to know the location of your breeding facility, the price of a kestrel and if you have any young male kestrels under the age of 3.