Ideal Perch and Dull Talons

[rjbobmc]

Hello all,

So my FRT has gotten some pretty dull talons right now. I'd describe them as sharp as a well used Sharpie marker.  I never see her on the ground in her mew, which is pea gravel, but again I’ve never seen her on the floor except to bathe. I’ve tried all the suggested perches. She got 7 different perches in her mew right now, ranging from natural tree branches to a manila rope wrapped wooden rod and AstroTurf covered perch. The diameter of the perches range from 1 inch to 2-1/2 or 3 inches.  Is a certain type of tree best, pine, oak, birch Etc? I read a bunch of posts, not sure what's different than everybody else. I read one post suggesting a large rock in the mew, but I really doubt she would perch on the ground and I'd think a rock would be counterproductive.  Any thoughts? I fly her a lot, but I cancel a hunt recently because I thought they were too dull. 

So what is the most ideal type, material and size diameter of perch for keeping talons sharp? Or any other information on what could be causing the dull talons would be greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks for any info or advice.

Thanks everybody.

[echotadog]

Cover the pea gravel with a sheet of Astro turf / outdoor carpet. If you are tethering it could be bates. If you are free lofting but feeding on the ground, that could be dulling them dependent on the surface you feed on. Try only feeding in the field, on a grass or scrub covered soil. Feeding outside the Mews will also reduce any defensive flights or bates in the Mews that may be dulling talons.

What kind of Bars do you have on your Mews and what material is covering your walls?
If it’s wood, that could be your culprit. I cover all my walls with coroplast 4mm , it cleans easily and the hawk if bating towards the walls, slides or bounces off, instead of binding to the wood grain.

Check you hawk for foot damage as well. Bruises/ black marks on the pads of their feet, small tears or punctures. If the talons are that dull, I would suspect a little pad damage as well. Treat immediately before it becomes bumble foot.

Hood you hawk and Soak feet nightly, in a tub of epsom salt dissolved warm water (1/4 cup per gallon).
Repeat for 7-14 days. You should start seeing the talons sharpen within a few days.