Me personally, I always cut the anklets before I have the bird there. I make them plenty long then hold them in place to see where to put the grommets. Cut off the excess and put them on with the pliers. Birds vary in size so much it would stink to have one set of anklets cut and ready, then once you've got the bird hooded or caste find they don't fit and you have to quickly cut more.
Jesses should probaly be 8-10" long, but it will depend on your personal preference. You may want them longer or shorter depending where the bird is kept.
The bewit length is like the anklet, just cut the excess after you've got the bird there. Width should be a little wider than the slot in the bell so you can still slide it through, but so it's snug. JMHO
I know i shouldn't double-post, but this is a completely different thought.
Does anyone have a bewit pattern? I know it's pretty complex cuts and stuff. I saw a pattern in a library book i rented, i'm afraid I turned it back in though!
I got some equipment done, so I took pictures of my progress:
My slitted mews jesses. On the Left are oldguys (that I added the slit too). On the right are the ones I made from scratch
These are the slitless field jesses that I made from scratch
These are my alymeri anklets I made, they are not sealed right now. My only fear is that they aren't long enough, and might be too tight on a bird, if they are... well it was great practice
Sooo, what do you guys think? I will get better pictures when I have more than just a camera phone.
morgan, when i was helping aaron put on the anklets to his Cooper'sHawk, we made the anklets TO BIG at firts, and then put it around the bird tarsi and cut off the extra.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze
They're fringed? Ok, your camera is rubbish! As you say, even if they're too smakll, it was good practice. Make a bigger pair aswell now, so you don't have to do a rush job while the bird is in cast.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze