I have seen dimensions etc. for a large mew, but I don't have a good feel for how big a mew to make for a kestrel. That will probably be my first bird and I would like to start building it soon. If anyone has a good design or at least dimensions for one, please let me know.
I would make it large so when you upgrade to a larger bird later on, you don't have to spend more $$ to expand the mew. Space your bars on the windows 1" apart also. Then your mew should work for almost any bird.
Kestrel?....I think a shoebox will work.........Kidding.
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion................ and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish."
If you haven't passed inspection yet, the mews will have to be compliant with your State's and Fed regs. You have no choice. That being said, most ppl i know who have, or have had Kbirds kept them in the house. The mews was to placate the feds
If you haven't passed inspection yet, the mews will have to be compliant with your State's and Fed regs. You have no choice. That being said, most ppl i know who have, or have had Kbirds kept them in the house. The mews was to placate the feds
Good point on the feds. By in the house, do you mean like in a bird cage in the house? Or on a perch? I have heard talk of this before and am wondering how that would work. I know that it WOULD NOT work in my house, but I will have a lot of unfinished space in my basement where it would be easy to keep a bird.
A bird cage would be illegal.(that is if you're in the U.S.) Not to mention that falconry birds are like professional athletes, you want to keep their feathers as well as every other part of them in perfect condition, so even if a bird cage were legal it would be a bad idea. Most keep kestrels tethered indoors, on a shelf or base large enough to catch all of their mess. If you're serious about getting a kestrel you need to join the yahoo group Kestrelfans. (I know that falconboy is also a member of kfans so I know he won't mind me saying that ;D) Check through all of their photos and files. The Llwydnos file has a picture of a great indoor wall perch.
Another point that should be brought up is that with a kestrel's higher metabolism they should be monitored much more closely for weight control. If the bird is in the house, right in front of you at all times, you'll be able to notice much sooner if something is amiss, before it's too late and you've made an example of yourself to all of those that keep chanting that kestrels are too easy for apprentices to kill. just my 2cents
Good point on the feds. By in the house, do you mean like in a bird cage in the house? Or on a perch? .
No a Block perch, and you have to weight them like 2-3 times per day and feed them that many times, kinda like a sharpshinned... Most people keep them inside as weight control is easier with a constant temp (their kinda like little reptiles )
I would just build a mew big enough for a redtail and keep it inside, on a block, you could also build a hawk box (giant hood)and modify the design to use it as a small mews. Check the regs but I think you need something 2-3 times the wingspan, which for a kestral isn't much.
Buy Matt Mullinex's book on Kestrels. It's not a big book but it has great info in it.
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion................ and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish."
Bob's right about satisfying the DWR. I spoke with one of the inspecting game wardens about a kestrel mews design, and I mentioned that I want to keep the kestrel perched inside my home. He gave me some decent ideas, and more importantly, he gave me acceptable dimensions of about 5x5x5. I will call again to double check with him or another inspector to bes ure before I start construction. Call DWR and ask to speak with the inspector, and talk to Ed.
Late reply, but I built my mew RT sized 8x8x7 but with the window bars spaced for a Kestrel. I doubt my Kestrel will be in the mew except perhaps during a molt if that. And yes I do plan to keep mine in the house and find out what perch it likes. It will probably be offered a variety of perches. Small rotating ring, bow perch, block perch and shelf perch. Most Kestrel folks use bow perches. Matt M. recommends them in his book and on Kestrelfans. But Eric Edwards offers variety and since it's my only bird and will be in the house and I live alone I'll let the bird chose what works.
I have 2 bedrooms free so I'm currently making one into the bird's room. I made a last minute switch to flying a kestrel this season so I'm playing catch up as I'm trapping very soon. I already had some supplies.
For manning it will be perched in whatever room I'm in or on my fist of course.
" Insanity takes its toll..........please have exact change"