weathering area

[bean]

I currently have river rock on the ground in my weathering area as directed by my sponcer and several other people. It really dont sit well with me when my teathered redtail bates on these rocks. I have read about astro turf for flooring and would really like to put it down. Is there any concerns with him bateing on astro turf? Am I just being paranoid about bating on river rock?

[megapode]

Usually the size of rock most often used is called appropriately, pea gravel. I would be wary using anything larger than the size of marbles.

Btw I use AstroTurf over stall matts in the mews but prefer natural dirt with a decent ratio of sand for the weathering area. That said do what your sponsor recommends for the first 2years, making sure you check the talons often for any sign of dulling.
My first red-tail got dull talons and it kept grabbing fistfuls of fur, which is very frustrating for you both. It took weeks to bring the talons back to what it should be.

[echotadog]

I free loft and I use AstroTurf covering river rock/ pea gravel. With just pea gravel down I had dull talons and found it difficult to clean the rock with a hose. I've been using the AstroTurf for 4 seasons now and haven't had a dull talon issue. With my Male HH I have to bring him in during sub freezing nights, and I perch him on a floor perch on AstroTurf to preserve talons and protect my floors from mutes. It cleans easily with high pressure hose as well as protects feet and talons.

As Mega Said, let you sponsor be the final say on the materials you use in your mews.

[bean]

Thanks guys. My sponcer said he has a concern with foot injuries from bateing on the astro turf?? I just dont see it. I have heard and read more about injuries from bateing on hard surfaces. I only have a couple months left with sponcership and I can make my own decisions.

[megapode]

His concerns are valid because the talons can get"caught" in the turf if it is the cheap stuff especially.
I always use a very short leash with this set up or free loft.

[Falcon Boy]

I've used pea gravel quite a bit and never really had any issues with it. If the bird is bating a lot you should try and figure out why. Most redtails I've seen are pretty content just hanging out.

[bean]

He rarely bates unless he knows im getting ready to feed him or he sees a critter he wants. His talons are considerably dull being another reason I was wanting to put the astro turf down. If I go with a real good grade turf should i be concerned?

[echotadog]

You shouldn't have a problem with cheap stuff, it's what I use over my pea gravel. the think black backed indoor
/outdoor carpet sold at the big hardware stores, by the foot.
If you want to sharpen his talons quicker, build a foot soaking tub, hood your hawk and soak their feet, for 30min to 1 hour a day in Warm Epsom salt water, for a week or more. The talons will sharpen up quickly.

Unless you solve the bating issue, dull talons will be common for you though. Free lofting a hawk, after they are successfully hunting, is my method for keeping good feather and talons. My Mews has multiple perches and perching surfaces as well. If raking trees, dulls their talons, I soak them as I explained above.

Follow this link to see how I built my soaking tub.

apfalconry.proboards.com/thread/7438/foot-soaking-tub?page=2

[bean]

Oh great! Thanks. I will start soaking his feet tonight. It can be a part of my footing reduction program.
I built a small privacy fence in front of him so he dont see me in the yard in the evenings and hopefully that will solve any bating issues. I have a large piece of expensive astro turf im gonna lay down over my remaining river rock.