Establish Maintenance Weight
2 weeksFind weight where bird is calm, responsive, and maintains condition without hunting motivation.
Advancedongoing
Falconry Weight Management Guide
Learn falconry weight management from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
seasoned falconerscompetition flyers
Workflow
Define Hunting Pitch
1 seasonDetermine weight range 1–3% below maintenance where bird hunts aggressively but remains strong.
Daily Food Adjustment
dailyModify daily ration based on morning weight, weather, and previous day activity level.
Document Season Trends
seasonMaintain spreadsheet of weight, food, weather, and performance for year-over-year refinement.
Checklist
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Planning
Preparation
Safety
Execution
Quality
Documentation
Reference Materials
Weight UnitsStandard
Grams standard for falconry — ounces insufficient precision for small adjustments.
Pitch RangeFormula
Typical hunting pitch 1–3% below maintenance weight; flying above pitch reduces response.
Adjustment GuideTable
Daily feeding response.
| Weight vs Target | Action | Next Day |
|---|---|---|
| Above pitch | Skip or reduce | Re-weigh |
| At pitch | Normal ration | Monitor |
| Below safe | Increase food | No fly |
Starvation
Excessive weight reduction causes organ damage and permanent temperament change.
Scale Accuracy
Verify scale weekly with known weight — drift causes misjudgment.
Public Perception
Visible keel prompts concern — educate observers that lean is normal for hunting birds.
Safety Notes
- Never fly bird below safe weight to force response.
- Consult sponsor or vet if bird refuses food multiple days.