How can a falconer maintain the best health and performance of their bird?

To maintain the best health and performance of a bird in falconry, closely monitoring its weight is crucial. A bird’s weight directly affects its overall health, agility, and hunting performance. Falcons, like other birds of prey, can easily become overweight or underweight, which can lead to a range of health issues, including decreased energy levels, reduced hunting efficiency, and other complications.

By keeping a careful watch on a bird's weight, a falconer can make more informed decisions about its feeding and exercise regimen. This proactive approach allows for adjustments based on the bird's activity levels, seasonal changes, and individual needs, ensuring optimal health and performance.

While feeding the bird when it appears hungry and keeping it on a strict schedule are important aspects of falconry care, they do not provide the same level of insight as weight monitoring. For instance, simply feeding when a bird seems hungry might lead to inconsistent feeding habits, and a strict schedule without regard to the bird's condition could either lead to overeating or underfeeding. Thus, the emphasis on monitoring weight underscores a more comprehensive and tailored approach to avian health management in falconry.