Should a hawk be allowed to gorge on its first 10 kills?

Feeding a hawk gradually rather than allowing it to gorge on its first 10 kills is crucial for several reasons that impact both the health of the bird and the development of its hunting skills. Gradual feeding helps maintain the bird's proper weight and condition. An overabundance of food can lead to obesity, which may affect the hawk's agility and ability to hunt effectively in the future.

Moreover, by controlling the amount of food a hawk receives, an apprentice falconer can encourage the bird to retain its natural hunting instincts, promoting motivation to hunt during future outings. A hawk that is allowed to gorge may become reliant on the easy availability of food, which could hinder its natural hunting behaviors.

Gradual feeding is also a way to simulate a more natural feeding pattern the bird would experience in the wild, encouraging the hawk to engage in hunting behaviors and timing its appetite more in line with actual hunting scenarios. This approach not only supports the physical health of the hawk but also contributes to the development of its skills as a hunter, ensuring a successful partnership between falconer and bird.