What is an important reason for changing slitted jesses before flying a bird?

Changing slitted jesses before flying a bird is crucial to avoid injury from the slit. Slitted jesses can cause irritation or injury to the bird's leg or foot if they are worn out or frayed. Regularly replacing or changing these jesses ensures that they are not causing any harm to the bird during flight. This is particularly essential as falconers are responsible for the well-being and safety of their raptors. Keeping the gear in good condition reduces the risk of accidents and helps maintain the bird’s health, which is a fundamental aspect of responsible falconry practice.

Other choices, while relevant to considerations in falconry, do not specifically address the immediate physical danger that worn or damaged slitted jesses pose to the bird’s safety.