What is the best daily method for an apprentice falconer to judge their raptor's condition?

Weighing the raptor is the most effective daily method for an apprentice falconer to assess their bird's condition because weight can be a clear indicator of overall health and well-being. A falconer typically establishes a baseline weight for their bird when it is in good condition. By monitoring any fluctuations in weight, the falconer can detect changes that may indicate health issues, improper feeding, or stress.

Regular weight checks help ensure that the bird is not too heavy, which could hinder its ability to fly and hunt effectively, nor too light, which could suggest illness or inadequate nutrition. This systematic tracking is crucial for maintaining the animal's optimal physical condition, especially since raptors can show significant physiological changes quickly.

While monitoring feather quality and feeling the keel are also important aspects of raptor care, they are more subjective compared to weight measurements. Feather quality can indicate overall health, and checking the keel can provide insight into body condition, but neither method offers the direct, quantifiable data that weight provides. Checking for signs of yarak, which refers to a state of heightened aggression or readiness in a bird, is more relevant during hunting training than for routine health assessments.