What is the significance of maintaining weight records for raptors?

Maintaining weight records for raptors is crucial for monitoring health because a bird's weight can provide valuable insights into its physical condition. Regularly tracking weight allows falconers to detect any significant changes that might indicate health issues, such as illness, stress, or improper nutrition. A raptor’s weight can fluctuate due to various factors such as changes in diet, illness, or overall well-being, making these records an important tool for ensuring the bird's health and proper husbandry.

While weight can play a role in other areas such as training effectiveness, hunting performance, and even breeding conditions, these aspects are more indirect and not as foundational as health monitoring. Health is the primary concern when it comes to managing raptors, as a healthy bird is better suited for training, hunting, and reproduction.