Braided leash, extender, and jesses

I used 275 lb dacron braided fishing line to make 8-strand braids. The leash has loops on both ends, and the extender is double looped with a swivel attached to create an in-line swivel. The jesses have a loop on one end and a leather button on the other. The braid diameter ended up perfect for feeding easily through a 5/16 inch grommet. It took me about 45 minutes to make each jess, but I’m a slow braider. A kumihimo disk loom helped immensely. Some fly tying glue helped to seal and secure the knots.

Through use, I’ve learned that this size and style works really well. The button jesses are easily pulled out by the bird if not clipped to anything. The double loop leash extenders actually make good jesses as well and are not as easily removed by the bird. The dacron is a little slick, which has pros and cons; the material doesn’t snag up easily on things, but it is harder to keep a grip on. I make sure to clip or loop the end of the leash to my glove, and wrap around my fingers in case it slips through my fist. The jesses take some abuse, and have lost some color. There is some visible effect of abrasion, but not nearly as much as other materials I’ve seen. After two weeks of manning a new red-tail, they are still holding strong with no issues.

Rabbit lure

I used bison hide and cordage stuffed with strips of an old pair of jeans for weight and rigidity. An alligator clip sewn to the head of the rabbit will hold the tidbit of meat or fur, which hopefully will encourage the bird to target the head. I used neatsfoot oil to provide a little bit of weather-resistance. Haven’t been able to field test it yet.

Transport Carrier

A heavy duty cardboard moving box cut in half, then the halves slid over each other to make a double strength box. A 1 5/16 inch bannister dowel wrapped in sisal rope for the perch. This was going to be my temporary “economic” option for transportation, until I could afford to buy an aluminum transport carrier. I ended up getting an aluminum carrier in trade for some logo design and web site work, so didn’t actually use this cardboard one. It will be a good backup option, or good if I need to help transport another bird.

Lined Crate

I ordered a wire dog crate on a clearance sale. It was 36″ long, 26″ wide, and 27″ tall. Using a heavy duty tarp, I constructed panels that hang inside the crate to make a smooth surface that is bleachable. The crate came with a rubber floor liner, and with added newspapers it works great. I used a 2×4 to make stable legs and a 1 5/16 inch bannister dowel wrapped in outdoor carpet (fake turf) for the perch. It is large enough that my female red-tail can sit facing any direction, and extend her wings.

My red-tail initially did poke some holes in the tarp panels with her talons as she fought against being in the crate. Once she got used to it, no more issues. It cleans out easily, and the panels can be quickly remade and replaced as needed. I think it will last through the manning process without needing any repairs. The panels don’t block all of the light, especially if there is direct sunlight, so another layer on the outside of the crate may be necessary for complete darkness or for temperature control. Binder clips at the top of each wall will clip newspapers into place for an added bit of poo-protection, though if the bird is a picker or puller it will come down pretty quickly and likely get shredded.