How To Imp (Repair) A Feather - Falconry

Imping is the process of affixing a healthy feather to a broken one, therefore completing it. The broken feather (usually a tail feather) is cut off at the shaft just above the break, then a similar feather is cut off at the same pint and the two are fixed together via an mutually inserted needle coated with glue at both ends, generally known as an imping needle.
Imping is a simple process, but one that requires a little practice to get right. I recommend that you practice on other bird feathers before doing it with your hawk - hawk feathers are precious!
You will require a strong glue - superglue is good, but be extremely careful with it around your hawk (it could take some explaining at A&E if you have an accident!).
You will also need a suitable feather; by this, I mean a feather from the same species, sex and position, for example, you may need one for a female Harris, second feather along from the deck feathers. There are two deck feathers, right in the centre of the tail. They are usually the sixth feather from the outermost tail feather on either side. They are also the ones to which any tail mount is attached.
Once you have your matching replacement feather, make sure you have your glue and scissors to hand, and then cast your bird. Having an assistant hold the bird is a must for this.
Cut off the broken feather just above the break (if the break is near the tip, then cut it off midway down the feather shaft, where the shaft is stronger. Part the feather barbs at the place where you want to cut, and only cut through the shaft, be careful not to cut through the barbs.
Once you have cut the broken feather, take your whole feather and cut it in the same place, again parting the barbs and only cutting the shaft.
Now take your imping needle. Dab one end in your glue - don't overdo the glue, or it will ooze out around around the shaft and make a mess. Do not get any glue on the feather itself. Stick the glued end of the needle into the new feather, and insert it halfway up the needle. Then dab some glue on the other end of the needle and insert that into the broken tail feather, bringing the two (hopefully neatly) together.
Leave it to dry for a minute or so before taking the bird back on to the glove.
Every time you cast the hawk, give her a decent tidbit afterwards.

[@orlandovicuna6431]

Was that glue that you put on the feather? Also what size double point needle do you use?

[@fragranceofsound]

Can you replace a feather tip about 3 inches down broken that doesn't seem to be too very hollow for a needle.

[@teufelhund9843]

Can you provide a link to your website? Also why no sound?

[@ravenmewsraptorsbryonie6948]

Hi, (sorry for late reply)
I didn't really see the need for a soundtrack, and I'm not sure how to add one either - will think about that in later videos.
My website is: www.ravenmewsraptors.co.uk
I'll put a link on the next one I do.
Kind regards, Bryonie.

[@georgehawking9126]

Good job 👍

[@ravenmewsraptorsfalconryeq7361]

If anyone needs any help with imping advice, please feel free to contact me through my website, I'm happy to help.

[@fragranceofsound]

I have a question. how do you put the needle into the feather where the head of the feather is? I didn't get it. I need to know how to do this on a feather tip. Thanks. or do you glue the needle to the feather tip?

[@shahiboxing]

hello,
can we use pigeon feather to imp hawks?

[@ravenmewsraptorsbryonie6948]

Hi there,
Really you need a raptor feather for the relevant species, but you could use a feather of the same shape from a similar-sized bird if you had nothing else - I.E. you could perhaps use a pigeon tail feather for a kestrel or spar. Personally I would always err towards a proper hawk/falcon feather.
Kind regards, Bryonie.

[@ravenmewsraptorsbryonie6948]

Please feel free to comment!

[@brendannielson5292]

@@alanmccluskyHow so?

[@alanmcclusky]

@@brendannielson5292 sorry it was not me a family member made the comment without my permission so apologies and take care regards Alan.