“Canning” a Kestrel for Imping

“Canning” raptors is a practice common to bird banders, who need a way to safely restrain a captured hawk for measuring and banding before release. The same technique is handy in falconry to temporarily cast (immobilize) a hawk for feather repair (aka imping).

[@mickwalsh8136]

Kestral flavoured Pringles

[@JeremyThePlayer88]

That tube looks almost like a microphone! The Kestrel is what supplies power into it....almost! Haha!

[@barnabyandanthonysofficial1497]

the way you were able to hold him reminded me of dart ahwking. have you ever tried that with any of your kestrels or merlins?

[@matthewmullenix3120]

I have not. I have seen videos of it done successfully but it’s not a method I use

[@davemyers7507]

Cool 😎

[@kaz5071]

That is very cool. What was the red tube or what diameter is it if you don't mind me asking? I hope there is an imping video coming. Thank you for your time! I am really enjoying your videos. I have also enjoyed your books. I would love to get them signed one day. I have read them all several times.

[@matthewmullenix3120]

Steven the diameter is 6 cm but may vary for smaller kestrels. Many thanks for our kind comments. Would be delighted to sign your books. Maybe at a future field meet?

[@matthewmullenix3120]

Thanks Steven! No imping video but some pics on my Facebook feed a while back.

[@rxreyn3]

Do you get her used to being handled like that? Or just give her an enormous crop afterthefact?

[@matthewmullenix3120]

No, you just do it. If you're steady and assured about it, they stay calm. And you don't have to crop them up (in fact I would never give an enormous crop to a hunting bird for fear of sour crop) but a tidbit afterwards is appreciated and all is well.

[@jessepadilla5919]

Have you used this canning technique on larger birds? 🤔

[@matthewmullenix3120]

Yes absolutely. Larger cans, obviously, but works fine.

[@jessepadilla5919]

@@matthewmullenix3120 #1 problem when working with GHOs is, they don't make a hood for them.

[@matthewmullenix3120]

@@jessepadilla5919 how about a box?

[@jessepadilla5919]

@@matthewmullenix3120 A box to work on Anklets or coping a beak? They are super powerful birds. Generally, these tasks take 3 people. With RTs, hood them, 1 casts the other works on them, many times with little resistance if any at all.

[@matthewmullenix3120]

@@jessepadilla5919 oh you mean to cast him. A can will work too, I expect. Maybe Maxwell House coffee sized…

[@chuckr1951]

Everything canned tastes the same...

[@matthewmullenix3120]

Facts

[@___JIBREEL___]

😂🤣