Sparrow Hawk question...

[top cat]

Hi all...

Well this is my first post here but unfortunately I`m posting for advice about a Sparrow Hawk that`s being kept by a neighbour of mine, to be taken out flying etc.

Firstly, if this post is in the wrong place I apologise... I looked around and thought this to be the best place.

Back to the bird...

I`m posting here because I never see the bird being taken out. I`m sure the guy does take it out and I`ve just not seen him... I don`t sit watching his every move, but I`ve never seen him take the hawk out flying.

It`s being kept in a cage that seems far too small to me, although the hawk is quite small, this cage is (I`m guessing) about 3-4ft in width and about 5ft tall maybe 2-3ft deep.

It`s being kept in a garden along with dogs and Ginnie pigs! of all things...

Now`s the part that really is causing me distress...

This poor hawk just sits in it`s cage and shrieks (calls, screams, sorry I`m not familiar with the correct term) ALL DAY!

And I mean ALL DAY! (at the very least, should`nt it have a hood?)

Now being a lover of all animals this is just doing my head in, to coin a phrase.

Not only does it sound (to my inexperienced ears) that the poor thing is in distress but it`s noise pollution also, although my first concern is for the hawk, not my ears.

Surely it cannot be right to keep a bird like that in those sort of conditions and not pay it the attention it deserves and take it out more.

I`m sure the guy has all the correct paper work etc that`s needed to keep a bird of prey but the conditions and treatment (i.e not much flying) I would have thought to be wrong.

I`d like to know what you all think of this.

I know nothing of keeping birds like that and I`m hoping that someone can tell me the way he`s doing things is of no harm to the bird and if that IS the case, then fine.

But if people here think it`s not good for the bird then I`ll most certainly be doing something about it. Rest assured.

Sorry for the biggie and as I say, sorry if I`ve posted this in the wrong place but I`m worried and need some advice/information on what`s best for the hawk.

If the birds health and mental state are not in any way going to be harmed by the way it`s being kept then that`s fine with me but I just need to know.

I hope someone can put my mind at ease and maybe provide some info on how these birds should be kept so I know.

Many thanks.

John.

[RobinP]

First of all I would contact the RSPCA and a local falconry centre and ask for advice. I'm sure the RSPCA have powers to do something if they think the bird is being ill-treated. As for the noise, well your local environmental health people at the council will be able to advise on that.

[Lance Morgan]

if I were you before I contact anybody I would have a quiet word with your neighbour about the bird its welfare and the noise it makes.
See what he has to say first.

[stephen p]

Thats a shame.

It's a tricky one, i'd say have a word with your neighbour BUT if he gets annoyed that you asked and you find out that the bird is not being looked after properly and you call the RSPCA, they will know its you and it will be you who has to live with them maybe being awkward towards you after.

I would personally call the RSPCA and see what they can do, see if they can investigate it, could be easier for the bird and you.

Steve.

[big bill]

Hello there myself personally think the diamensions of the cage are small for a bird like the Sparrowhawk ,you said 5x4x3 ft is not big enough to allow it to stretch its wings that is about the size of cage that a pet shop woulod reccomend for a Cockateil and I`m sure that a Sparrowhawk is a lot larger than Cockateil.
If your concerned I would contact the RSPCA you can be kept annominous and report it

[Tracey.A]

I agree, phone the RSPCA and just voice your concerns, and they can also check if he does have what ever paper work is required to keep this bird. There is someone on this site who keeps buzzards, but I can't remember who it is, he would probably be the best person to talk to. If anyone knows who he is, they'll let you know.

Good luck

Tracey

[galanthus]

I'd agree with calling the RSPCA or ring your local police station and ask to be put in touch with your local 'wildlife liaison officer' <--- very good ! How horrible for the poor thing, well done you for being concerned enough to try and take action. Very warm welcome to WAB, hope you stay around after all is resolved

[Gaina]

Maybe you could have a friendly chat with him, explain you know nothing about falconry and maybe he'd let you come over and see his birds. Lots of falconers are happy to educate people about their sport because sometimes genuine people with their hearts in the right place do make complaints because they don't understand some aspect of the falconers' practices.

It would be a shame to fall out with your neighbour, so try the friendly approach and who knows? You may get the chance to learn about a really fascinating sport!

[Jason Green]

I think the problem with the friendly approach is that if the neighbour refuses to let him see it, or does and the condition is bad and the RSPCA come round, then the neighbour would know who'd sent them.

This way he stays anonymous.

Besides, a well kept hawk/falcon wouldn't seem distressed as has been described.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by big bill

Hello there myself personally think the diamensions of the cage are small for a bird like the Sparrowhawk ,you said 5x4x3 ft is not big enough to allow it to stretch its wings that is about the size of cage that a pet shop woulod reccomend for a Cockateil and I`m sure that a Sparrowhawk is a lot larger than Cockateil.
If your concerned I would contact the RSPCA you can be kept annominous and report it

I agree that this does seem a relatively small cage, as most raptors are kept in aviaries by their owners. However the dimensions stated are large enopugh for the bird to be able to stretch its wings out fully. A male sprawk is roughly the same size as a blackbird, but a bit taller, when you see them in the hand. Sparrowhawks are notoriously highly-strung creatures and do need a lot of tlc if they are not to keel over or damage themselves in their cage.

I can only echo what has been said about getting in touch with the RSPCA (as this is technically a pet) and keep shtum in the mean time. If the bird is that noisy, anyone could have got in touch with the RSPCA, so your neighbour won't be any the wiser.

Cheers,

Adam