What is considered an ideal tiring for a bird in falconry?

In falconry, tiring refers to the process of training a bird to follow and chase an object or prey, which helps develop its physical fitness, hunting skills, and bond with the falconer. An ideal tiring method involves the use of a game bird wing because it closely mimics the natural hunting scenarios that raptors would encounter in the wild.

Using a game bird wing allows the bird to engage its instinctual behaviors, such as chasing and grabbing prey, which is essential for honing their flight and hunting techniques. This practice also exposes them to scents and movements that are familiar and relevant to their natural hunting activities. This enhances their motivation and maintains their hunting instincts.

Other options, while they provide sustenance and may be used in different contexts of falconry, do not replicate the dynamics of hunting in the wild as effectively as a game bird wing does. For instance, chicken breast, day-old chicks, and beef heart are not as suitable for tiring as they do not provide the same level of engagement or mimic the actual experience of chasing living prey. Therefore, the use of a game bird wing is considered the most ideal choice for tiring in falconry.