What is the best reason not to fly your bird during the molt?

Choosing not to fly a bird during the molt is supported by several important reasons, which collectively justify the selection of "All of the above."

The process of molting is when birds replace old feathers with new ones, and during this time, the bird may become more vulnerable and less capable of performing at its best. Firstly, one critical risk is that a hawk could break a blood feather during flight, leading to bleeding and potential injury. Blood feathers are newly grown and are still attached to the bloodstream, making them particularly fragile.

Additionally, as a bird undergoes molting, visibility can be affected. The shedding and growth of feathers can alter the bird's ability to see and react to quarry, impacting its hunting effectiveness. This diminished visual capability can hinder the falconer’s goal of successful hunting.

Finally, feather growth is an energy-demanding process. The bird needs to divert a significant amount of its energy towards regenerating feathers, which can leave it fatigued and less capable of handling strenuous activities, including flight. This energy allocation means that flying might place unnecessary stress on the bird, which could impact its overall health and well-being.

For these reasons, all factors considered imply that it is best to refrain from flying a bird during