What is a good method for assessing a raptor's health?

Maintaining daily weight records and examining a raptor's mutes is critical for assessing a bird's health. Weight is a key indicator of the overall health and condition of a raptor; fluctuations can signal various health issues or changes in diet. Keeping a daily record allows falconers to notice trends or sudden changes that may indicate a need for veterinary attention.

Examining the mutes, which are the droppings of the bird, provides insight into its digestive health and diet. The color, consistency, and volume of the mutes can reveal nutritional deficiencies, parasites, or other health concerns. Therefore, by closely monitoring both weight and mutes, a falconer can proactively manage the raptor's health and well-being.

While regular examinations of feathers and assessing size and shape can contribute to understanding a raptor's health, they do not provide as direct or comprehensive a measure of health status as the daily tracking of weight and examination of mutes. Training the bird to perform tasks, although important for behavioral development, is less relevant to health assessments and can even induce stress if not managed properly.