Falconry mews, the specialized enclosures where trained birds of prey are housed, require careful consideration of materials to ensure these magnificent birds’ health, safety, and comfort. The choice of materials impacts not only the structural integrity of the mews but also the bird’s well-being through factors like temperature regulation, ventilation, and ease of cleaning.
This article explores the various materials used in mews construction, focusing on practical applications and falconer-tested recommendations.
Structural Materials
The foundation of any quality mews begins with appropriate structural materials that provide durability, protection, and proper environmental conditions for raptors.
Framing Materials
Wood remains the most popular framing material for mews construction, offering natural insulation properties crucial for temperature regulation. The preferred material for low-elevation mews construction is wood as it has low heat conduction needed to defend against hot summer days. Most falconers choose dimensional lumber for their framing needs:
- 2×4 lumber is widely recommended for frame construction over the lighter 2×2, providing superior sturdiness and stability
- Many designs require approximately 50 pieces of 2x4x96″ lumber for basic mews.
- Pressure-treated lumber should be used for any wood in contact with the ground.
- Some falconers employ bolt-together designs using 1/4″ diameter bolts for easy disassembly and potential relocation.
Wall and Roof Materials
The walls and roof of a mews must balance security, ventilation, and protection from the elements:
- 1/2″ 3-ply CDX plywood is commonly used for wall construction, providing adequate strength without excessive weight or cost
- Composite plywood with integrated waterproofing can be used for roofing or entire mews construction.
- Many falconers complete the structure with standard roofing shingles over plywood for weather protection.
- Some designs incorporate translucent roofing materials to provide natural lighting while considering potential heat buildup in warmer climates.
Window and Door Materials
Windows and doors require special attention to prevent escape while ensuring adequate ventilation:
- Vertical bars are essential for windows, typically spaced narrower than the bird’s width to prevent escape attempts
- Metal electrical conduit (3/4″ outside dimension) is strongly recommended for window bars.
- Falconers are explicitly warned against using PVC pipe of any kind to bar windows.
- Door frames are typically constructed from the same lumber as the main structure.
- Doors should include secure latching mechanisms, often with additional hooks or springs to prevent accidental opening.
Interior Design Materials
The interior of a mews significantly impacts a raptor’s daily life and requires materials that facilitate health, comfort, and maintenance.
Flooring Options
The floor materials in mews are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing disease. Several options exist, with pea gravel being the most widely recommended:
- Pea gravel on dirt or sand provides excellent drainage while absorbing moisture and facilitating cleaning.
- Pea gravel is the go-to for most falconers. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can do small, frequent cleanings by soaking the dirty gravel in a bleach solution.
- Some falconers enhance pea gravel with scattered pine branches, which “collects the mutes well and provides a pleasant smell.”
- Artificial grass/astroturf is an alternative that’s “easy to pick up, take outside, then power wash, and cheap to replace.”
- Sand is occasionally used, particularly in weathering areas, as it can be scooped clean and hosed down.
- Newspapers may be used as temporary or supplemental floor coverings, but they require frequent changes.
- Materials explicitly discouraged include straw, hay, and sawdust, which are noted as “not normally acceptable.”
Many falconers use a combination approach, starting with a well-drained base layer and adding cleanable material on top.
Perching Materials
Appropriate perches are essential interior features requiring specific materials:
- Screen perches typically use a horizontal wooden bar padded with carpet, over which strong cloth such as burlap is draped.
- Block perches for falcons are commonly made of wood with diameters from 4 to 8 inches, depending on the bird’s size.
- Shelf perches attached to the wall often use carpeted wood secured to the inner wall.
- All wooden perches should be free of splinters or rough edges that could damage feet or feathers.
Material Selection Considerations
When selecting materials for mews construction, several important factors should guide decision-making.
Climate and Environmental Factors
Local climate significantly influences optimal material choices:
- In windy regions, heavier construction materials and secure anchoring become essential: My main element enemy here on the Plains is wind- if you live in the south or east, you may need to worry more about moisture than wind and build a foundation accordingly.
- In hot climates, wood is preferred for its low thermal conductivity, helping maintain cooler interior temperatures.
- In humid environments, materials that resist rot and mold become crucial, with pressure-treated lumber and proper ventilation being particularly important.
Bird Size and Species Requirements
Different raptors have varying space and material requirements, these requirements are not just a guide and in many instances are the laws and regulations if you wish to house a raptor.
- For Harris’ hawks and red-tailed hawks, mews should be at least 6’x6’x6′ (with 8’x8’x6′ preferred)
- Smaller birds like kestrels may be housed in structures as small as 4’x4’x4′
- The interior should be “severely plain with no beams or ledges to tempt the hawk to fly to a higher perch.”
- Materials should avoid sharp edges or jagged surfaces that could cause injury.
Maintenance and Longevity
- Practical considerations regarding cleaning and durability impact material selection:
- Pea gravel flooring can be cleaned by scooping (like a litter box) and disinfecting with a bleach solution.
- Surfaces should be constructed to facilitate hosing down or pressure washing.
- Electrical considerations may influence material choices if power is desired for lighting, monitoring cameras, or other equipment.
- Higher-quality materials may increase initial costs but reduce long-term maintenance:
Conclusion
The materials used in falconry mews construction are key to supporting the health and well-being of captive raptors. While traditional wooden structures with pea gravel flooring and metal bars are common, new materials offer falconers safer, more durable, and practical options.
When choosing materials, falconers should consider factors like local climate, their birds’ needs, budget, and maintenance. By focusing on these and following best practices, they can build mews that benefit both their birds and themselves for years.
Though quality materials may cost more upfront, they improve bird health, reduce maintenance, and ensure the security and conditions needed for successful falconry.
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