Here we offer beginner falconry courses. We offer advanced falconry training for more advanced falconers. You can be part of falconry workshops designed to give you the tools you need to improve your career. Get involved with bird of prey handling to help you prapare. We are offering bird of prey experience days to help tailor your learning. Join falconry classes for all ages so you can gain the skills you need to improve your knowledge. Learn falconry skills which will help you better understand and manage a bird of prey. Falconry apprenticeship programs offered at low prices, available to everyone. Be a part of helping bird of prey conservation through unique oppurtunities in learning. Falconry certification courses recognised by an independent body to improve your learning. These are unique wildlife courses available in the UK. Be a part of hands-on falconry training offered by expert falconers. Improve your learning by signing up to educational falconry experiences tailor-made for you. We are offering bird of prey rehabilitation courses so you can improve your career in the animal industry. Get experience in falconry and wildlife management through our unique learning oppurtunities. You are a part of a community of falconry enthusiasts, all willing to help you learn. Valuable falconry bird of prey techniques only available through falconry course. We offer exciting falconry training for beginners improving your future career prospects. Be a part of interactive falconry experiences brought to you with the use of video learning aides. We are just like other local falconry schools with an online learning element. If you’re interested Write to Dan Mercer for more course information.
How much space do I need to keep a bird of prey?
Before bringing home any raptor, it is essential to understand the space needed for birds of prey and the housing standards expected of responsible falconers. Good accommodation protects the bird’s physical health, reduces stress, and ensures long term welfare. The question how much space for a hawk or a falcon is not answered by a single measurement. Instead, it is answered by a set of principles that guide proper falconry housing space.
The first and most important element is the bird of prey enclosure size. Raptors must have room to perch safely, turn comfortably, and move without damaging feathers. Raptor aviary size requirements vary between species, which is why larger birds need proportionally larger structures. A kestrel can live in a smaller aviary than a Harris hawk, and a peregrine requires different shaping entirely. Ideally, the more space you can provide, the better.
Indoor housing usually takes the form of a mews, and understanding mews space requirements is central to good planning. A mews must be tall enough and wide enough to allow a bird to stand naturally, hop between perches, and remain comfortable throughout the year. The structure must follow established falconry housing guidelines, which are built around welfare rather than convenience. Here in the UK it is common for bird of prey accommodation to be outdoor enclosures that provide shelter, but it is still a good idea to prepare an indoor area for your bird if it ever needs to be brought inside. This is ideal if the temperatures drop too low, if there are potential stressors such as fireworks, or if the bird is unwell and needs constant supervision.
It is also important to consider general space for birds of prey in regards to welfare. Birds should not spend their lives confined to small areas. They require environmental stimulation and adequate airflow. For this reason, falconers must balance indoor space with outdoor provision. Proper weathering yard size allows a bird to enjoy daylight, fresh air, and gentle activity in a secure enclosure. This outdoor area is as significant as the mews, because raptors rely on sunlight, airflow, and open space to stay healthy. A weathering yard is optional, however. As long as the aviary also provides enough fresh air and sunlight whilst also offering shelter, it should be ideal for your bird.
Whether indoors or outdoors, housing must be secure. Secure raptor housing protects birds from predators, pets, theft, and escape attempts. Doors, mesh, latches, and construction materials all play a role. Even the best trained bird remains capable of sudden movements, so every element of the structure must support responsible bird of prey keeping.
When considering a home setup for birds of prey, newcomers often underestimate space. Even smaller birds require more room than expected. Good aviary dimensions for birds of prey prevent wing damage, stress behaviours, and circulation problems. Adequate space is not optional. It is a core part of bird of prey home requirements, and meeting these standards ensures that the bird remains healthy throughout its life.
The key question remains: what is the minimum space for raptors? There is no universal number, because welfare is influenced by species, age, activity level, and housing design. However, the principle is simple. The enclosure must be large enough to prevent feather damage, allow full stretching of the wings, and provide perching options at different heights.
All of these expectations fall under broader bird of prey welfare standards, which aim to ensure that every hawk or falcon kept at home has the space it needs to thrive. These standards recognise that falconry birds are athletes. They need room to rest, space to maintain feather condition, and an environment that supports their natural behaviours.
Understanding the space needed for birds of prey is not just a matter of measurement. It is a commitment to providing an environment that respects the physical, emotional, and behavioural needs of the bird. When the space is right, the bird remains healthy, confident, and ready to work. When the space is limited, every aspect of the bird’s welfare suffers. Taking the time to build a suitable setup is not only a legal responsibility. It is the foundation of what it means to be a responsible falconer.