Spike - 2007 Imprint Male Golden Eagle

[Berkut]

Last year as most of you know I imprinted Elsa the female golden eagle.
I picked her up at 29 days weighing 5lb 7oz.She definately knew fear and although she came round in a couple of days,I never took her everywhere as I would normally do with an imprint gos for example.
As a result she was only ever really fed in the garden. Around hard penning time she developed aggression towards me,which developed into hatred. She had never seen me feed her, so I reckon it was a territorial/sibling type behaviour with me as the sibling.
Anyway she went to Tom( TLB )for a time to assess her behaviour with a new handler in new surroundings. The results were superb and she turned into the perfect imprint and her ownership transferred to Tom.

I was pleased for her ,pleased for Tom and satisfied that ,ultimately, I had made the right decision for Elsa and stand by that ,having seen her behaviour on her first hare.

Taking all the above into account, I felt I had sold myself short to a degree and I am now hoping to remedy that.
On the way home from the fair today I picked up Spike, a male Andrew Knowles-Brown golden eagle. He hatched on 22nd April (the day before my birthday) and weighed in today at 641 grams/Ilb 6.75 ounces.

He is my new project and will go everywhere with me,as an imprint gos would ,and hopefully I will personally see him through to hunting myself.


A couple of photographs to wet your appetite,and when they arrive I will post a couple of him with his natural mother earlier today.

Hope you enjoy the thread.

Regards,
Neil

[Sarah J]

The start of another great thread... :yawinkle:

[Accipter-Gentilis]

another quality thread in the making neil:yawinkle:

all the best with him.

[Elly]

Awww, he looks like a dodo :lol:

Seriously though, looking forward to having some decent reading material over the summer with this thread, having very much enjoyed reading about Elsa last time around. Im sure im not alone in having high hopes for that little fella and im sure you'll come good on it Neil. :supz:

ATB

[FlameHairedFalconer]

Looking forward to this thread Neil.

FHF

[Pitbull]

Just another reason to hate you. :lol:
Looking forward too the read.

[Gram]

Lovely looking chick Neil,im sure it will be a great read,good luck.

[RileyHall Falconry]

very nice i also have a andrew knowles brown goldiexsteppe nice birds indeed
it will be nice seein him grow up neil

lee

[Gyr]

Good luck neil, keep us posted m8:D

[Cyclone]

lol wooo ive been waiting for this :supz:!!!!
cyclone

[Isis]

You're a lucky ******* :twisted:
Keep us updated neil :yawinkle:

[GyrXPeales]

Hehehe! Now your talking Neil, I know nothing of eagles but I often wondered what would have happened if you had socialized Elsa a bit more. I know you imprint your birds almost exactly the same way as I do, and like you say they go everywhere with me, unless coat and tie are required of course. I know an eagle chick could be a bit more problematic of course, but I'm betting you're going to end up with one hell of a bird as a result.
I can't wait to follow your progress on this one my friend.
My very best,
Jeff

P.S. Earth to Lauren, it's not a dream it is in fact a baby eagle. I don't know who looks cuter there, you or the eaglet.:lol: Nice Photo!:supz:

[Paddy1]

really really looking forward to reading your updates with this one neil :goodman: :supz:

[Venividevenatio]

I am looking forward to this insight, that so many of us will never experience.

[Gos n GWP]

all the best neil with him hes in great hands will b looking foward 2 your posts mate,,,,,cheers lee

[GriffMJ]

Cracking bird Neil :D

[Big JoeJoe]

Neil it was really good meeting Lauren an yourself at the falconry fair. I recall you said you were picking up young Spike on your way back. He is te best of hands with you mate.

I like most people on here are looking forward to reading this thread. :supz: :supz:

Hope to see him fly sometime in the future.:supz: :supz:

Cheers Joe

[JayHawk]

Neil, it was great to meet you at the fair after reading all your cracking threads.... i am looking forward to this one, im sure it'll be a belter.

jay.

[Jastreb]

This great and great thread is coming :D :D

Cheers Viktor

[Berkutchi]

Hehehe! Now your talking Neil, I know nothing of eagles but I often wondered what would have happened if you had socialized Elsa a bit more. I know you imprint your birds almost exactly the same way as I do, and like you say they go everywhere with me, unless coat and tie are required of course. I know an eagle chick could be a bit more problematic of course, but I'm betting you're going to end up with one hell of a bird as a result.
I can't wait to follow your progress on this one my friend.
My very best,
Jeff

P.S. Earth to Lauren, it's not a dream it is in fact a baby eagle. I don't know who looks cuter there, you or the eaglet.:lol: Nice Photo!:supz:

Hehe, Jeff - it is a dream in the guise of fuzzball. :lol:

I never thought I'd be able to interact with and socialize an eyass golden so soon. I thought it would be years before I'd get to experience such a wonderful thing.

In a NAFA Journal from some years ago, I had read of Alan Gates pulling his female eagle Maria from an eyrie in Scotland in the 70's - what an inspiration! To say I'm looking forward to watching this little eaglet clomp around, get his bearings, grow, learn, and develop mentally and physically - well, that is just a huge understatement! :grin:

And I have to agree, Jeff. Neil's dedication, especially to the details, will no doubt turn out one hell of a hunting eagle.

Cheers!

--Lauren

PS - BigJoeJoe - it was great to finally meet you at the Fair as well!

[Hacker]

Examundo matey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a blast with this one Neil:!:
Just keep us posted and call me when he is hunting m8!
Richard

[TimDog80]

neil so glad you decided to do this thread mate:yawinkle: , ill eagerly look forward to his progress and learn a thing or two in doing so mate:D

best of luck in the making of a quality eagle!!!!...... not that lucks needed;)

tim:D

[Hound]

good luck neil and keep us posted on how he does

[Berkut]

Left a dish of food beside him while he slept.He woke up and polished most of it off. Off to sleep again full up. First time he,s seen the dish as he has been fed by his mother till today.

[ReluctantTwitcher]

Awww, he looks like a dodo :lol:

Seriously though, looking forward to having some decent reading material over the summer with this thread, having very much enjoyed reading about Elsa last time around. Im sure im not alone in having high hopes for that little fella and im sure you'll come good on it Neil. :supz:

ATB

My thoughts exactly. Well said, Elly!

Cheers,
/Magnus

[GosFlyer]

neil, you are a glutton for punishment. another great thread in the making, i would love to hear the wind going through his primaries as he stooped to a hare, perhaps in the autumn i may do just that when i come up to dougies:lol: .

[Berkut]

neil, you are a glutton for punishment. another great thread in the making, i would love to hear the wind going through his primaries as he stooped to a hare, perhaps in the autumn i may do just that when i come up to dougies:lol: .

Mick,
You are always welcome.Hoping to do a bit stalking with Dougie also.;)

[ReluctantTwitcher]

Hehe, Jeff - it is a dream in the guise of fuzzball. :lol:

I never thought I'd be able to interact with and socialize an eyass golden so soon. I thought it would be years before I'd get to experience such a wonderful thing.

In a NAFA Journal from some years ago, I had read of Alan Gates pulling his female eagle Maria from an eyrie in Scotland in the 70's - what an inspiration! To say I'm looking forward to watching this little eaglet clomp around, get his bearings, grow, learn, and develop mentally and physically - well, that is just a huge understatement! :grin:

And I have to agree, Jeff. Neil's dedication, especially to the details, will no doubt turn out one hell of a hunting eagle.

Cheers!

--Lauren

PS - BigJoeJoe - it was great to finally meet you at the Fair as well!

Loved the photo of you & Spike, Lauren. The only problem is your making me green with envy over here (well, not really but you know what I mean) - talk about prospects for a rewarding summer break! But then again, going by your posts and Neils appreciative comments about you as an "apprentice eagler", you sure seem to have earned your right to such a privilege. All the best to the both of you, and thanks for sharing. Cheers!

/Magnus

[Kitetrainer]

Awww, he looks like a dodo :lol:

Seriously though, looking forward to having some decent reading material over the summer with this thread, having very much enjoyed reading about Elsa last time around. Im sure im not alone in having high hopes for that little fella and im sure you'll come good on it Neil. :supz:

ATB

Did you say dodo

[Greg]

Looking foreward to seeing the little guy Niel, better tell Lauren if she keeps smiling that that hard she will get stuck!

[Kentish Falconry]

Nice one Neil you played that close to your chest M8 :lol:
All the best to you, Lauren and John who I am sure will be helping you overcome the Elsa problems, the more people he See's and the more places will help him become stable so at a young age should cure your aggression problems that you experienced with Elsa and that should make a great all round Eagle and if that don't work Ring Me first :lol:
Terry :supz: :supz:

[Rusty83]

hey neil it was great meeting you at the fair.
best of luck with the new arrival..... i'll follow this thread with great intrest!!

Russ.

[PaulWar3]

Good luck with the new goldie Neil:supz:
Make sure there's plenty of pics with the posts.

Paul

[Lady]

He's stunning. Can't wait to see pics of him growing up. :heart: :heart:

[JuliaK]

Another great thread,neil.
Good luck with him, can't wait to see him growing up:)

[Dude]

cute little goldie :)

[AngelJakki]

Can't wait to read the progress. :supz:

[Oscar]

Hey Neil,

It was great to meet you and Lauren at the Fair. As we said your like a kiddy with a puppy just can't say no :lol:

Will be keeping a close eye on the forum for the thread, as you appear to have an excellent rep for posting corkers :supz:

All the best with Spike & hope to meet you again soon.


Oscar

[SakerYZF]

Awsome Neil , really looking forward to this one;-)

Chris.

[Elly]

Did you say dodo

I certainly did! You cant argue, thats exactly what he looks like.. :lol:

[Palmer]

Nice one mate! :yawinkle:

[Mac]

another totally enganging thread in the making.

looking forward to it.

sean

[Richard]

Looking good Neil, look forward to hearing progress :)

[Gary F]

here we go again,another great thread,,
good luck mate,,fingers crossed for you mate,it works out this time,,,
keep us updated and pics,,,
gary

[Berkut]

Photographs and weight later but I am amazed at his appetite.He has already eaten a quail and a half today.Travelling well on the front seat of the car.
If he,s not sleeping or eating,he,s preening.Wise decision aquiring him at this age.

[Palmer]

Photographs and weight later but I am amazed at his appetite.He has already eaten a quail and a half today.Travelling well on the front seat of the car.
If he,s not sleeping or eating,he,s preening.Wise decision aquiring him at this age.

:supz: 8-)
thought his name was tourus to start with, thats why i sent you that PM!

[Falcun]

Great thread, Good Luck with him cant wait to see some pictures of Taurus on a hare :D

[AlexB]

Neil,

Time for rsi with all the typing you'll have to do. You are a gluton for punishment but I bow down to your persistance with your birds. Can't wait to see how the bird and the thread develop.

ATB

Alex

[TimDog80]

Photographs and weight later but I am amazed at his appetite.He has already eaten a quail and a half today.Travelling well on the front seat of the car.
If he,s not sleeping or eating,he,s preening.Wise decision aquiring him at this age.
neil whats you plan for travelling arrangments whilst imprinting him?? youll probably need to turn the whole car/jeep into an imprint tank:lol:

best luck
tim:D

[Muddy.Waters]

Nice one Neil
yes i can see you doing well with the new member,Please keep us all informed with the progress ect 8-)

[Berkutchi]

Loved the photo of you & Taurus, Lauren. The only problem is your making me green with envy over here (well, not really but you know what I mean) - talk about prospects for a rewarding summer break! But then again, going by your posts and Neils appreciative comments about you as an "apprentice eagler", you sure seem to have earned your right to such a privilege. All the best to the both of you, and thanks for sharing. Cheers!

/Magnus

Cheers Magnus for the kind words - you're right, it'll be a downright fantastic summer break. I only wish I could stay all fall and winter - see Spike progess in the field and refine his hunting technique. Its an odd thought that, about this time two years ago, I had just taken a little eyass american kestrel in the states. Only slightly different :) . Oscar and Greg: It was certainly great to meet you at the Fair as well.

Here are two more pictures of the little fuzzbucket. Something about eyasses just makes you smile, no? :D

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/untitled.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8434.jpg

[Eagle Owl]

Lauren you are sooooo lucky!!!!!!!!!! I am very jealous:twisted:

Neil...great thread. I look forward to hearing the hunting stories:supz:

[Berkut]

1lb 8.5oz / 712 grams today. Pictures will become more interesting as he progresses but heres a few just taken.

[Palmer]

Looking good!8-) :supz:

[Kat67]

He's lovely:heart: :heart:

[Paris]

Last year as most of you know I imprinted Elsa the female golden eagle.
I picked her up at 29 days weighing 5lb 7oz.She definately knew fear and although she came round in a couple of days,I never took her everywhere as I would normally do with an imprint gos for example.
As a result she was only ever really fed in the garden. Around hard penning time she developed aggression towards me,which developed into hatred. She had never seen me feed her, so I reckon it was a territorial/sibling type behaviour with me as the sibling.
Anyway she went to Tom( TLB )for a time to assess her behaviour with a new handler in new surroundings. The results were superb and she turned into the perfect imprint and her ownership transferred to Tom.

I was pleased for her ,pleased for Tom and satisfied that ,ultimately, I had made the right decision for Elsa and stand by that ,having seen her behaviour on her first hare.

Taking all the above into account, I felt I had sold myself short to a degree and I am now hoping to remedy that.
On the way home from the fair today I picked up Spike, a male Andrew Knowles-Brown golden eagle. He hatched on 22nd April (the day before my birthday) and weighed in today at 641 grams/Ilb 6.75 ounces.

He is my new project and will go everywhere with me,as an imprint gos would ,and hopefully I will personally see him through to hunting myself.


A couple of photographs to wet your appetite,and when they arrive I will post a couple of him with his natural mother earlier today.

Hope you enjoy the thread.

Regards,
Neil

Hi Neil very nice pics m8:heart


Regards Harry

[Elly]

Cheers Magnus for the kind words - you're right, it'll be a downright fantastic summer break. I only wish I could stay all fall and winter - see Taurus progess in the field and refine his hunting technique. Its an odd thought that, about this time two years ago, I had just taken a little eyass american kestrel in the states. Only slightly different . Oscar and Greg: It was certainly great to meet you at the Fair as well.

Here are two more pictures of the little fuzzbucket. Something about eyasses just makes you smile, no?

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/untitled.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8434.jpg


Hes a little dude, love the pic of him being fed by his mom! :heart:

Been sat starring at the pics for a while now, its so surreal thinking at this age he already weighs as much as Bagot at hunting weight. Simply awesome.

[RedNoseK9]

Thanx neil another part of my life will now be obsorbed by reading this thread

all the best mate
wez

[Salty]

damn it neil you always get the chicks :lol: ,youre cars gonna be bonny if hes coming out in it all the time with you mate ,heel turn out a belter aswell no doubt and i too will follow his progress mate ,nice to see you at the fair mate weed like to have camped but the way things turned out we couldnt maybe next time then you can see the real me on the **** pmsl ,no mate im sound dude handle me liquer ,cracking bird mate and hope you have good luck always with him dude ,salty:supz:

[Berkut]

Tucking in.

[Pogger]

He really is one gorgeous little lad. Good luck Neil, I hope he turns out exactly as you hope. :D

[Barkai]

Vary cute little thing.

Stephen

[Goldie]

Hi Neil, forgot to ask you earlier about his breeding, any relationship to the others? I will make arrangements to come over and see the "dude" maybe next week.
ATB Jim

p.s did you get fixed up with an imprint tank ?

[Nemesis]

hi neil nice to meet you at the fair and hope all goes well with the new bird sure it will, all the best /dave

[Berkut]

Hi Neil, forgot to ask you earlier about his breeding, any relationship to the others? I will make arrangements to come over and see the "dude" maybe next week.
ATB Jim

p.s did you get fixed up with an imprint tank ?

Jim
Same father as Bentley.Same mother as Taggart.Coincidentally from a colouration point of view,the exact combination I would have chosen.
Imprint tank being built to order as we speak.
See you soon.
Neil.

[Bones]

Looking forward to reading another excellent eagle thread by yourself Neil keep the pics coming along with the posts

PAUL

[HorseBox]

Good luck with him what do you hope to fly with him

[Berkut]

Good luck with him what do you hope to fly with him

Mainly hares but foxes could be on the menu.

[Alan G]

Good luck with the little guy & its going to be interesting following your posts on his/your progress together. I've been at Knowles a couple of times myself & its something else to see.

Best of luck.

Alan.

[Gary F]

looking good mate,, what you feeding him on at momment???
gary

[JR VIZ]

Great pics, mind out for the 4 mile runs;)

[B C]

He looks great Neil - look forward to seeing him fly

Good luck
Bernie

[ParaButeo78]

Looking very good Neil.
Have fun with the little fuzzball!

Hopefully all goes well and we'll have a excellent Spike hunting thread to look forward too.

[Berkut]

looking good mate,, what you feeding him on at momment???
gary

He,s on a real mix Gary,quail,chicks,rabbit and venison,though is eating fresh hare as we speak.;)

[Palmer]

He,s on a real mix Gary,quail,chicks,rabbit and venison,though is eating fresh hare as we speak.;)

Who's gary the postman :lol:

[TLB]

Nice one Neil.;)

Tom

[Elly]

Neil with this thread you'll be back up to you 6 million sheriffs badges in no time! :lol: My whole family (who are normally quite bored with my incessant falconry ramblings) were huddled around the screen swooning over Spike yesterday. Hes gunna be a star! :supz: :heart:

[SakerYZF]

Who's gary the postman :lol:

hahaha ,craker;-)

[Berkut]

I was a bit concerned re his(Spike) appetite when I got up to check him this morning at 5am, however he took a decent crop at 7am and again at
11am with my help(discreetly) .
I had photos of Bentley taken for a magazine today and took Taurus with me for the run and managed to secure a great piece of land for the coming season.
I weighed him on my return and he came in at Ilb 10oz/736gms empty.

I decided to leave a full dish of food for him till he ate the lot himself. I came into the house and when I looked out 10 minutes later he was sound asleep with a full crop . A good positive step in the right direction which means he will be left to fend for himself from a food point of view and will be hooded for the food to be replenished.

I will take a few photos and post them later for those in need of your daily fix.;)

[Palmer]

I was a bit concerned re his(Spike) appetite when I got up to check him this morning at 5am, however he took a decent crop at 7am and again at
11am with my help(discreetly) .
I had photos of Bentley taken for a magazine today and took Taurus with me for the run and managed to secure a great piece of land for the coming season.
I weighed him on my return and he came in at Ilb 10oz/736gms empty.

I decided to leave a full dish of food for him till he ate the lot himself. I came into the house and when I looked out 10 minutes later he was sound asleep with a full crop . A good positive step in the right direction which means he will be left to fend for himself from a food point of view and will be hooded for the food to be replenished.

I will take a few photos and post them later for those in need of your daily fix.;)

Good stuff mate!:supz:

[Salty]

I was a bit concerned re his(Spike) appetite when I got up to check him this morning at 5am, however he took a decent crop at 7am and again at
11am with my help(discreetly) .
I had photos of Bentley taken for a magazine today and took Taurus with me for the run and managed to secure a great piece of land for the coming season.
I weighed him on my return and he came in at Ilb 10oz/736gms empty.

I decided to leave a full dish of food for him till he ate the lot himself. I came into the house and when I looked out 10 minutes later he was sound asleep with a full crop . A good positive step in the right direction which means he will be left to fend for himself from a food point of view and will be hooded for the food to be replenished.

I will take a few photos and post them later for those in need of your daily fix.;)nice one dude ,salty:supz:

[Gary F]

nice one, going well mate,,,look forward to next fix,its this sort of thread ,that keeps us going through molt,,

[Matthew Patching]

Just come across this. He looks a corker from the fotos, I hope that all geos well for you this time around neil. best of luck, and I will be looking forward to reading your posts over the coming months. Until I get my new falcon, and he takes up more time than he should!:supz:

[Bones]

I will take a few photos and post them later for those in need of your daily fix.;)

Good man lol

PAUL

[Berkut]

Some pictures from today. You won,t see much change as the only real difference at the moment is on the scales.
Hopefully you'll enjoy them anyway.
Neil.

[Isis]

Top pics Neil......keep em coming:supz:

[Palmer]

Looking good8-)
He couldn't have a much better set up!:supz:

[Salty]

cant wait till the feathers come heel be mint, gizzit mate pmsl:lol: :supz:

[Yeoman]

Good luck to you both and the forthcoming season:supz:
hell ye:lol:

[Berkut]

Starting to see a visual difference in him now, although it is difficult when you are with a chick 24/7 (raptor chick that is ;) )

Good crop this morning and weighed in empty a few minutes ago at 1lb 13oz/820gms - 18 days old now.

Photos later.

[Hardcore Hawker]

I know how you are so good at what you do now Neil you have 27 Hours in your day and not 24 like the rest of us:supz:

[Berkut]

I know how you are so good at what you do now Neil you have 27 Hours in your day and not 24 like the rest of us:supz:

Just noticed that one.:oops: :oops: Sorted.;)

[Eagle Owl]

He is such a cutie:yawinkle: Thanks for the pic updates. Looking forward to more:supz:

[Berkut]

He is such a cutie:yawinkle: Thanks for the pic updates. Looking forward to more:supz:

Thanks Brandi .About to take a few more soon. ;)

[Gary F]

nice one neil, john just pm me hes getting a young eagle in september,, awsum

[Berkut]

nice one neil, john just pm me hes getting a young eagle in september,, awsum

Gary,
Membrane of the first contender away for DNA sexing tomorrow.;)

[Berkutchi]

Here are a few pictures from last week...:D

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/7_71.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/5_71.jpg

[Gaz]

If you get fed up with it,sending it down here Neil:!: :supz:

[Berkut]

If you get fed up with it,sending it down here Neil:!: :supz:

I,ll bear that in mind Gaz. :butthead: :finga:

[Berkut]

A couple of him a few minutes ago.

[Palmer]

:supz: Looks like he's been on the grass?

[Matthew Patching]

2nd one looks like Sid Vicious!, with white hair!

[Berkut]

2nd one looks like Sid Vicious!, with white hair!

He was nearly called Punk.:lol:

[Musketmad]

Last year as most of you know I imprinted Elsa the female golden eagle.
I picked her up at 29 days weighing 5lb 7oz.She definately knew fear and although she came round in a couple of days,I never took her everywhere as I would normally do with an imprint gos for example.
As a result she was only ever really fed in the garden. Around hard penning time she developed aggression towards me,which developed into hatred. She had never seen me feed her, so I reckon it was a territorial/sibling type behaviour with me as the sibling.
Anyway she went to Tom( TLB )for a time to assess her behaviour with a new handler in new surroundings. The results were superb and she turned into the perfect imprint and her ownership transferred to Tom.

I was pleased for her ,pleased for Tom and satisfied that ,ultimately, I had made the right decision for Elsa and stand by that ,having seen her behaviour on her first hare.

Taking all the above into account, I felt I had sold myself short to a degree and I am now hoping to remedy that.
On the way home from the fair today I picked up Spike, a male Andrew Knowles-Brown golden eagle. He hatched on 22nd April (the day before my birthday) and weighed in today at 641 grams/Ilb 6.75 ounces.

He is my new project and will go everywhere with me,as an imprint gos would ,and hopefully I will personally see him through to hunting myself.


A couple of photographs to wet your appetite,and when they arrive I will post a couple of him with his natural mother earlier today.

Hope you enjoy the thread.

Regards,
Neilgreat for keeping cats out of the garden:grin:

[Musketmad]

CHEYNE three year old male goldie with my missus

[SBFalconry]

A couple of him a few minutes ago.

nice one Niel look forward to seeing his progress Stu :supz:

[ReluctantTwitcher]

Some pictures from today. You won,t see much change as the only real difference at the moment is on the scales.
Hopefully you'll enjoy them anyway.
Neil.

I surely did! He looks great in the pics, seems to have settled in nicely in his new home. Cheers,

/Magnus

[FredrickFogg]

He looks like an ostrich in that second pic! LOL Great pics! I love to see them growing up. Can't wait to see more!

Fred

[ReluctantTwitcher]

Here are a few pictures from last week...:D

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/7_71.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/5_71.jpg

Pretty good looking mom there! Spike will be a stunner...

[Gary F]

Gary,
Membrane of the first contender away for DNA sexing tomorrow.;)
hope it goes well for john,
yours is coming along great,
gary

[Elly]

absolutely love the pics of him with his mom. :supz:

What weight are you expecting him to be today Neil? 1lb15 ish? bit more than that?

[Berkut]

absolutely love the pics of him with his mom. :supz:

What weight are you expecting him to be today Neil? 1lb15 ish? bit more than that?

Elly,
Just weighed him empty at 2lb 2 oz .I am expecting a real growth spurt, but didn,t expect 5 ounces .although I am actually seeing the difference myself even though I am with him 24/7.
Neil

[Joey]

bloody hell niel what you feeding it steriods




joey

[Salty]

aye he must be gettin his weetabix off ya dude ,moms mint very dark looking big fU****,salty:supz:

[Musketmad]

If you are reading this thread roy ....thats how you do it:lol:

[Elly]

Elly,
Just weighed him empty at 2lb 2 oz .I am expecting a real growth spurt, but didn,t expect 5 ounces .although I am actually seeing the difference myself even though I am with him 24/7.
Neil

Wow, he is growing at a helluva rate! Hes gunna be a monster!

[RWR]

Elly,
Just weighed him empty at 2lb 2 oz .I am expecting a real growth spurt, but didn,t expect 5 ounces .although I am actually seeing the difference myself even though I am with him 24/7.
Neil

This is an other top thread Neil well done mate rep added.:supz: :supz:

[Berkut]

This is an other top thread Neil well done mate rep added.:supz: :supz:

Thanks Russ. He,s looking good.No pics today but I,ll put some on tomorrow.
Regards,
Neil.

[Berkut]

Why divorce is on the cards.

[Paddy1]

that will do it everytime pmsl

[Berkut]

Another couple.

[Rusty83]

Why divorce is on the cards.
surely thats a good thing!?! :lol: you'll have more time with Spike then!!:supz: :supz:

Russ

[GyrXPeales]

Why divorce is on the cards.

Now Neil is that your "Imprint Tank being built to order as we speak" imprint tank. I think I bought one from the same guy, he said it had a built in force field that would prevent the slice from getting beyond the edge of the tank, he lied.:lol:
I can hear the Mrs. now, NEIL HUNTER, GET YOUR ARSE IN HERE!!!!:twisted:
God I love imprints, too bad that wasn't his first slice of the morning, he could have gotten an extra 5 feet out of that one, nice pic mate.:supz:
Best regards,
Jeff

[HunterJen]

thats great, keep it coming, its good to see a successful diary account, keep us entertained.

Jenet xx

:supz: :yawinkle: :supz:

[Berkut]

Now Neil is that your "Imprint Tank being built to order as we speak" imprint tank. I think I bought one from the same guy, he said it had a built in force field that would prevent the slice from getting beyond the edge of the tank, he lied.:lol:
I can hear the Mrs. now, NEIL HUNTER, GET YOUR ARSE IN HERE!!!!:twisted:
God I love imprints, too bad that wasn't his first slice of the morning, he could have gotten an extra 5 feet out of that one, nice pic mate.:supz:
Best regards,
Jeff

Jeff,
The imprint tank arrives on Tuesday ,thank goodness.He has grown out the temporary one in 4 days.I,m having to make do. Nearly crashed the jeep on the way home tonight using my cupped hand to make a mute "ricochet" back into the tank as opposed to all over the upholstery.Roll on Tuesday.;)
All the best,
Neil.

[GyrXPeales]

Jeff,
The imprint tank arrives on Tuesday ,thank goodness.He has grown out the temporary one in 4 days.I,m having to make do. Nearly crashed the jeep on the way home tonight using my cupped hand to make a mute "ricochet" back into the tank as opposed to all over the upholstery.Roll on Tuesday.;)
All the best,
Neil.

Hehehe! I've been there too many times Neil, does sound like a nice catch though. It's tough not having a bird to imprint this year, thanks for sharing yours.
My best as always,
Jeff

[Greg]

Jeff,
The imprint tank arrives on Tuesday ,thank goodness.He has grown out the temporary one in 4 days.I,m having to make do. Nearly crashed the jeep on the way home tonight using my cupped hand to make a mute "ricochet" back into the tank as opposed to all over the upholstery.Roll on Tuesday.;)
All the best,
Neil.

Good blast shield needed! Hate to clean your out at the end of the week. Dries to a nice chalk like substance but that last mark is a ****** to get out! Your wife must be a feal gem Niel!
Greg

[Elly]

Why divorce is on the cards.

PMSL, action shot! :lol: Love it!

[Big JoeJoe]

Fantastic pics great thread Neil. He looks a hand full mate, Spike would make a great advert for Andrex Toilet paper :lol: :lol:

[Goldie]

He's coming on a treat neil:supz:

just one question tho, what is the ring situation?

[Berkut]

He's coming on a treat neil:supz:

just one question tho, what is the ring situation?

Jim,
The breeder contacted DEFRA as he knew I would be posting on this site and wanted to keep us both in the clear. Responsibility for the ringing of the chick is now mine as is the completing of the declaration of ringing. I have the ring with me and it will be another few days before it is fitted.
Neil.

[ReluctantTwitcher]

Why divorce is on the cards.

PSML! Should be mandatory viewing for anyone considering imprinting for the first time... Welcome to the down side of falconry!

/Magnus

[RedNoseK9]

Still looking good though mate despite all the mess

[Tim Laycock]

Neil,
Dont know if it has been mentioned (Its already becoming a trawl through :lol: )

When will you start hood training with him?
Have you started already.

[Berkut]

Neil,
Dont know if it has been mentioned (Its already becoming a trawl through :lol: )

When will you start hood training with him?
Have you started already.

Tim,
Hood training started the day I picked him up . Going well. ;)

[Tim Laycock]

just slipped on now and then or more regimented?

[Berkut]

just slipped on now and then or more regimented?

Slipped on now and then but as his head starts to fit the real hood well ,it will be more regimented with the braces getting tightened more as we go.

[Musketmad]

Slipped on now and then but as his head starts to fit the real hood well ,it will be more regimented with the braces getting tightened more as we go.
whats your thoughts on the slip on hoods without the braces?

[Berkut]

whats your thoughts on the slip on hoods without the braces?

Nigel,
I use them all the time and for hunting out the hood , off the fist they are superb. GriffMJ on here makes mine.

[Berkut]

He hasn,t co-operated for photographs today so far but I just weighed him empty at 2lb 7.5oz. He has eaten 3 quail today already and will no doubt
polish of another one before he goes to sleep. Eating all by himself now and the dish is replenished while he is asleep or hooded.

[Elly]

He hasn,t co-operated for photographs today so far but I just weighed him empty at 2lb 7.5oz. He has eaten 3 quail today already and will no doubt
polish of another one before he goes to sleep. Eating all by himself now and the dish is replenished while he is asleep or hooded.

Wow. hes working at 5oz gains a day! And 3 quail already. blows my mind. :supz:

[Berkut]

Wow. hes working at 5oz gains a day! And 3 quail already. blows my mind. :supz:

Elly I was keen to take him on younger than I did Elsa as she had already had the mega growth spurt by the time I got her at 29 days. Glad I did now as I missed a really good stage of developement last time. 1lb .75oz in 5 days .
That,s him 20 days old now.
Neil

[Berkut]

Hopefully this will show a difference in him.The first photo was taken on Monday and the second today.

[Palmer]

He's looking alot bigger mate! very good progress:supz: :heart:

[Mark Collins]

Hopefully this will show a difference in him.The first photo was taken on Monday and the second today.

Hi Neil , good photos mate , best of luck with him he is a cracker, nice to see you do a bit of ironing when you have to , cheers, mark.

[Kitetrainer]

amazing the difference:supz:

[Matthew Patching]

Very nice Neil,

Keep them coming!:supz:

[Berkut]

Off topic slightly but my mate who lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh looked out this morning and his male golden eagle had killed an adult dog fox in it,s weathering.

[FlameHairedFalconer]

Off topic slightly but my mate who lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh looked out this morning and his male golden eagle had killed an adult dog fox in it,s weathering.

:shock:

That'll be a crop and a half! 8-)

FHF

[Berkut]

:shock:

That'll be a crop and a half! 8-)

FHF

You,d better believe it. Seems to have been a fair old tussel.No injury but a few bent feathers.

[Berkut]

A couple from today.Still to be weighed.

[FlameHairedFalconer]

You,d better believe it. Seems to have been a fair old tussel.No injury but a few bent feathers.

Completely off topic again Neil, but I did know a Bald eagle that regularily got a snack of young tawny owl, for some reason they kept flying into her weathering at night...and not getting out...

[Berkut]

21 Days - 2lb 11oz./1217gms.

[Big JoeJoe]

The pictures are ace Neil, what a cracking little (if he can be called little lol) fellow he is. I just chuckle each time I see him lol.

Cheers Joe

[Berkut]

The pictures are ace Neil, what a cracking little (if he can be called little lol) fellow he is. I just chuckle each time I see him lol.

Cheers Joe

Thanks Joe.He,s really coming on.I,m pleased with his progress.
Neil.

[Gary F]

looking good neil,, looks so alert,,,still on the venison??

[Berkut]

looking good neil,, looks so alert,,,still on the venison??

Venison,hare,quail,pigeon,rabbit,chick. ;) ;)

[Matt]

amasing stuff , i bet there is ***** everywhere !!
i bet you grt through some hoods when you imprint eagles .there head must change almost weekly .

all the best.

[Berkut]

amasing stuff , i bet there is ***** everywhere !!
i bet you grt through some hoods when you imprint eagles .there head must change almost weekly .

all the best.

Matt,
I was initially told to use the hood he will eventually wear from day 1.********.It was like putting a dustbin on his head.He is now on his 4th hood which is currently a dutch hood for a gyr. His growth rate at the moment is spectacular (as is his appetite).
Regards,
Neil

[Matt]

bloody hell a gyr sized nut allready !!!

neil i know you have a favored hood maker but do you think i could make the wee man a hood ? it would be great to see one iv made on him at some point .

i realy admire you with your eagle "habit" lol your doing things that most will only ever dream of .
i the wee man of direct uk stock or is there more exotic bloodlines in him ?

[Berkut]

bloody hell a gyr sized nut allready !!!

neil i know you have a favored hood maker but do you think i could make the wee man a hood ? it would be great to see one iv made on him at some point .

i realy admire you with your eagle "habit" lol your doing things that most will only ever dream of .
i the wee man of direct uk stock or is there more exotic bloodlines in him ?

Matt,
He is from direct uk stock as far as I am aware. I would be delighted to have one of your hoods. I don,t know how you work out your sizes but I could possibly send you a hood for comparison purposes. Dutch are best on eagles in my opinion but any style would be gratefully received.
Best Regards,
Neil.

[Yeoman]

21 Days - 2lb 11oz./1217gms.

he weighs more than tigster
hell yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..............:lol:

[Gary F]

he weighs more than tigster
hell yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..............:lol:
bet he can read and write alot better then tigg,only joking mate

[Berkut]

Weighed empty a short time ago - 2lb 15oz.:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Palmer]

Weighed empty a short time ago - 2lb 15oz.:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

He's going good mate!

[Matthew Patching]

He's going good mate!



Looking good niel, cant believe he'll be over 3lb by tomorrow!

[Greg]

This is for you Niel!

[Berkut]

This is for you Niel!

Me like...............a lot.8-)

[SakerYZF]

Off topic slightly but my mate who lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh looked out this morning and his male golden eagle had killed an adult dog fox in it,s weathering.

Didn't know people kept foxes in weatherings.... :-|

[Goldie]

PLEASE DON'T RUIN A GOOD THREAD with loads of **** posts guy's.

[Joey]

what are you going to hunt him on neil i know you love hares with bentley but are you going to try something new like just fox or

joey

[Richard]

Nice to see progress!! Won't be long till he's on the moors, bet your thinking of that now :rolleyes:

[Berkutchi]

Young Taurus is really growing fast - its already been said, but the change in him over a week is incredible. I can't believe it. His feet especially are really starting to look the part. :D

Imprint tank from RaptorBox arrived today, not a moment too soon as he'd long outgrown his old tank.

Spike settled in quite quickly. A few pictures - does anything look quite so content as a sleeping eyass?


http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8482.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8480.jpg


--Lauren

[Eagle Owl]

Awwwww...he is just too cute!!!!! I want one :) Can you smuggle a few in your luggage when you come back to the states Lauren?????

[PaulWar3]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8480.jpg


--Lauren


:drinkers::drinkers: :drinkers:
He been at Neils whiskey?

[Berkutchi]

Just a side note for today:

23 days old - 3lb 2 oz

[Lady]

Just a side note for today:

23 days old - 3lb 2 oz

:shock: :shock: :shock:

[Rex06]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8482.jpg




the box won't look like that for long haha

[Palmer]

Just a side note for today:

23 days old - 3lb 2 oz

Maybe you would like to say how big the box is so people don't think he's as small as he looks:yawinkle:

[Berkutchi]

Maybe you would like to say how big the box is so people don't think he's as small as he looks:yawinkle:

3ft x 2ft 6inches x 2ft 8 inches high.

[Palmer]

3ft x 2ft 6inches x 2ft 8 inches high.

thought Neil said it was 6 foot wide:oops:

[Berkut]

thought Neil said it was 6 foot wide:oops:

No 3ft:wink:

[Palmer]

No 3ft:wink:

:oops: :oops: :oops:

How big do you rekon he'll be when you come to myn then?

[Berkut]

:oops: :oops: :oops:

How big do you rekon he'll be when you come to myn then?

Half feathered.Around 6.5lbs:wink:

[Palmer]

Half feathered.Around 6.5lbs:wink:

We'll stick him in with the harris:shock: :shock:

No serious nearly 100% sure you can stay and the goldens teatherd in the day, and locked away at night

[Matthew Patching]

Hes looking good in that s****y new pad, thougth he'd have gone for somwhere with a bit more storage space though!:wink:

[Berkut]

Just a small update.The name Taurus never seemed to roll of the tongue as I expected and I ended up calling him "the young eagle" or something similar.

Today while Lauren was across at my house visiting we were discussing the fact the name didn,t suit him. Anyway he sat bolt upright and the name "Spike" hit me between the eyes. Lauren immediately took to it and it really seems to suit him so he is now "Spike"8-) 8-)

[Palmer]

Just a small update.The name Taurus never seemed to roll of the tongue as I expected and I ended up calling him "the young eagle" or something similar.

Today while Lauren was across at my house visiting we were discussing the fact the name didn,t suuit him. Anyway he sat bolt upright and the name "Spike" hit me between the eyes. Lauren immediately took to it and it really seems to suit him so he is now "Spike"8-) 8-)

:roll: not sure a bird with that name can come to my house!


Only kiddind, abit more catchy than taurus:D

[Scooter]

there is a old saying never change a eagles name

i got told its bad luck :idea:

[Kevin Massey]

Neil How is things reguarding the dog? Have they mey yet? (could just imagin what was going through the dogs mind...Oh no not again:lol: )

[Scooter]

Never heard that one.I,ll just have to live with it.;)

good luck anyway i love the thread :supz:

i was talking to a mate of yours on sunday but i can nor remember his name :rolleyes:

he is from teeside and fly,s eagles :lol:

he was looking at our golden eagle

[Berkut]

Neil How is things reguarding the dog? Have they mey yet? (could just imagin what was going through the dogs mind...Oh no not again:lol: )

The dog and eagle go together wherever I go.I am going to give "Spike" a real ladder though.:wink:

[Berkut]

" Spike "

[Kevin Massey]

How could something so stunning come from a thing soooo uuummmm gopping:lol: :supz:

[Salty]

need a bigger box soon neil :lol: topper dude by the way taurus name had no kick in it ,spikes a cushty name my friend :supz:

[Matt]

i like both names but spike is a proper lads name .

and hes defo the heart breaker on here .

[Rab Marshall]

glad everythings going well neil,rab

[Elly]

I think he looks like a Sid :lol: :supz:

I had actually thought that already! I suggested Spike as the name for Hackers little Gyrsaker, but Sid was my back up!

Approve of the name change anyway Neil, Spikes a good name :supz:

Hes looking cracking, how much a day is he getting through roughly now?

[Berkut]

I had actually thought that already! I suggested Spike as the name for Hackers little Gyrsaker, but Sid was my back up!

Approve of the name change anyway Neil, Spikes a good name :supz:

Hes looking cracking, how much a day is he getting through roughly now?

Elly,
Thanks re the opinion on the name change. 5 quail yesterday and already 3 today.:confused: :confused: ;)

[Goldie]

Elly,
Thanks re the opinion on the name change. 5 quail yesterday and already 3 today.:confused: :confused: ;)

Can see the name changing again.........Glutton:lol:

[Berkut]

Spike - 24 days. Much more feather growth at this age than the female golden last year at 29 days.

Weighed in empty at 3lb 8oz.

[Paddy1]

nice one neil any differences you have noticed between spike and elsa at this age ????

[Berkut]

nice one neil any differences you have noticed between spike and elsa at this age ????

Paddy,
I got Elsa at 29 days.Spike is only 24 days and his primaries are already an inch down whereas Elsa,s did not appear till 33 days or so.
Getting Spike at 14 days seems to have been a wise choice as I take him everywhere and nothing seems to concern him.
Neil.

[Falcon]

Spike - 24 days. Much more feather growth at this age than the female golden last year at 29 days.

Weighed in empty at 3lb 8oz.

Good God that Miracle grow is good stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:lol: Either that or he's on a drip of good old Scotch, puts hairs on mens chests, but in eagle chicks makes them grow before your eyes:yawinkle:

[Berkut]

Good God that Miracle grow is good stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:lol: Either that or he's on a drip of good old Scotch, puts hairs on mens chests, but in eagle chicks makes them grow before your eyes:yawinkle:

It is incredible Sarah,he is literally growing in front of my eyes (on your quail.:finga: )

[Mr_Colin]

Great thread Neil, again:roll: :lol:

Do you have a comparison in appetite between Spike and Elsa at the same age? I am probably assuming wrong but would have thought Elsa ate more but from what I am reading he has a huge appetite.

[Berkut]

Great thread Neil, again:roll: :lol:

Do you have a comparison in appetite between Spike and Elsa at the same age? I am probably assuming wrong but would have thought Elsa ate more but from what I am reading he has a huge appetite.

Colin,
Will be able to compare a bit later on as I did not get Elsa till 29 days. It would appear though that the largest growth spurt is between 14 and 28 days. From memory the most Elsa consumed in a day was 5 quail,half a rabbit and 10 day old chicks.:shock: :shock:
Neil.

[Elly]

My god. He will need renaming Fat B*****d before long! :lol: 3lb8 and over 5quail a day, everytime i look at this thread i am left gobsmacked by the little guy. Great to hear hes chilled out in all scenarios too. Cant wait to see him adopting Bentleys "dragon" pose on his first hare :supz:

[Sandeep]

Hi Neil

This has all the right ingredients of a great thread.... Wish you all the very best.....

Cheers :supz: :supz:

[PaulWar3]

Hi Neil

Glad to see everythings going well with Spike. Can I just ask how much miracle grow do you put on each quail. Cant believe how quick he is growing.
Like everyone else says, this is a top thread.:supz:

Paul

[Gary F]

watched..where eagles fly and the language of the birds last nite,
filmed in scotland,, says on there a eagle is 36 x its body weight ,3 weeks on, seems by spike they are correct,
its a rspb film,if you get chance its a good watch,,
gary

[SakerYZF]

5 Quail a day!! Pass on some rep points to spike for me please.

[Berkutchi]

Just a small update.The name Taurus never seemed to roll of the tongue as I expected and I ended up calling him "the young eagle" or something similar.

Today while Lauren was across at my house visiting we were discussing the fact the name didn,t suit him. Anyway he sat bolt upright and the name "Spike" hit me between the eyes. Lauren immediately took to it and it really seems to suit him so he is now "Spike"8-)

I must say, I really think the new name suits the wee man well.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8487HEAD.jpg

Its great watching the giant, insquisitive fuzzbucket clomp around, preen the fluff and rouse - stomping over to rest his head in your hands or lap. An inch or so of pins are visable at the moment. I can now see precisely why - having gotten Elsa at 29 days - Neil wanted to experience the two weeks of incredible growth he'd missed out on.

Here he is, mere seconds after taking a good crop.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/100_8483.jpg

Here's a picture from two weeks ago - in the same sudden bolt-upright position that inspired his name:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/Berkutchi/spike-1.jpg

[Jackie]

lol hes a charmer alright !!!! god im in envie of you guys .

at what stage will he bigin to walk ?

thats when the real fun will start . mobile ***** unit .

aim...... fire ............................... cu-splat

[Elly]

Hes surely gunna hit the 4lb mark today.. he so cute :heart:

[Austringer84]

Hope alls going well mate

will watch this with interest as always

si

[Berkut]

lol hes a charmer alright !!!! god im in envie of you guys .

at what stage will he bigin to walk ?

thats when the real fun will start . mobile ***** unit .

aim...... fire ............................... cu-splat

Jackie,
He,s starting to stand up and is trying to walk but is still a bit unsteady on his feet.Not long till I follow him around with a bucket.:wink:


Hes surely gunna hit the 4lb mark today.. he so cute :heart:

Elly,
A bit warmer today and he doesn,t have his usual appetite,although no doubt he will surprise me and fill his boots shortly. Won,t be far from the 4lb mark all the same.:P

[TimDog80]

alright neil, just caught back up with your thread after being away on holiday and its great to see the diffrence in him now to the first photos you put up mate:supz: ......... im sure all the time and hard work your putting into "spike" will pay dividends for you for the coming season!!!

thanks for sharing your experience's
tim:D

p.s pretend REP added:lol:

[Berkut]

Not a great appetite today as it was warm and muggy.

Nevertheless - 25 days - 3lb 11oz.

[Mr_Colin]

Neil do us a favour will you, when he's the same age as Elsa was when you got her can you post up the pics of them side by side so we can see a size difference please. Just interested becaus eof the appetite. Are you sure he's male?:yawinkle: :lol:

[Berkut]

Neil do us a favour will you, when he's the same age as Elsa was when you got her can you post up the pics of them side by side so we can see a size difference please. Just interested becaus eof the appetite. Are you sure he's male?:yawinkle: :lol:

Colin,
I,ll see what I can do.All the Elsa pics are on my old computer. At 29 days Elsa was 5lb 7 oz. Yes he has been DNA'd twice as a male

[Kevin Massey]

Colin,
I,ll see what I can do.All the Elsa pics are on my old computer. At 29 days Elsa was 5lb 7 oz. Yes he has been DNA'd twice as a male


I looked back on this today.... shocking aint it:rolleyes:

[Stealth]

Neil, nice to be catching up on things (been distracted for a while!!!)

Great thread (no supprise) and nice to see the "wee-one" "Spike":D

Not be long before the Hare Bag overfloweth:yawinkle:

I will pm you soon

[Raztail]

This guy is a little pig:lol: Thanks for sharing your imprinting with us and best of luck to you

[Pogger]

How's the little lad getting along today Neil? I'm just queing up for my "Spike" fix. :lol:

[Mr_Colin]

How's the little lad getting along today Neil? I'm just queing up for my "Spike" fix. :lol:

there are healthier fixes you know, have you tried drinking, smoking or taking drugs?:lol:

[Mr_Colin]

I just checked the Elsa thread from the start for an image for you Neil but the images are not there:(

[Pogger]

there are healthier fixes you know, have you tried drinking, smoking or taking drugs?:lol:

Yes, but I'm a big girl now and trying (but failing) to ignore mortal cravings. :D

[Berkut]

How's the little lad getting along today Neil? I'm just queing up for my "Spike" fix. :lol:

Here he is , with me at work today. 3lb 13oz empty.

[Raztail]

Yes, but I'm a big girl now and trying (but failing) to ignore mortal cravings. :D

GAH where is the fun in that. :supz: :yawinkle:

New pics is what we want :lol:

[Berkut]

Here he is , with me at work today. 3lb 13oz empty.

Spending loads of time with Spike at the moment. Those of you who have imprinted raptors in the past will know exactly what I mean when I say it really is a privelage to spend time with them as they develope.
He has spent the last 20 minutes preening himself ,as well as the hair on my arms while I scratch his head.

[Mikker]

Here he is , with me at work today. 3lb 13oz empty.

My fav pic up to now mate,fantastic

[Kevin Massey]

My fav pic up to now mate,fantastic

Totaly Agree:supz:

[Cyclone]

Looking good Neil!!
Shane

[Berkut]

Hoping to get some photographs on later but just weighed Spike empty at
4lbs 1oz - 27 days

[Mr_Colin]

2 days to go for a weight comparison:supz:

How cool it would be for Lady and James to see Spike in action after reading this, those guys are very lucky:P

[Berkut]

2 days to go for a weight comparison:supz:

How cool it would be for Lady and James to see Spike in action after reading this, those guys are very lucky:P

Colin,
That,s the plan hopefully,depending when we organise the days. I am guessing at 4lbs 8 - 10 oz at comparison time.

[Berkut]

A couple of him settling in to his nest in the garden. He won,t spend as much time in it as Elsa did last year but he will be in it each day at some point.

[Kitetrainer]

I have stayed away from Neils Eagle but dropped round to leave Purdey as I am away for the week.
Pictures do not do the bird justice, fantastic character look forward to seeing him fly this year

[LadyHawke]

'tastic thread guys. What a wee fatty! eating all that in one day. He looks great, though, and it wont be long until you are out giving the hare population a big fright.

[Gary F]

I have stayed away from Neils Eagle but dropped round to leave Purdey as I am away for the week.
Pictures do not do the bird justice, fantastic character look forward to seeing him fly this year
golfing or train spotting john???
only joking mate,spike is looking great,,when you getting ya spar,ive been offered one, thinking about it
gary

[Lun]

golfing or train spotting john???
only joking mate,spike is looking great,,when you getting ya spar,ive been offered one, thinking about it
gary


gary go for it, this little man (mmm not) is looking great love the work boots next to him :lol:

[Kitetrainer]

golfing or train spotting john???
only joking mate,spike is looking great,,when you getting ya spar,ive been offered one, thinking about it
gary

Bit of both:lol:

[Austringer84]

Sonice (as always) to see the progression in development of you imprint. He looks well settled inthe nest and in foto of him "at work" with u.

si

[Berkut]

28 days old today - 4lb 5 oz. May try for some photographs later.

[Gary F]

roughly neil, wots her intake daily now,4oz in day great,,
gary

[Berkut]

roughly neil, wots her intake daily now,4oz in day great,,
gary

Gary,
He seems to have levelled out at the equivalent of 4 quail a day,although he is fed a variety of food. When I got Elsa at 29 days she was 5lb 7 oz . Tomorrow Spike will be 29 days and the estimate for him looks like 4lb 9 oz.
Seems about right.

[Gary F]

Gary,
He seems to have levelled out at the equivalent of 4 quail a day,although he is fed a variety of food. When I got Elsa at 29 days she was 5lb 7 oz . Tomorrow Spike will be 29 days and the estimate for him looks like 4lb 9 oz.
Seems about right.
thanks neil,
another great thread underway;
rep point wouldve been added,

[Elly]

Hows the wee man this morning?

Also, Neil have you ever been properly footed by an eagle? Just curious...

[Berkut]

Hows the wee man this morning?

Also, Neil have you ever been properly footed by an eagle? Just curious...

Elly -
I have had a couple of sore ones from the eagles. The worst one being the first day Cinnabar waited on.She was well up and after a while my bottle crashed and I was preparing to call her in to a rabbit leg on the lure. I was unaware she had seen me prepare the lure and looked up as the undercarriage came out at 100 feet or so . I threw the lure out which she ignored and camed straight at me. My glove was off so I put put my arm up to fend her off. She took hold of my arm. One talon went completely round my wrist without a scratch.The hind toe of the other talon went in one side of the meaty part of my very muscular;) :-D forearm and came right out the other side. I have never known pain like it and had to push my thumb under the hind toe and wrench it out. I could actually see right through my arm. There was no blood at first but by the time I got back to the jeep I was soaked in blood. On top of that it was -10 degrees so all in all it was not pleasant.

I drove myself to A & E and the nurses would not believe my story at first.They reckoned I had been stabbed.