Falconry and captive raptor keeping have a long tradition but require specific welfare standards including jess fitting, tethering management, and weathering to meet the needs of birds evolved for flight.
Captive raptor welfare depends primarily on flying frequency and quality of tethering management. Birds of prey evolved for extensive flight and tethering inherently restricts natural movement. Infrequent flying causes muscle atrophy and behavioural frustration. Poorly fitted jesses cause leg injuries that can become infected. Weathering - exposure to natural light and weather in appropriate outdoor housing - supports normal preening and thermoregulation. Well-managed falconry birds with daily flying, careful jess management, and appropriate weathering can have reasonable welfare outcomes. Poorly managed birds in inappropriate housing suffer chronically.