Tag Archives: scale

Raptor Scale

Do-it Yourself Raptor Scale

 

An accurate digital scale is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the falconer. It’s even more important when you consider that the scale is a required item for the DNR inspection.  While several on-line scales designed for avian measurement, or even raptor wieghing can run you upwards of $175 or more.  This seemed like an easy do-it yourself, and with the added bonus of saving $$$ money, I was able to do some additional enhancements.

Scale Materials

 

This is not a very heavily involved project.  You need a digital postal scale that can handle up to five pounds.  Most of the smaller versions are adapted for this very purpose and will be able to handle most falconer’s weight needs. If you have a larger raptor, say for example like an Eagle Owl, or a Golden Eagle, then perhaps you should be looking for something more suitable.  This Pelouze scale pictured here was about $35.00 at Staples.   I also had some PVC Pipe that  I cut into three, 4 inch lenghts, for each of the arms and the stem in the “T” part of the perch.  A few additional PVC components, the “T”, end caps, and a few screw connectors made it easy to construct. The base was a 1/2 inch metal pipe base that the connector screwed into in order to securely hold the T-Perch in place.  I used some black spray paint on the perch base, and on the PVC in order to give it a uniform look.

 

Padding and Astroturf

 

To cover and pad the perch, I used some foam insulation for 1/2 inch pipe, and cut out a little for the stem part of the perch. With a proper measurement of the astroturf, I sewed the seam together with some #50 dacron string and it seemed to be durable and hold everything together.  I glued the base of the perch to the scale with some epoxy. When it was all dry, I attached the perch to the scale, and was all set. 

This close-up shows the completed project.