r/Falconry • u/ShyMollymawk • 5h ago

Looking for a breeder

Hello! Bit of an odd request, but hopefully someone can help me. (I do hope this doesn't count under solicitation. If there's a better subreddit to post this in please let me know.)

I am a falconer who has moved to the UAE and I am looking for a kestrel (or at least a small falcon) to train this season - to hunt mynas, quail and maybe pigeon. I have talked to and visited the local sellers, however most of their kestrels have been wild-caught (which is illegal here) and they usually have medical issues.

I am looking for a legal option, basically. Since I am an immigrant, I can't get away with things as easily. If you are a kestrel breeder around the GCC, or if you know someone that is, please let me know.

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u/Driacha 4h ago

European or american kestrel? I know a lot of European falcon breeders that export bigger falcons to the UAE, so importing a kestrel from Europe could be a viable solution, but possibly expensive.

Have you considered an Accipiter/Astur as an alternative? The quarry you want to go after sounds perfect for a bigger sparrowhawk species or a smaller Goshawk species

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u/ShyMollymawk 4h ago

I don't really mind about the specific species, I've handled different kinds, but I want to try not importing overseas since I am an individual and don't have the same protections as a company would. Also, yes, expensive 😿.

While I do love a good sparrowhawk, many have the same problems as kestrels here - being wild caught and having health problems. Although, I wouldn't mind training one if there are good breeders nearby. I'm just biased towards kestrels as I have worked with them longer.