What is a necessary component for weighing raptors in falconry?

In falconry, weighing raptors is essential for monitoring their health and condition as well as for ensuring they are at the proper weight for hunting. Scales or balances are the necessary tools for this process, as they allow for the accurate measurement of a bird's weight. Maintaining an appropriate weight is crucial; if a bird is underweight or overweight, it can affect its hunting ability and overall health.

Tools like measuring tapes, weight charts, and mass meters are useful in different aspects of falconry but do not provide the direct and precise measurement needed for weighing the birds. Measuring tapes are typically used for measuring the wingspan or body length, while weight charts help keep track of a bird's weight over time but do not measure weight directly. Mass meters, while they do measure weight, are not as commonly used or necessary in the practice of falconry compared to scales or balances.

Therefore, using scales or balances is the standard method for ensuring accurate weight management in raptors.