What role do eyases play in falconry?

Eyases play a vital role in falconry as they refer to nestlings, or very young birds of prey that have not yet fledged. These young birds are raised and trained by falconers in a controlled environment, allowing the falconer to establish a bond with them from an early age. Training eyases is beneficial because they can be more easily conditioned and socialized compared to adult raptors, often leading to a smoother training process. The experience helps develop their natural hunting instincts while also teaching them to respond to the falconer’s commands.

The nature of eyases, being at an early developmental stage, enables falconers to shape their behavior and skills, preparing them for hunting as they grow. This contrasts with adult raptors, which may come with ingrained behaviors that can be more challenging to modify. Therefore, the significance of eyases in falconry lies in their potential for personalized training and the foundational relationship they form with their handler.