Ball bearing swivels keep the bird on its leash without tangling.
Swivels are used in falconry to attach the jesses, or tethers, to a leash. The moving piece lets the bird move without getting tangled, which can cause feather damage or injury. A ball bearing swivel's mechanism is enclosed in metal, which can protect it from the elements. Since you cannot see the condition of the moving parts, you should replace these swivels regularly to avoid breakage. Luckily, ball bearing swivels are available through both falconry and fishing shops and online. You can buy in bulk to save money on this useful piece of equipment.
Instructions
1. Select the correct ball bearing swivel for your bird's size. Small falcons cannot wear a large swivel and still move comfortably. A small swivel cannot withstand the force a larger hawk or eagle exerts if they pull on the leash. Therefore, larger swivels will go on larger birds, and smaller swivels on smaller birds.
2. Purchase or make the jesses. Jesses have a button or knob at one end and a slit at the other end, which is often tapered. They are most often made of leather straps, but can also be made of parachute cord or braided materials. Jesses attach to the swivel through the slit; the button attaches the jesses to the bird's anklet. The jesses may be long or short but they must be at least long enough for the bird to stretch its legs easily. Make sure your jesses are the right length and have the slit cut or braided into one end.
3. Slide the slit end of a jesse through one of the rings of the swivel. Ball bearing swivels have two rings, one on each end. One ring is attached to the ball bearing and moves. This ring is sometimes made smaller than the other. The other ring is not movable. Lydia Ash of the Modern Apprentice recommends putting the jesse on the immovable ring, to keep the bearing from getting tangled. Pull the jesse through so the entire slit has passed through the ring.
4. Pull the jesse through the first ring so the entire slit has passed through the ring. Push the other ring through the slit.
5. Pull the opposite end of the jesse. Grasp the button end of the jesse and pull. The other end will tighten around the first ring it went through. Tugging on the swivel will tighten this knot.
6. Add a second jesse by duplicating this knot with another jesse. Slide the tapered end of the second jesse through the same ring the first jesse is on. Position the second jesse over the first one, so when you tie it, it will lie on top of the first. This gives the jesses more room to slide on the ring and the swivel more movement, so the bird does not get tangled. Put the opposite ring through the slit. Pull the button end of the jesse to tighten the knot. You should have two jesses on the same spot on one ring, ready to attach to the bird's anklets.
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