Facility Requirements
Before you can get a bird, your facilities must pass inspection. Understanding requirements upfront saves time, money, and frustration.
Your falconry facilities are where your bird will spend the majority of its time when not hunting or training. The quality of your mews directly affects your bird's physical health, feather condition, and psychological well-being. A poorly constructed facility can lead to damaged flight feathers, stress behaviors, bumblefoot from improper perching, or worse, escape or predator intrusion. Investing time and thought into proper facility design is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a falconer, and it demonstrates to inspectors that you take raptor welfare seriously.
State Variations
Federal regulations set minimums, but your state may have additional requirements. Always get your state’s specific facility requirements before building. Some states will pre-approve plans; ask your wildlife agency.
Federal Minimum Requirements
At minimum, federal regulations require:
- Indoor facility (mews): Adequate for safe housing
- Size: Large enough for bird to fully extend wings
- Perch: At least one appropriate perch
- Protection: From weather, predators, and disturbance
- Weathering area: Outdoor access for exposure to sunlight
Typical State Requirements
Most states specify dimensions based on species. Common requirements:
Minimum Mews Dimensions
These are examples—check your state for exact requirements.
What Inspectors Check
When the wildlife officer comes to inspect, they’ll verify:
1. Size & Dimensions
They’ll measure the interior. Meet or exceed the minimum for your intended species. "Close enough" may not pass.
2. Security
Door must close securely. Locks recommended. No gaps where predators could enter or bird could escape.
3. Perches
Appropriate perch type and size for the species. Properly installed and stable. Positioned where bird won’t contact walls when bating.
4. Ventilation
Adequate airflow without drafts directly on the perch. Screened openings to prevent entry/escape.
5. Protection
Weather-tight roof. Protection from direct sun if in hot climate. Ability to stay dry in rain.
6. Interior Surfaces
Smooth walls—nothing to snag feathers. No exposed nails or sharp edges. Easy to clean.
7. Weathering Area
Some states require a separate outdoor weathering yard. Others accept the mews with a window. Check your state’s requirements.
Common Inspection Failures
Don’t Make These Mistakes
- Too small: Measure carefully. Inspectors will.
- Gaps in construction: Raccoons and rats find every hole.
- Wrong perch type: Block perch for a Red-tail? Nope.
- No ventilation: A sealed box is an oven in summer.
- Rough interior: Bare plywood with splinters damages feathers.
- Unsecured door: A bird that escapes from its mews is your failure.
Preparing for Inspection
- Get written requirements: From your state wildlife agency
- Build to exceed minimums: Bigger is rarely a problem
- Document your build: Photos can help if questions arise
- Have sponsor review: They know what inspectors look for
- Clean and organize: First impressions matter
- Be present: Answer questions, show you know your stuff
Cost Expectations
Facility costs vary widely based on your approach:
Most apprentices go the converted shed or DIY route. Save your money for equipment and telemetry.
Location Considerations
- Zoning: Check local regulations for keeping raptors
- HOA: Some prohibit outbuildings or "wildlife"
- Neighbors: A courtesy heads-up prevents problems
- Access: You’ll visit multiple times daily—make it convenient
- Noise: Most hawks are quiet, but early morning screaming happens
Multiple Bird Facilities
If you plan to keep multiple birds (General or Master license):
- Separate housing: Each bird needs its own space (or designed for cohabitation)
- Visual barriers: Birds shouldn’t be able to see and stress each other
- Plan ahead: Building bigger initially is cheaper than expanding later
Before breaking ground, visit the facilities of experienced falconers in your area to see working mews designs firsthand. Ask your sponsor to walk through your building plans before you begin construction. Many states will allow you to submit blueprints for preliminary review, which can save costly mistakes. Build with maintenance in mind: use materials that are easy to clean and disinfect, install drainage if possible, and ensure you can access all areas of the mews for routine inspection. Keep receipts and photographs of your build, as these records can be valuable during the formal inspection process.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Build larger than minimum—you’ll appreciate the space
- ✓ Include a small anteroom/double door if possible
- ✓ Make it easy to clean (you’ll clean it a lot)
- ✓ Consider future upgrades (electricity, water nearby)
- ✓ Ask your sponsor to review plans before building
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Before starting construction, obtain your state’s specific facility requirements from the wildlife agency website or by calling their falconry coordinator. Requirements vary between states, so building to another state’s standards may result in failing your inspection. Draw up plans that meet or exceed minimum dimensions, typically eight feet by eight feet with appropriate ceiling height. Schedule a pre-construction consultation with your wildlife inspector if your state offers one, as this can prevent costly rebuilds. Build the mews before applying for your facility inspection, and have it completely finished including perching, weathering area, and a secure door with a padlock before the inspector arrives.
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The most common facility inspection failure is inadequate predator protection. Inspectors specifically check for gaps where raccoons, opossums, or feral cats could enter, and hardware cloth with openings larger than half an inch will typically fail inspection. Another frequent issue is insufficient ventilation combined with moisture problems, which create unhealthy conditions for the bird. Many first-time builders also neglect the weathering area, which must provide outdoor access with shade, a water source, and a secure perch. Finally, ensure your mews door opens inward or has a double-entry vestibule to prevent the bird from escaping when you enter.
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Federal regulations establish minimum facility standards, but your state may impose stricter requirements. The federal minimum for a mews is 64 square feet of floor space with at least one window for light and an outdoor weathering area. States commonly require specific perch types, drainage systems, and construction materials. The weathering area must have a bath pan, shade, and protection from predators and severe weather. Facility inspections are typically conducted by a state wildlife officer and must be passed before your license is issued. If you fail the inspection, you will receive specific requirements to address before reinspection. Most inspectors are willing to discuss requirements beforehand if you contact them proactively.