Does your hawk lose squirrels often? If so, have you checked the talons? Are they dull? Birds that hop in their water pan daily usually have sharp talons but other factors such as floor or ground cover, bating habits, diet, all play their part. You can grow sharp talons in a few weeks if you perch your bird on an absorbent material such as a paint roller and keep it wet. If that is not practical try Talon Spikes or gavs.

This procedure needs to only be done to the two large talons on each foot. Bend a finish nail to the curve of the talon. Bend the head of the nail in a "U" shape. Cut the nail to the proper length about 1/4 inch longer than the talon and flatten it to a sharp point. File 4 small grooves on the top of the talon and on the bottom curve of the nail. Place the "U" shaped end of the nail under the talon close to the end of the toe but not touching. The "U" shape is to prevent the nail from penetrating the flesh if it slips backwards. Warp the nail to the talon with dental floss. The grooves will help to keep it in place. Now seal the floss with a fast drying epoxy glue.