When can a peregrine hunt on its own after being captured?

A peregrine falcon can typically start to hunt on its own around 10 days after capture. This timeframe allows the bird to acclimatize to captivity, build physical strength, and regain hunting instincts that may have been dulled during captivity. During this period, a falconer often provides the necessary training and exposure to live prey, which helps the bird understand and practice its hunting skills before being expected to hunt independently.

The other options suggest either too short or too lengthy a period before a peregrine begins to hunt on its own. A shorter timeframe than 10 days may not allow enough time for the falcon to become fully acclimated or to regain its opportunistic hunting behavior, while a longer timeframe might suggest that the bird is not developing its skills sufficiently during the critical early days of captivity. Thus, the 10-day period strikes the right balance for effective transition from captivity to independent hunting.