What does 'imping' involve?

Imping refers specifically to the process of repairing or replacing a broken feather of a raptor. This practice is essential for maintaining the bird's flight capabilities and overall health. When a raptor loses a feather or has damaged ones, especially flight feathers, it can significantly impair its ability to fly efficiently. Imping involves carefully inserting a replacement feather into the existing quill of the damaged feather, allowing for a seamless restoration without causing additional harm to the bird. This technique requires skill and knowledge of avian anatomy and feather structure. The other options, while related to raptor care and training, do not accurately define imping, which focuses solely on feather repair.