Long distance runner, trying to train my companion

Dave Wave

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May 10, 2010
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Hi, I'm new to this forum and kinda new to the world of birds. For the past 9 years, my fiancée has raised a super Alfa male amazon named Libo. He's come to enjoy my company and he knows to respect me (we have known each other for the past 2 years, he does not bight me anymore, he sings and plays around and knows to be goofy and full of happiness around me).

Now that things are working well, I'd like to try and have him join me on my runs. When I go for a run, it could be between 3-15 miles at a time. So there are several things I'd like hear from experienced parrot lovers.
1. I remember seeing this on a show on TV when I was younger, of a guy who used to run with his parakeets/love birds, has anybody tried this ever?
2. How much endurance do amazons have for flying without stopping?
3. He does not have much flying experience, would that be a problem? clearly this should be done gradually, but could this pose a problem to his health?

Responses are welcomed.
 

greycloud

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Mar 21, 2010
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Sammy-Umbrella Too-rescued,
Dexter-CAG-rehomed handicapped,
Sterling-CAG-rehomed retired breeder.
Sunshine-12 yo CAG-adopted
Ok, I am going to preend you are serious! Do not, I repeat, Do not take your bird running with you. That's all I am going to say on the subject.
 

Spiritbird

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The only thing I have seen of this nature is taking your bird IN A CAGE on bicycle rides. I would call running with birds as "how to stress out a bird in 1 quick step".
 
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Dave Wave

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This was something that I was curious about, and wanted to hear logical explanation on cons and pros (if there are any), rather than just a response of "just don't do it."

I am aware of the dangers outside: cats, dogs, cars, buses, birds of pray, him getting stuck on a tree without being able to get off, power-lines etc. My questions regarded specifically on taking him for a run in an outdoor 400 meter circular track away from these hazards. For now I am interested in hearing your input on their aviary abilities.

BTW I did indeed take him on a slow bike ride, while he sat on my Fiancée's shoulder. He enjoyed the outdoors and was not the least startled by it.
 

parrotqueen

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Jan 14, 2010
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Hi Dave, welcome to the forum.

Never in my life have I ever heard of someone taking their bird on a run, that sounds dangerous to me; considering th hazards you mentioned. Birds can easily be startled by the littlest thing (sometimes things that we don't even notice ourselves), and that could cause you to lose your baby. I certainly don't recommend this at all.

There is still a way to take him outside. Some people put 'Aviator' harnesses on their parrots, and fly them around the park. Or, like you mentioned; taking them for a ride on your bike. Personally, I think there are just too many risks when running with your bird. I definitely suggest taking him outside by harness though, because flight is so healthy for birds.
 

Spiritbird

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I thought I gave you a logical explanation of why not to run with a bird. It is called stress. Stress = behavior issues and illness.
 
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Dave Wave

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Spiritbird, I thank you for your response, it was well in place. parrotqueen, thanks for the info, this is the kinda stuff I was interested in hearing. Clearly my request for advise comes out of a need for information.
 
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antoinette

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"Mishka"
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Hi a big welcome to you.
It is not worth the risk, taking your bird with you on a run.
The unexpected could occur, so many dangers out there.
Would you ever forgive yourself if something happened to your bird ???????
 

HRH Di

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Jan 9, 2010
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Max - Alexandrine, Jade - Red-Front Macaw, Ruby - CAG
I've never heard of anyone taking their bird for a run, however, there is a man in Colorado who takes his red-front macaw rock climbing with him. He has a whole website - Merlin, The Red Fronted Macaw.

Our breeder has 6 macaws that she free-flies. She also knows someone who free-flies his RFM in Central Park Home. I've seen her fly 4 of them and it's amazing. Click on the link to Otis on her site.

This takes A LOT of training and dedication. The birds don't come back to you because they're trained to - like dogs do, they come back to you because they want to and there isn't anything else that interests them more. Personally, I don't think I'm up to although, our RFM, Jade would probably love it since she loves to fly so much.

I've been trying to figure out a way to take our birds camping with us, but...I don't see that happening.
 

greycloud

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Mar 21, 2010
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Sammy-Umbrella Too-rescued,
Dexter-CAG-rehomed handicapped,
Sterling-CAG-rehomed retired breeder.
Sunshine-12 yo CAG-adopted
I am sorry if I offended you. As you have heard it is not something we commonly hear about, runnig with your parrot. So much can go wrong. It takes a long time to teach free flight as well as flying while on a harness.
 

Quantumcat

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HRH - you can get plastic gazebo things where the sides are all made of mosquito netting. Could you have them in that? Then harness them to take them for walks/hikes? You might be able to modify one to have a double door for safety.
 

Mel

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Mar 30, 2010
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Sulfur Crested - Chicka
There's a guy in our area who takes is Eclectus on his motorbike - the bird sits on the bar behind the screen. I personally wouldn't do it but each to thier own. The bird seems to just love being with him, when they get to where they are going the parrot climbs up on his shoulder and off they go. I don't think I've ever seen the guy without his mate.
I personally think it would be awesome for your bird to be able to exercise when you are, however I think the dangers you & others mentioned would outweigh the pros.
 

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