Harness day!

saxguy64

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Finally! We had weather cooperate here in the northeast yesterday. It reached 70 degrees. I've been working with Tucker a few minutes at a time with the harness for a little while now, and he's been absolutely amazing. He's a very trusting little guy for me, so I thought, given the opportune weather, I would see if he was ready. He did it! No complaints other than a little squirmy when tightening it up. He acted like he's done it before. I think he was more ready than I was lol! Patches never flew well enough to have to worry about it, so Tucker is my first baby to harness train. He made it way too easy for me!

So, we had the first go having it all the way on, and as soon as we did, I got him right outside so he got the idea of what a great thing it is. Lots of praise and rewards. He was so happy! We only stayed out for a few minutes, so he wasn't overwhelmed, and came in and took it off. He did fantastic! I'm so proud of him! I was so excited I forgot to take pictures! Bad daddy, I know. Not quite warm enough to venture out today, but I'll be sure to take pics next time. I'm looking forward to the summer so we can be out and about a lot! He's such a good boy. :)

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Squeekmouse

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WOW!! I'm so impressed!

I've been working with my boys with their harnesses, but I havent done it regularly enough. Yoda still doesn't trust having it draped over him, but Trigger let it rest across his back for a minute or two today, he doesn't seem scared of it, just mildly annoyed by it.

I'm just so nervous about moving too quickly so I've got no idea how to go from where we are to the actual putting on the harness step.

How did you know when it was time?
 
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saxguy64

saxguy64

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WOW!! I'm so impressed!


How did you know when it was time?

Really, I didn't. I took a leap of faith. I hoped for a good reaction so we could go outside. It was the first day that was even a possibility given the crappy weather here.

I mostly just watch so see how he reacts when I test his limits. If he starts getting stressed or upset, I stop. So far, there's not much that gets him upset with me. I can't believe his level of trust. He's a good boy.


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charmedbyekkie

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Cairo the Ekkie!
I always feel like sometimes I underestimate Cairo. Like you, we also did a lot of harness training. Then at some point, I thought his body language seemed quite ok with everything, but I still wasn't sure if he'd be ok with the whole thing. So I just turned to my partner and let him know I was going to try the full process. In my head, I was wondering if I was just going to make a huge negative experience. But Cairo was amazing!

The birds are often much smarter than we are :p

Photos needed next time :D Is Baxter next for harness training?
 

FlyBirdiesFly

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Great job Tucker!!

I sort of did the same thing the first time I put the harness on Kermit. I just put it on. He didn’t love the process but he didn’t bite me or struggle very much. He just seemed slightly annoyed. The bird doesn’t have to necessarily put the harness on itself. You just have to make sure that the bird fully trusts you and isn’t scared of the harness.
 

Ellie777Australia

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Awesome!!! Congratulations...


Our Ellie took very quickly to the harness as well. Each time she was harnessed we went outside to do something she loved. Ellie quickly associated it with going out for a walk, visit or a drive (she LOVES going for a drive).



I'll try to get a picture of her demonstrating her glee tomorrow when we 'go for a drive'.
 

Ellie777Australia

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QUOTE=charmedbyekkie.."Then at some point, I thought his body language seemed quite ok with everything, but I still wasn't sure if he'd be ok with the whole thing."

Well said:). We did the same with Ellie...familiarity with harness routine first, then later she seemed to be saying 'I'm ok with this but what else can we do with it?' LOL...


..then came the day when 'mommy' had to go to town with 'daddy'....sooo, it WAS harness day - she has never been left alone without me...


My husband and I made this plan of how to go about the application so whilst Ellie was on his shoulder I began to apply the harness. My hands were shaking so badly that I could barely complete the task! I was so afraid that I would scare or hurt her and lose the trust we had built together...


Meanwhile, Ellie just quietly assisted with a wing lift while I fumbled my way through the harness application. As we walked to the truck with glee at our success my knees were still shaking.. but Ellie was wiggling her tail (happy sign) and checking out the scenery...:D
 

ChristaNL

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Sunny a female B&G macaw;
Japie (m) & Appie (f), both are congo african grey;
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Wow...


I got Sunny in the avaitor yesterday for he first time in months, but I did not dare to take her outside (she still struggles with that as well) so I did the old fasioned "jackpot" (huge amount of treats) to make it special.
Just like you all wrote: I wasn't sure, but she was... so that was fine.


Tucker is an amazing bird :)
 
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saxguy64

saxguy64

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Tucker the Red Sided Eclectus
Baxter the YNA
Avery the CAG
Patches the Grand Eclectus, my best friend. RIP
Cuckoo the BFA RIP
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Happy Easter everyone!

Finally, a good combination of a day off, no snow, no rain, and slightly warmer temps. Still cloudy, and not as warm as I'd like, but for a few minutes, we took advantage. Tucker did great, although he did try to pick at the harness a few times. Quick redirection, and all was good. So proud of him! Can't wait for actual warm weather and sunshine to get some flight time in. :)

Yes, I grabbed a few pictures this time lol!
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Anansi

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Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
Sweet! I'm loving this! And a wee bit jealous. Lol! Maya took some work, and Jolly continues to loathe the idea of allowing that loop over his head. I might have to ask Tucker to have a word with him.
 

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