Aviator harness - a big disappointment!

veimar · Sep 4, 2014

So finally I was able to fit Parry into this thing today. He didn't like the process, but patiently allowed me to do it without biting. We went outside to try it out, but the leash was way TOO SHORT!!!

Parry flied like a rocket and I was running after him, but he was only able to fly a few feet at a time and kept landing on the ground.

So I guess this harness not for fast flyers like Parry.

It worked well for my clipped cockatiel though, but he doesn't even need a harness at this time. I'm very disappointed.

Featheredsamurai · Sep 4, 2014

the harness itself is really just safety harness so they don't fly off. They have a 30 foot flight line you can buy, or you can buy strong fishing line(since your bird is small) or a light nylon rope. I use a long light nylon rope for Rosie and it works great, and was only $8 from a home improvement store

SilverSage · Sep 5, 2014

Exactly. The harness is made to keep your bird from flying away, not allowing them to fly while attached to you. They do have a flight line which I like if you have a place to set it up, I just use elastic like extension.

DallyTsuka · Sep 5, 2014

I think what veimar is getting at is rather the leash is too short even for a small panicked flight for their bird. In that case, I'd also worry about clotheslining type of issues in this situation. I don't think they're looking for flight advice while on a harness, but rather a safety concern.

Sounds more like the outside trip frightened the bird and made them try to fly off, but the leash was too short and didn't give enough room for the bird to slow down in its panicked state.

faeryphoebe1 · Sep 5, 2014

DallyTsuka said:
I think what veimar is getting at is rather the leash is too short even for a small panicked flight for their bird. In that case, I'd also worry about clotheslining type of issues in this situation. I don't think they're looking for flight advice while on a harness, but rather a safety concern.

Sounds more like the outside trip frightened the bird and made them try to fly off, but the leash was too short and didn't give enough room for the bird to slow down in its panicked state.

Off topic, but I'm so glad to see you here!
I always remember how adorable ♡♡♡ your little "Munchlax" is. We missed you.

SilverSage · Sep 5, 2014

ThT is the beauty of the shock line. The leash is designed to allow the bird to lad safely even bough not far away. My own gcc has done this and I was very pleased by how the design kept her near me but allowed he to land safely without jerking or being turned over.

veimar · Sep 5, 2014

No, he wasn't panicking at all!

He was used to be outside when he was clipped and just wanted to fly to his favorite shrub. Once he got flighted he is not a shoulder bird anymore - the only thing he wants is to fly al lot and fly very fast. All my birds just had their first molt and are going crazy enjoying flying! (i'm not enjoying it that much) I hoped he could fly on the leash outside and not be forced to land all the time. So I guess this harness is for bird who sit on your shoulder and it prevents them accidentally flying off, right?

Colorguarder08 · Sep 5, 2014

I would the above advice and either ad the 30ft line with it or buy nylon rope and clip at the home improvement store then you could make the leash any length you want.

Betrisher · Sep 5, 2014

Hey Casey! It's so good to see you posting again! I hope life has been kind to you over the past months and simply must know how my dear little mate, Munchlax, is going.

Mango121913 · Sep 5, 2014

The shock line is stretches 2x its length. When Mango launches, he turns whenever he feels the tension is getting taught. NEVER once has he crashed or landed hard. I also have the flight line for him to try. Hope to try that soon. Very good, well thought out product IMHO. Birds are meant to enjoy flight too. I really hope you give it more time.

Anansi · Sep 6, 2014

As Craig pointed out with his Mango, the parrots eventually learn the boundary limits of their flight line and adjust by turning rather than plopping to the floor. Eventually.

Sadly, I only know of this through oral tradition rather than personal experience. Bixby has always been far more interested in chewing his harness than getting any flight time in. Sigh. Though I must admit that I haven't been as consistent with the acclimation process as I should have been. But I vow to get right back on it!

And maybe Maya will adapt to it more readily? (Fingers crossed!)

Oh, and Casey! I'm really glad to see you back, as well! Your insightful comments have been missed!

Aviator harness - a big disappointment!

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