Amazon- steps for harness

Doublete · Apr 28, 2015

So I posted on a thread in general but nobody has responded.
My Amazon is not afraid of the harness.
However, whenever she has wanted scratches in the past its when she wants it. I'm not sure how much her old family cuddled her. She isn't anti people just seems to think I shouldn't really have to touch her.
When I go to rub her head she won't bite but she has her beak ready. When I touch her sides and attempted to play with her wing as I'll need to when I put the harness on, she lifts her foot and grabs my hand like "hey mom you really don't have to do that it's cool". She is not aggressive at all. Just doesn't seem to think it's necessary.

So my question is how do I work through this? Just keep trying? I sit her on a training perch and use the target and clicker and treats.

Any suggestions if you have an Amazon?

Kiwibird · Apr 28, 2015

Many amazons are not big on touching. Kiwi is not a fan of being petted. That's not to say he isn't friendly, he just doesn't want to be touched. We respect that

As for the harness, I've never tried one on Kiwi, so no advice on that.

JerseyWendy · Apr 28, 2015

I will duck and run after telling you how I get my Sam into his harness. :54:

Even though he pretty much allows me to pet him all over, and do just about anything and everything with him, he really wanted NO part of the harness at all, no matter how hard I tried.

I eventually took him into the laundry room (small room with no windows), placed him on the clothes hamper, dimmed the lights, and while they were dimmed, I quickly put the harness on. As soon as it was on, I took him outside.

Works every time.

95talongirl · Apr 28, 2015

yup. Mopar is also not a big on being touched. I can get a harness on him, but it's not exactly super easy. Requires use of his most favorite treats. lol! The hardest part is getting it over his head. After that, its quick and easy. Practice on a stuffed toy, so that you can get really quick at how the thing functions, which will make the whole ordeal easier.

Doublete · Apr 28, 2015

Oh boy. I think I could get it on her. I'm going to spend a few more days working with her and it and then I may bite the bullet. I really think once she knows what comes with it she will love it. I guess I just wanted to hear it's possible to do in ways other than what the DVD says. I honestly think once she knows she will be the type that will grab it and try to put it on herself.

All I know is I'm so glad I got her. I almost didn't and just stuck with the baby conure. They both make me so happy! I don't even mind scrubbing cages every couple of days. (And the wall behind Loki...)

Thanks guys.
I know there isn't always just one way to do things as I know with training horses.

RavensGryf · Apr 29, 2015

Clever idea Wendy lol :54: I would think dimming the lights would make them freak out. Hmm... well if that works, watch out Griffin!! I'm still thinking of ordering the hoodie, even though it will be 100 degrees soon lol.

I've personally found that it doesn't matter whether they're cuddly birds or not, either way, some will let you put it on, while other individuals won't. It's the biggest challenge with the first loop around the neck. If they let you do that part, the rest will be easier.

itsjoyceduh · Jul 3, 2015

Doublete said:
So I posted on a thread in general but nobody has responded.
My Amazon is not afraid of the harness.
However, whenever she has wanted scratches in the past its when she wants it. I'm not sure how much her old family cuddled her. She isn't anti people just seems to think I shouldn't really have to touch her.
When I go to rub her head she won't bite but she has her beak ready. When I touch her sides and attempted to play with her wing as I'll need to when I put the harness on, she lifts her foot and grabs my hand like "hey mom you really don't have to do that it's cool". She is not aggressive at all. Just doesn't seem to think it's necessary.

So my question is how do I work through this? Just keep trying? I sit her on a training perch and use the target and clicker and treats.

Any suggestions if you have an Amazon?

I have started harness training on my one month old BF amazon. I started out by trying to put it over her head and take it out and give her compliments like GOOD GIRL. She is still a baby and doesn't really know how to accept her treats.. but I continue trying to put it over her head and take it out. I officially put on the harness on her yesterday. She did flap her wings which somehow made it easier because the harness slipped right under her wings^_^ all I had to do was tighten it. Once it was on she was calm and i offered a banana chip to her which she ate.

Praenuntius · Jul 12, 2015

Yeah, after reading this I'm much less fond of amazons.

Doublete · Jul 12, 2015

I absolutely love my girl so not sure why this thread would make you feel that way?

Praenuntius · Jul 12, 2015

Doublete said:
I absolutely love my girl so not sure why this thread would make you feel that way?

Some of the responses. I don't know, I just like more social and touchy birds.

JerseyWendy · Jul 12, 2015

Praenuntius said:
Doublete said:

I absolutely love my girl so not sure why this thread would make you feel that way?

Click to expand...

Some of the responses. I don't know, I just like more social and touchy birds.

A companion parrot will only be as social as he/she has been socialized - that goes for big macs, too. And none will remain sweet and cuddly if not worked with regularly and continuously.

Doublete · Jul 13, 2015

My girl is extremely social.
And loves to lower her head for scratching.

She's perfect for me because I would never trust a bird that can crack a nut anywhere near my nose or eyes. Or my female chest possessions. Nope. No way. No matter how cuddly or mushy they are... I want to be able to put Chiquis harness on, she holds my hand with her foot, I can hold her beak gently, and she talks to me incessantly. THAT is my companion bird and I love her for it. To each his/her own.

Amazon- steps for harness

Doublete

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Kiwibird

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JerseyWendy

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95talongirl

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Doublete

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RavensGryf

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itsjoyceduh

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Praenuntius

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Doublete

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Praenuntius

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JerseyWendy

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Doublete

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Conure (nonaggressive) biting problem?

What can i do to train my parrot!?

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