The Aviator harness modified

Your opinion: the Aviator harness modified

Hi all,

I would like your opinion on the following. If you could choose to buy the Aviator bird harness as it is now VS a version (from another brand with good reviews) which has a retractable leash which you can attach to it for the same price. Something like a dog leash but customized so it is better suited for birds. Which one would you choose? The harness would be the same.

Looking forward to your input!

I'd probably go with the regular one. I don't know that a retractable leash sounds the safest for birds.

Retractable leashes make me nervous because they can get tangled and suck things in when the leash retracts. I'm sure it would be very gentle on something meant for avian use, but it would still make me anxious.

Depending on the size of the bird, the retractable part may not un-retract. If I put some of the elastic part of the Aviator in my jeans pocket and my parrot flies (she's a small-medium sized pionus parrot), the strength of her flying doesn't pull the leash from my pocket.

A non-retracting leash, well I have stepped on it, crossed my arms over it, had it catch on things when I walk - I've learned to loop it high enough from the ground that it is relatively safe.

Both things to consider, along with what was said already.

I personally wouldn't want a retractable one.

Re: Your opinion: the Aviator harness modified

I hate retractable leashes. Some retract very fast and violently, which could cause injury to a delicate bird.

The biggest risk with a retractable leash is getting caught in things.

I'd start with an Aviator and leash and if you still don't like it, try another option. The Aviator has been around for quite some time and has been parrot tested and designed specifically for their bodies and needs.

Using a modified harness may cause the bird to come loose. I've seen some knockoff designs which simply don't look as secure, as they use a sliding piece of plastic to hold the harness in an X-shape. The Aviator is designed exactly for the parrot body and isn't free-floating like the others. Yes, the Aviator is more expensive, especially compared to the harnesses on eBay for $5, but saving $25 isn't worth a lost or injured bird to me.

Maybe if you can share pics or a link to the design you're considering, we could give better input.


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