Harnesses: how safe are they?

reeb

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Hi wonderful members,

So I am thinking of getting Berry (my cockatiel) an aviator harness, and taking her out of her Pak o Bird for little spells when we go out so that she can get even more enjoyment out of our walks. However, I am a bit apprehensive, so I just want some advice/information from everyone here.

- how secure are harnesses? She is fully flighted and I would hate to lose her if she were to get loose.
- are flight suits a better option? I’m not sure she’ll adjust to a flight suit very well, and I’m worried that she’ll hate something like that.

Thank you everyone!
 

DiscoDuck

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I cant say enough good things about that Harness, however I only know my bird.

Possibly the more finer point is having your bird young and not as free-flighted as he is now. the process would be much easier, so I think... Think acclimation. anyways..

Right off the top is.. have you ever used a hood on your bird? I posted some harness info in my thread in the Macaw forum.

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discoduck-albums-rudy-brandywine-picture19743-0406181535b.jpg
discoduck-albums-rudy-brandywine-picture19824-rudy-brandywine-southside-bench-6-17.jpg
 
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reeb

reeb

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I cant say enough good things about that Harness, however I only know my bird.

Possibly the more finer point is having your bird young and not as free-flighted as he is now. the process would be much easier, so I think... Think acclimation. anyways..

Right off the top is.. have you ever used a hood on your bird? I posted some harness info in my thread in the Macaw forum.

discoduck-albums-rudy-brandywine-picture19741-coming-i-m-gonna-get-phone.jpg
discoduck-albums-rudy-brandywine-picture19748-rudy-van-buren-bridge-next-i95-frozen-river.jpg
discoduck-albums-rudy-brandywine-picture19743-0406181535b.jpg


Thanks so much for the response!

I’ve always had my birds free flighted, she was clipped as a baby (not at my request) and honestly as soon as she went through her first molt and some of her feathers started growing out she became so much more active, curious and happy, so I don’t plan on clipping her again.

While I’m unsure of whether she will adjust to it, I’ll just try my best and introduce it as slowly as possible.

I’ve never used a hood. I’ll go check out your post there now!
 

LordTriggs

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if you can get her to be accepting of it harnesses can be amazing. I had a bad experience but it was because I rushed it thinking I knew what I was doing and created a debilitating fear of anything that looked like the harness. So do definitely watch the DVD and take your time, watch Salty's video of his harness training too
 

DiscoDuck

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I have it on my list to video the hooding process for everyone including the owner who makes them among other things to whom I recently spoke with.

Its time to get a new phone with a video function on it.. :)
 

wrench13

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Harness' are very safe, whe put on and adjusted properly. Biggest hurdle with the Aviator and most other designs is getting your parrot to put his head thru the head loop ( or to allow you to handle them enough to put their head thru ). Salty does both, but it takes awhile to train them to do it on their own. Can you handle your cockateil, like play rough with him? DO you train him to do any tricks?

Check out my/Salty's video on how NOT to put a harness on, to get an idea ( we actually do put it on in the second half).
 

DiscoDuck

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wrenches advice is solid. he and I both have been able to achieve different methods. It seems to me , he has a lot more patience than I do! after all.. he can play a musical instrument and I don't!! :D:p:cool::eek::04:


BTW what sound can a wrench make anyhow?
 
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reeb

reeb

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Harness' are very safe, whe put on and adjusted properly. Biggest hurdle with the Aviator and most other designs is getting your parrot to put his head thru the head loop ( or to allow you to handle them enough to put their head thru ). Salty does both, but it takes awhile to train them to do it on their own. Can you handle your cockateil, like play rough with him? DO you train him to do any tricks?

Check out my/Salty's video on how NOT to put a harness on, to get an idea ( we actually do put it on in the second half).

I have never trained her to do tricks, but we play and cuddle and what not all the time so she is very used to me and my hands, and trusts me so much. I've always wanted to do training and tricks but i've mostly focused on our bond since I brought her home last October. Maybe harness training will be the start of something awesome for us!

Could you link to the video? I'd love to see. I just want to do everything right, you know!
 

DiscoDuck

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I just want to do everything right, you know!

uh.... personally....IMO...you'll need to talk to your bird and see what he wants to do..

He will tell you whether you are doing it right or wrong.

sorry.. I don't mean to be a smart arse.. Just having fun in playing with words..

Wrench and I have 2 different methods, both our boys are happy, I am sure there are many other ways, "to do everything right"..

A variation of a favorite expression of mine related to the harness is...

Have him try everything once, the things he likes, try them twice!:red1:

Best of luck, keep us posted on how things go!:)
 

wrench13

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Here is the link for my harness session with Salty.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw16lN2T0ik"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw16lN2T0ik[/ame]
 
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reeb

reeb

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I did some more research, and I found some very helpful videos that show various methods for harness training depending on your bird and her/his personality and your bond. I think that Berry will benefit from a slow introduction through positive reinforcement. Even if it take a month, we’ll put aside time every day for our harness training sessions. I hope it all works out!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

DiscoDuck

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Wrenches video, to me... shows his level of patience and perseverance that the two of them have.. This to me, shows how well parrots acclimate to their environment and just how empathetic both parties are.

My intent is not to dive down into psychology, however given how intelligent we all (including parrots) are. I cant help but take the swim. :)

I really do need to order a new phone and video what I do with my bird..

I think what is important is that a trusting bond is formed by both parties..

/psychiatrist visit
 

WilliamKenyon

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I have used an aviator harness nearly every day for the past few years when I walk ruby:red: and can say that they are a very safe and trustworthy brand. Simple and effective. As to whether a bird need's to be a young bird to learn how to use the aviator, in my case ruby was 9 years old when I trained her to wear it. It's very important that if you get the harness that you slowly let Berry get used to it slowly. I recommend first placing it somewhere in his line of sight, then hang it on the side of the cage where it is closer to him, and finally hang it in the cage with Berry so that he can get used to the harness in close proximity. Give him lot's of treats while you are holding the harness and work at his pace. Salty's/Wrenches videos are really helpful from here on:D! When I am putting the harness on ruby I place the harness on the bed ready and place some almonds on the bed next to the harness. I then bring ruby in and while she is eating I gently place it over her head and tuck it under her wings. She actually enjoys the experience haha :) Anyway best of luck with the harness as they certainly work very well :).

https://imgur.com/a/Ns1TOls

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watchv=nIiiWqhLNDY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIiiWqhLNDY[/ame] :)
 

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