aviator harness, questions

[Macawlover12]

I just ordered an aviator harness and had a couple questions.

would you recommend it?

How easy is it to put on?

Is it secure when its on?

Would you recommend other brands over this one?

 

[MarciaLove]

very easy once the bird is used to it and each bird is different it took me a week for my macaw to be ok with it enough for me to put it on he still doesnt like it though, it took two weeks for my conure, one day for a U2 i used to have each bird is different. I highly recommend it its amazing very well made and great to take birds outside in safely! Its very secure just be sure to double check the tightness before going out and have the bird lift its wings to be sure. ive only ever used this brand but i did some research and heard its the best so i got it.

 

[RavensGryf]

I've used one before on a bird. I like the product. They are said to be "the best" in terms of innovative design. Your bird can't escape it if it's fitted right, and it can't accidentally be pulled tight around the neck.

The birds I have currently would rather freak out and die than get near one. Robin never. Raven if I really worked at it steadily little by little for a VERY long time, then maybe, just MAYBE years from now. I don't know if I care that much lol.

 

[MonicaMc]

I think it's the best made harness out there on the market, however I find it easier to put the Feather Tether onto Charlie than it is to use the Aviator harness on him. The difference is that with the Aviator, it touches his wings when I put it on him and he hates that, where-as the Feather Tether I can lift his wings and slip it around his body and it doesn't bother him.

 

[Macawlover12]

Thanks for the advice! I feel a little more confident in my decision to get this brand. I just hope she will allow me to get it on her.

 

[SilverSage]

I just want to emphasize YOU MUST WATCH THE DVD BEFORE YOU EVEN SHOW YOUR BIRD THE HARNESS. Sorry to shout, I am just so serious it is not even funny Please please please, if you ever plan to put it on your bird, watch the dvd that comes with it before you even show your harness to your bird. No kidding, seriously watch the whole thing.

 

[Macawlover12]

I will be sure to do that. I will probably watch it a few times

 

[SilverSage]

Sounds good! There is a lot of really good info on it. Once when I was younger I tried to get one of my birds to wear a harness, but I had not put in the ground work because I didnt know I needed to. She would not even go near it after my attempts. We are waiting to use ours for now because Flick is really hormonal at the moment, so all the petting and touching involved in harness training are out of the question right now!

 

[Macawlover12]

I luckily have a bit of time to prepare myself, since she wont be here until May. I am hoping because she is a baby, she will be a little more accepting. I am not going to clip her wings and would still love to take her out for walks/flys. I have a lot of patience, so I will work with her as much as she is comfortable with.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

i agree that it's a great product and watching the dvd is an enormous help with getting yourself used to it before attempting to introduce to your bird.
Gilbert was easy to harness train (he was young, and extremely easy going about being touched). I love the freedom it gives him to really enjoy his life and not live as just a 'house pet'.
Do inspect it each time before leaving the house. You can get a pull or a loose spot (i did). The people at parrot university were excellent with customer service and they reinforced mine for me. (I have the thick elastic at the wrist even though for an XS harness it is just the thin elastic leash). I always inspect prior to leaving the house. Gilbert has become a strong flier and could easily take off if he weren't on leash.

 

[Macawlover12]

I also saw in the manufactures video that you can use the dog retractable leashes to extend their flight. Anyone done this before? I am interested but of course wouldn't attempt unless she was safely flying with the equipment provided.

 

[MonicaMc]

I've used cat leashes but not the retractable dog leashes. My birds don't fly away from me, they fly *TO* me! LOL


Be sure to let the breeder know that you want Kali unclipped (if you haven't said anything already) and you might want to consider sending the harness over to the breeder so that Kali can start getting accustomed to it now rather than later!

 

[ruffledfeathers]

MonicaMc--Yep, the only time Gilbert really flies away from me is if he hears a loud noise and makes a sudden bolt, which is when i'm glad he is on the short lead and I call him back quickly. Otherwise, I run so he 'chases' me like stink on poop. LOL

 

[BirdyMomma]

We have them for both of our Macaws. I felt REALLY bad making Loki wear it, because she is a little angel, and only flies to me, not away. I felt like I was hurting her feelings, because she trusts and loves me so much, and here I am, acting like I don't trust her..... But you never know what could happen, and her safety is my responsibility. Sorry little one, but the thought of you being hurt or lost is too much to bear.

I can handle our Macs, and can get their Aviators on with little fuss. (embarrassed to say) I did not watch the DVD, but will go and watch it as per the advice given. We have two other birds who haven't gotten their harnesses yet, and I'm sure I could do a better job, so to the video tape it is!

Also, they look so cute in their harnesses, I want to get them little goggles and hats..... I'm just kidding.