Aviator harness v cheaper versions

[Chunky]

I am going to buy Chunky a harness this week. Now the weather is warming up, after i have got him used to it i shall start taking him out. I have a woodland area and river bank right next to my home.

I have been looking on ebay at all the different types available. I noticed that the aviator one is the most expensive. Can anyone tell me why this is? Does it have, or do things the others dont? I dont mind paying the extra but if theres one that is just as effective and costs less, obviously i would rather save the money.

Also, is it ok to take conures out in cooler weather? Here in UK it can lovely one day and cold and windy the next.

 

[thekarens]

I'd google reviews on the aviator harness. IMO it's worth it. Safety isn't something I'm willing to skimp on.

 

[Lavalleer]

I got the aviator harness for my gcc since it seems to be the most recommended one on this forum and the instructional dvd it comes with is helpful.

 

[Chunky]

Yes, i have googled and watched youtube videos. I just thought it would be nice to hear from members who have any experience with different, cheaper versions and their safety issues, and what to look for as an alternative.

 

[4dugnlee]

I don't have any harnesses (yet) but I would go with the aviator. As Karen said, safety is worth it.

 

[Chunky]

Thanks guys. What about weather and temperatures? Obviously i wont take him out in a blizzard or very cold windy days, but are they ok with colder days? I dont want to make him ill.?

 

[thekarens]

Birds can be acclimated to cooler temps.

 

[Chunky]

Thanks for that. I shall hope for more sunny spring time days this week. Hopefully it wont be too muddy in the woodland so i can get through in my power wheelchair. I reckon Chunky will love it. Probably wont go far first time out.vi might just go outside the front door and see how he reacts.

 

[Lullx]

You might want to look into a flightsuit for him if it's regularly chilly where you are! They come with leashes and strong velcro, but I'm still a little wary of letting fully flighted birds use them outside.
But if you want him to just come outside with you and explore or just sit pretty on your shoulder, I think a flight suit would be awesome.

I have both the aviator harness (love it; it's really easy to use and very secure!) and a fleece flightsuit for my conure Genevieve. The fleece keeps them warmer.

FlightQuarters sells them, in regular and fleece.

Pretty sure they ship worldwide. They also have adorable hoodies for the bigger guys. I ordered a Halloween one for my cockatiel but she doesn't like wearing it and will throw a tantrum and just flop over until I take it off of her ):

 

[Chunky]

Thanks for the link Lullx. I have seen them before. I thought they might be too invasive to start off with, because if the extra material. I think i will see how i get on with the harness then try those suits. I started off looking at them because they stop poop getting everywhere.

 

[Lullx]

My guys are wary of the suit, so I haven't had them around with them on yet, but if Chunky likes fabric like my Genevieve likes it, he won't be bothered by the suit much at all. Gené loves being wrapped up in fabric, like blankets and knit hats.

The Aviator is much easier to train a bird to use (in my experience at least). They have to be put on top of the suit to get it on (feet first, like overalls!), which really freaks my birds out right now. But with the harness, it goes on over the head first, which is much less scary.

 

[Lullx]

I also just wanted to say that I really think the Aviator is worth the price. You'll only need to buy it once (...usually), and it really is very safe and easy to use.

Most of the others have velcro or snaps, which make me very nervous. Loose stitching or warped fabric, or a very startled bird could cause the harness to fail.

I looked at it as investing in peace of mind for my beloveds.

 

[Chunky]

I also just wanted to say that I really think the Aviator is worth the price. You'll only need to buy it once (...usually), and it really is very safe and easy to use.

Most of the others have velcro or snaps, which make me very nervous. Loose stitching or warped fabric, or a very startled bird could cause the harness to fail.

I looked at it as investing in peace of mind for my beloveds.

Thanks Lullx. I think you are right. I will go for the aviator harness. Chunky does love fabric, although i dont wrap him in it, he is constantly nuzzling into my clothes. I have emailed the company you linked about the flight suit as i may as well go the whole hog and try one of those too. I want to confirm they will ship to UK. I am also a bit confused about sizing. Because chunky is only 12 weeks old, i am not sure how much bigger he will get, so i have asked about the correct size.

 

[Lullx]

I would still get the Jr. Small, because he'll be six months before you know it!
Honestly, it might take you that long to get him comfortable enough to wear it haha

 

[Chunky]

I would still get the Jr. Small, because he'll be six months before you know it!
Honestly, it might take you that long to get him comfortable enough to wear it haha

Too true. I doubt he will get much bigger anyway.

 

[Flboy]

I ordered a Halloween one for my cockatiel but she doesn't like wearing it and will throw a tantrum and just flop over until I take it off of her ):

That is so funny!

 

[Robin]

putting clothes on a bird, now I've seen everything!