First harness walk

[Angel2025]

I did my first (ever) harness walk today in the sun.

IRNs feel like the perfect birds for this. I've had bigger birds and I didn't trust that they wouldn't just snip it instantly, also the IRN has good flight manoeuvrability so when the harness is at full she could deal with it.

Was it fun? Err well it was the maximum of everything...maximum hassle, maximum chomps then maximum happy outside in the sun.

Does anyone have any harness (aviator) experience and tips.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Wicked cool! I'm glad it was a good walk!

 

[wrench13]

In order to use the Aviator (or really any harness), you must, must be able to handle and touch your parrot all over, prefereably without triggering the biting machine reflex. Took me about 1 year to get my Amazon Salty used to it. Now, at 9, we still practice putting it on and off almost nightly. I've trained him to put his head thru the head loop fairly easily. I think thats the biggest hurdle for birds. Once that is done, leaving the 'wing loops' really open and large eases putting the wings thru them - but the wings have to be carefully extended to put them thru. Then the thing gets tightened up, not too snuggly. I keep a good supply of his fav treat, pine nuts, close to hand, and reward him at each step in the process and for the entire time we are out and about. THe parrot should see, eventually, the whole thing as a good thing. Key is patience, as with all training and teaching parrots.

 

[Angel2025]

Thanks...this is very helpful

Are you not worried the amazinncoukd just instantly snip the cable, or even the harness with a good scissor action? Thats what was making me nervous.

She was preening on the walk, finding a strap then gnawing.

 

[rheashard2]

I've been using Aviator for decades. My CAG objects to things going over her head. I feel that is a bird survival thing. The cable looks thin but it's made to be resistant. Training and observation are the keys to using a bird harness. Their nature is perfect feathers means perfect flight. The harness and elastic infringe on that. The elastic is made to be stretchy for flight training. It's strong for that purpose. I personally don't use it for flight. My CAG wears her harness for all outings even in her travel carrier. She knows harness equals outings. After years of use I still put it on randomly. This to remind her about it. There's days when she acts like harness is a hangman's noose. I used to take my CAG on walks, on trails etc. I prefer her on my wrist or forearm. That way I could see what she saw. I could anticipate problems, loose unsupervised dogs, a gaggle of small children who always want to touch etc. My CAG with or without a reason likes to climb between my shoulder blades. On my forearm I can maintain some control if she panics. I can see at a glance if she's nibbling on elastic cord or harness. I can look and try to identify if something has her attention. A opossum in a tree had her trying to take flight. Distraction is a way to stop to nibbles. I name items or randomly speak to her. This is an excellent distraction. I stopped taking her on walks. She mimics red tailed hawks perfectly. Being dive bombed as they looked for the intruder put stop to that. I use a dog retractable leash at end of Aviator. I put a small dog collar on the handle. I can hook collar around my wrist or on carrier as extra safety. That way I can use my hands. (Cell phone calls, texts, pictures etc.) Make wearing harness fun. Lots of praise verbal and with treats.