New to the idea of a harness: thoughts on taking smaller birds out and about?

[reeb]

Hi everyone,

I never really thought of getting harnesses and taking my parrots outside until recently. Since my birds are pretty small (two budgies and a cockatiel), I am so scared of what dangers await them in the big outdoors, even on a harness! What is everyone's general opinion on this?

Thanks in advance! ❤

 

[LordTriggs]

as long as you're attentive shouldn't be a problem. Most hawks aren't going to divebomb a bird that is on someone. Your biggest danger is other humans with "sticky fingers"

 

[itzjbean]

I am a fan of harnesses but know it can be difficult to teach a bird to allow them to be put on. An alternative to this would be to buy a travel carrier and bring the birds outside with you that way, in a smaller space. It allows them to get sunshine and enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with a harness (or birds of prey carrying them off).

 

[wrench13]

As you can see from my sig pic, Salty does not go outside without his harness on. I does take some training to get them to accept putting htem on and then wearing them without constantly picking and biting it. It helps enormously if you already have some sort of training program started with your bird(s). First get them used to putting their heads thru the head loop, using treats. Once they will do that, its easier to get the whole harness on. Watch my video on Salty youtube channel, to see how comfortable your parrot should be with you handling them. You will see how NOT to do it, and then how to do it. Just , as has been said, watch out for hawks and other birds of prey. Salty loves being in his harness now, he is the start when ever we go out.