Questions about the Aviator Harness

[brianlinkles]

I just got a Rose breasted Cockatoo, we are leaving him unclipped and have been using the aviator harness on him. My question is this, I noticed that the dvd and instructions said to lengthen the cord/leash you can attach it to a retractable leash. I am wondering how they can actually fly with the buckle of the leash being so heavy. We have been taking him outside and allowing him to fly off the end of the harness but it is very short and I would like for him to have a little bit longer of a lead. The lead that they sell for the harness is actually for putting it in ground, I am looking for something to hold on to and to let out longer lead. I am so worried about something happening and him flying off. I like the idea of a clip or clasp that is sturdy but light enough for him to be able to fly.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

I don't specifically remember that part in the instructions (i read it once/watched dvd once and then started to use it), but i thought they sold their flight extension for the harness, which would be specifically intended for a bird to fly. Not 100% sure if i'm right on that but that was what i had thought anyhow. I don't think Gilbert would fly with a regular retracting dog leash. For me, since my bird is just growing his flight feathers and 'learning' to fly, I just raise him up and then run with him so he can fly a little in my yard. The harness has mostly been used for walks for us, and flight is 'new', so i haven't gone as far as the extension yet.....

 

[brianlinkles]

They do sell a flight line, however it is really a contraption that works off of something set up on the ground and then it attaches to that so the bird can fly while being tethered to the ground. I am sure that you could use the lead but not sure.

 

[Mayden]

The flight line is fantastic, I've used it with Merlin in the past and as long as you've got the space (I've used it in my garden and a huge field) then it's great, ESPECIALLY if you're wanting to work on recall as it can only go in two directions, 'to' and 'from'

I don't remember the thing about retractable leashes, but it's been suggested elsewhere. Some people use the 'small dog' retractable leashes which are obviously a lot lighter than the ones intended for dogs like german sheps etc.

I'd probaby look into something more like a kite wire with the spinning thing which means the leash can get long and longer, but you have to spin it all back in again. It being lightweight and all. But I'd wonder about the hazards of that too.

 

[brianlinkles]

thank you both for answering! I live in Ohio and only about an hour from Hartman Aviary (the ones that invented the harness) I have been wanting an excuse to go check them out so I think that is what I will do! I have been taking him out with the harness and he loves to fly on the end of the lead however it is so short, I am so dizzy by the time he flys around me a couple of times! LOL Plus it kind of "boings" him back as soon as he gets going. I wish I would have left my grey flighted, it is a beautiful thing! I think I am going to slowly introduce her to the harness. She is very gentle but I think she will be horrified! She is used to going outside with me but with no harness.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

cool!! that aviary looks like fun. gilbert is from ohio too.

 

[brianlinkles]

cool!! that aviary looks like fun. gilbert is from ohio too.

Where is Glibert from?

 

[Wdlodge]

I just got a Rose breasted Cockatoo, we are leaving him unclipped and have been using the aviator harness on him. My question is this, I noticed that the dvd and instructions said to lengthen the cord/leash you can attach it to a retractable leash. I am wondering how they can actually fly with the buckle of the leash being so heavy. We have been taking him outside and allowing him to fly off the end of the harness but it is very short and I would like for him to have a little bit longer of a lead. The lead that they sell for the harness is actually for putting it in ground, I am looking for something to hold on to and to let out longer lead. I am so worried about something happening and him flying off. I like the idea of a clip or clasp that is sturdy but light enough for him to be able to fly.

Hmmm make me wonder the same thing. I know that they sell retractable leashes for small breeds that are pretty light, but the added weight from the clasp would be an issue. Look it up on you tube, there has to be a video of how some do it.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Gilbert is from In A Pickle in Broadview Heights. He flew from Cleveland to Newark last September....and i'm only about a 25-30 minute drive to Newark airport.

 

[Blancaej]

Sounds like things are going well with your harness. Definitely share your experience when you visit their Aviary. Hopefully you can get something to work better so you can really get your Cockatoo flying!

 

[khaiqha]

I have an alexandrine and use a retractable dog leash attached the the end of the aviator harness line. On my leash, I cut off the bulky party with the metal attached, and there is a plastic holder that I looped the harness line through to form a knot that can't be undone accidentally.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

New question about this harness. Mine is obviously pretty new (Gilbert just started going out in it when it got warm this spring), but I noticed that the elastic that goes around your wrist (essentially the 'handle' of the leash) is stretched out/thin in one spot where it attaches back into the metal piece that holds it together. Granted Gilbert is absolutely no flight risk right now but I don't want to be relying on this leash and have it stretch out or break on me. Somehow I thought the company had some policy about replacement or repair if something like this happened right away? Anyone know about that?


****GOT MY OWN ANSWER**** Figured i'd share. I emailed them and they will repair the harness/lead and return to me the next day. In case this comes up for anyone else.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

So i finally mailed my aviator harness back because of the little pull in the 'wrist handle' of the leash, and they sent it back to me with a reinforced handle. So it's not only repaired but they used the heavier gauge elastic on the wrist strap only. (i may have pulled it from walking three dogs and Gilbert at the same time, and that elastic is thin for a small birdy like Gilbert.) I just wanted to commend the Parrot University for paying such attention to detail in their product and standing behind it.