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Post by oceanaussi on Jan 30, 2009 6:39:56 GMT 10
I'd like to harness train my little Sun Conure Man, so we can go on walks together, sit on the veranda ect. How do I start? Thanks!
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Post by bickitrainer on Jan 30, 2009 12:01:31 GMT 10
First off, you must find a harness that fits well on your bird. I'd say your Sun Conure would be small or a medium size.  Then, then next step is a little difficult. Your bird must get used to wearing the harness. When you try to put the harness on, it should be quick, just so the bird doesn't stress out. I practised on a plush toy bird a couple of times before I put it on my bird!  After you successfully put the harness on, you should praise the bird. Your bird will get a little frustrated with this thing on him but he will get used to it. Just don't let him wear it unsupervised because he might tangle up or something horrible can happen.. After he gets used to it a couple of ideas then you can bring him outside. But be very careful, make sure he's on a leash all times. The backyard is good for a starter's spot. There are also predators out there, including big hawks and eagles that can snatch your bird and kill it even if its in a harness.... But you could take it inside a big spare gym or auditorium, just for flight training or something. There are a few empty ones around here. Good luck! |
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Post by oceanaussi on Jan 30, 2009 12:12:56 GMT 10
Thanks! I've got a petite harness and I tried it on him yesterday for the first time. It seems to sit well. I only had Stormy since Monday and he was fighting when I put the harness on him. I will just keep trying.
BTW, you're doing amazing things with your birds! I hope I can learn from you!
Cheers
Mel
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momo
Addicted Member
Posts: 120
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Post by momo on Jan 30, 2009 21:05:27 GMT 10
Bicki, did you a harness on your lovie? i got the aviator on elmo but it seemed as though it was too heavy for her
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Post by bullibirdshow on Feb 2, 2009 8:37:22 GMT 10
When I was harness training I did it very slowly and just gave treats whilst the harness was near to begin with and then resting gently on the bird and then finally putting it on the parrot.
Everyone has their own techniques.
I would also play with the harness and take the harness out side with you so the parrot associates it with good things.
Cheers,
Kate
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Post by oceanaussi on Feb 2, 2009 10:50:26 GMT 10
Thanks! Can anyone comment which one is better suited the aviator or the Fether Tether?
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Post by just4birds on Feb 2, 2009 16:34:58 GMT 10
aviator all the wayyyy i wouldnt waste my time on any other harness .... Also you have to be able to pretty much run your hands all over your bird to be able to put a harness on ... over there head down there back and under their wings will make it 10 x's easier to get a harness on a bird ...
Good Luck
*Lisa*
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Post by oceanaussi on Feb 2, 2009 17:50:24 GMT 10
So the aviator isn't too heavy for a small bird? I want a safe harness as I really want to talk Stormy on walks with the dogs.
He's only been with me for a week but I can run over his entire body, lift up the wings ect.
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Post by bickitrainer on Feb 2, 2009 21:37:55 GMT 10
Oh yes of course, getting used to the harness is a vital step! I can't believe I forgot that lol... I had a harness on Bicki, and he wears it sometimes, but he hasn't worn it in a while.  I'm too scared of predator birds and the auditoriums around here are just too much of a hassle to go to. But I'm planning to put one on my alexandrian parakeet! I'd say the aviator is the way to go!!  |
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Post by oceanaussi on Feb 20, 2009 21:31:41 GMT 10
Ok, I've got the Aviator a while back but didn't watch the DVD or do anything with it yet as Stromy is still new and I wanted him to feel comfortable with me and his surroundings before we start. I also wanted to get used to him as I'm new to birds.
So I just watched the DVD and when I saw him training that Macaw with its giant beak and hardly any human interaction, I was absolutely amazed! And I knew straight away that there's no way Stormy lets me do any of this. Despite the fact that he is so much smaller than a Macaw and I'm not exactly sure how to do this with a more 'lively' bird than the one on the DVD. So I put the harness next to him and he couldn't care less. Than I touched his head with the harness like I'd pet his head but with the harness instead of my finger - no problem either. So far so good.
Than I tried to pet him under the wing and no chance in hell. I tried to bribe him with some treats but he was too fast for me, nibbling on the treat without me touching him. So I tried a few more times and he decided not to take the treat anymore - little bugger. Perseverance, I said to myself and after a few more attempts he lets me touch him underneath the wings while on a perch or my finger without trying to stop me! I did the 1-2-3 count and I thin he knows now what 3 means...
I'm amazed on how quickly he learns, I wish I would learn as fast.... We keep practicing this for a while now and then start the eye covering. He's pretty good with his balance as I always tell him to 'hold on' when he's on my shoulder and I have to bend down or do something which is likely to take him off balance.
I know it's just a tiny step compared to what some of your birds on here can do but I'm learning as much (probably more) as he does. So I just wanted to share this.
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Post by madaussie on Feb 20, 2009 21:38:40 GMT 10
That sounds like a good start to me and one very happy bird he is lucky to have found you ;D
j
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Post by oceanaussi on Feb 21, 2009 9:23:44 GMT 10
No, I'm happy that I have found him. ;D This morning when I took him out, we had breakky and afterwards I wanted to try again and he didn't even mind too much!!! He's such a good boy!   |
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Post by megzly on Feb 22, 2009 17:53:10 GMT 10
oh well done!! looks like youll be getting that harness on in no time at all!!!
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I'm too scared of predator birds and the auditoriums around here are just too much of a hassle to go to.
