I started making harnesses for my birds after I used the Feather Tether and Aviator harnesses. These two are great options because they can be adjusted to suit different bird species, but I wanted a harness that was even simpler to use for my Eclectus.
The Feather Tether
I thought the Feather Tether was great because you can attach the lead so that it falls from the back or the front, the lead is also removable. The harness is adjustable but you still have to make sure you choose the correct size as there isn't a huge adjustment in them. The clips are great because you don't have to slip your birds wings through a closed loop. It only has to be adjusted once to fit your bird.
I found that some birds are very comfortable in it, some didn't like the weight of the clips; others were scared of it. One of our birds has figured out how to undo it, we have heard this to be a problem for other bird lovers too. Parrots do tend to nibble and play with the metal parts.
Google 'Feather Tether' for more information. It was developed by an avian vet. Usually available at pet supply stores.
I found that some birds are very comfortable in it, some didn't like the weight of the clips; others were scared of it. One of our birds has figured out how to undo it, we have heard this to be a problem for other bird lovers too. Parrots do tend to nibble and play with the metal parts.
Google 'Feather Tether' for more information. It was developed by an avian vet. Usually available at pet supply stores.
The Aviator Harness
The Aviator harness is lightweight, has a V neck for the crop and the lead is made of an elastic bungee cord. We were concerned about the strength of the bungee cord but none of our Eclectus have broken or bitten through it. It is an all in one piece, including the lead. It has a lot of room to adjust the size to fit your bird.
It can be tricky putting the birds wings through the loops, and adjusting the belt, particularly if your bird is sensitive when it comes to handling their wings. Also the lead tends to twist and hang underneath the wing. Once the harness is on and adjusted the birds are quite comfortable, but It does have to be adjusted each time you put it on.
It can be tricky putting the birds wings through the loops, and adjusting the belt, particularly if your bird is sensitive when it comes to handling their wings. Also the lead tends to twist and hang underneath the wing. Once the harness is on and adjusted the birds are quite comfortable, but It does have to be adjusted each time you put it on.
You can purchase this harness here
The Parrot University has some great information on flight, potty training etc
The Parrot University has some great information on flight, potty training etc
Canopy Aviaries Harness.
Our harness is tailor made for your baby, lightweight, easy to put on, can be worn both ways (lead hanging from the back or front), escape proof and requires minimal hooks and clips (which are stainless steel), the lead is made of quality bungee cord lead (similar to the Aviator, except it is a separate piece).
The harness is quite comfortable for the birds, even one of our older Eckies who previously objected to wearing a harness is quite content when wearing this one I made for him. |
...........HOW TO PUT THE HARNESS ON...........
Step Two: Bring the ends of the waist strap around the birds tummy and under the wings. Thread the ends through the loops on the birds back. Press the parachute clips together to secure the harness as shown below. The stainless steel o-rings are for a second layer of security and for attaching the bungee cord. (Even though the parachute clips are high quality and strong, they are still plastic, a parrot who likes to nibble tends to play with the o-rings instead of the clips) |
Step 3: Now to attach the lead. Simply take the small loop (on the bungee cord) and thread it through both o-rings on the harness. Thread the large loop (on the bungee cord) through the smaller; and pull it firm. The lead is made out of bungee cord for elasticity (we purchased bungee cord from a camping store that sold abseiling and climbing equipment), this reduces the jolt on the bird if he decides to fly off. Slip your hand through the larger wrist strap loop. Your bird is now ready to go outside! Our harness is included with the purchase of your bird. Unfortunately I currently do not make harnesses for other birds because I can not ensure an accurate fit without the bird present, and theses harnesses have NO adjustment in them. |
TIP 1 : It is best to introduce the harness slowly, get your parrot used to having it nearby, and playing with it. Play with the harness yourself and get to know how it works before experimenting on your bird!
Sometimes a difficult or sensitive bird will calm down when you place their head under your shirt where it is dark! Talk with them, pat them and cuddle them to calm them Offer them treats or say "good boy" or "good girl", praise them.
TIP 2 : Before attempting to put a harness on your baby, make sure you have spent a lot of time with them touching and stroking them. You should be able to touch your baby all over and comfortably lift and stroke the wings. When you can do this your baby is less likely to object to you putting on the harness.
TIP 3 : To extend the length of the lead, you can buy bungee cord from stores with camping or rock climbing equipment, or clip on a small cat or dog lead and then loop the bungee lead onto the wrist strap. For even more security you could buy a small marine grade stainless steel keyring and loop the o-rings together. Beware of some key rings as birds have been known to get their beaks stuck in them which has caused injury.
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