I can also attest to the fact that believing the benefits & enrichment of the outdoors will somehow negate the trauma you'll inflict upon it by forcing it into a harness... IS HIGHLY INCORRECT! When I first got my Goffin cockatoo Cheeky, I would force her into her harness and years later once I discovered permission based training, she would only put her head through the hole for 2 seconds to grab a treat. The amount of training it would have taken to undo the damage I did would have been insane! Please, please, please be patient when training your bird to wear a harness! It's worth the time to do it right versus scar your bird for life.
I agree with the motor cycle analogy, my father calls them donor cycles as he's a paramedic. Like motor cycles, it doesn't matter how good of a driver you are or how bonded you are to your bird when attempting to free fly: it is the OTHER VARIABLES outside that will harm your bird! With motor cycles, you can't control whether a crazy driver shows up and hits you. With free flight, you can't control whether a raptor shows up or someone brings their dog to the area. I've spoken to free fliers as I was pursuing it with Cheeky, and MOST free fliers will experience *some* kind of trauma. Whether that be a chase from a bird of prey, or a tree sitting over night situation.
I’m currently acclimating my goffins to a hiking backpack carrier. Glaciers move faster than she does when it comes to trusting suspicious objects. Fortunately the aviator harness was pretty easy to train her on. I’m so glad you made this video…too many people let their guard down with clipped birds being outside and it’s the poor bird who suffers.
My ekkie started started screaming one day in my backyard. I go outside and see this massive hawk right next to his cage. The hawk flew off but wow, I've never seen a hawk in my life and didn't even know they lived where i lived but they're there. Cats and hawks are always watching, you gotta be careful.
I can also attest to the fact that believing the benefits & enrichment of the outdoors will somehow negate the trauma you'll inflict upon it by forcing it into a harness... IS HIGHLY INCORRECT! When I first got my Goffin cockatoo Cheeky, I would force her into her harness and years later once I discovered permission based training, she would only put her head through the hole for 2 seconds to grab a treat. The amount of training it would have taken to undo the damage I did would have been insane! Please, please, please be patient when training your bird to wear a harness! It's worth the time to do it right versus scar your bird for life.
No shame in admitting mistakes! You don't know what you don't know and it helps those of us just starting out! Love your videos!!
Ah thank you!! And thank you for watching :)
I agree with the motor cycle analogy, my father calls them donor cycles as he's a paramedic. Like motor cycles, it doesn't matter how good of a driver you are or how bonded you are to your bird when attempting to free fly: it is the OTHER VARIABLES outside that will harm your bird! With motor cycles, you can't control whether a crazy driver shows up and hits you. With free flight, you can't control whether a raptor shows up or someone brings their dog to the area. I've spoken to free fliers as I was pursuing it with Cheeky, and MOST free fliers will experience *some* kind of trauma. Whether that be a chase from a bird of prey, or a tree sitting over night situation.
Also: I've heard JMK harnesses are the nicest because the head hole is bigger and they're easier to get on and off. For anyone looking into harnesses.
I’m currently acclimating my goffins to a hiking backpack carrier. Glaciers move faster than she does when it comes to trusting suspicious objects. Fortunately the aviator harness was pretty easy to train her on. I’m so glad you made this video…too many people let their guard down with clipped birds being outside and it’s the poor bird who suffers.
Thank you for sharing your experiences!! So glad you were able to utilize the aviator harness
My ekkie started started screaming one day in my backyard. I go outside and see this massive hawk right next to his cage. The hawk flew off but wow, I've never seen a hawk in my life and didn't even know they lived where i lived but they're there. Cats and hawks are always watching, you gotta be careful.
Well said❤
Love it!