What do you think about harnesses for birds?

Question

I have a 4 month old Lesser Sulpher Crested Cockatoo who can fly even though her wings have been clipped. I want to take her with me sometimes when I go out but can't risk her flying. Does anyone have any insight regarding harnesses (flight suits). Which type are best and any other info you might want to add.
Thanks, Suzanne

Answer 1

If you are going to take your cockatoo out of doors, you should absolutely use a harness. As someone else stated, even with trimmed wings, a parrot can catch a breeze and off into the wild blue yonder, it will fly!

As far a what type of harness...look for one that actually has a leash that fastens with a D loop, (like a dog's harness) and not velcro. I would believe that velcro has too much of a possiblity for failure.

I have two Congo African Greys that I tried using a harness, but they were older than yours and were much too nervous for me to get the harness on them, so I did not want to force the issue. However, I know several people who do harness their birds and their birds enjoy them.

As I am sure you know, greys are much more sensitive and enjoy physical closeness less than a cockatoo. Since your bird is known for enjoying cuddling, you could try the harness and see how she acts when wearing it.

Take it slowly with her though....let her look at the harness a couple days before actually attempting to put it on her and then make it seem like a fun thing to ease her mind and gently ease her into it.

Never...but never "tie a string" to your bird's leg! Falconer's use a tether on their bird's legs, but falcons have much sturdier legs that are built for grasping small animals and flying off with them. Parrots only perch and hold food in the feet to eat. Their legs are much too fragile to withstand that kind of treatment, so you'd likey end up with a leg injury.

Answer 2

I know this is really late but I'm posting this for viewers that come along with the same question...the only type of harness that I recommend using is the aviator. It is not cruel in any way and is safe and comfortable for the bird. Instead of jerking it back, it has a shock absorber type thing on the leash. Just make sure that you practice alot with your bird and don't force it on, take it slow. Once outside you and your parrot will be glad.

Answer 3

I have tried a harnes on my sun conure and it just pissed the bird off. He would lay on his back and side till he learned how to take it off. Some birds will not wear one and I lost a little blood trying to put on him. Watch out for the bites..

My Peril Cockatiel can fly even with her wings clipped if I clip them like I do for the sun conure.. I found on the Tiel I had to clip them back 7 feathers and up to the tips of the next roll of feathers. Now she can fly but only at an angle to the floor. No lift.

I would like to have a cockatoo.. Those are pretty birds.

Answer 4

I think it would be a great idea to take her outside with a harness, She will probably love the outdoors. There are a lot of good harness and leash sets out in the pet stores. I don't have any preference.

Answer 5

You mean Lessor Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.

I guess you would not want to risk it flying as it may fly away, right? Yes, the guy above me is correct. A parrot harness will irritate the parrot.

You can tie one of its legs with a tough but light rope, so that it can have a limit to flying. If it flew too high you can tug lightly on the rope to remind it 'LSCC, you cannot fly so high!' Birds need exercises! ^ ^

Answer 6

Don't tie a rope around the bird's leg, that can break her leg for you.

I've heard good things about the Aviator harness, you can do a search online for it. They have instructions on how to get your bird used to it.

Answer 7

I suggest building a large aviary or screened-in porch so the bird can get fresh air without the harness. I can't imagine subjecting a bird to one of those things.