Tips for harness training

[tonkatiel]

So I ordered a harness for Skittles and Mia and it arrived on Friday, just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to start?
So far I have sat it out where they can see it from inside their cages, and had it sitting on my lap while they were out of their cages and on me... Skittles had a nibble on it but when I picked it up he quickly moved away, and Mia I didn't try anything with yet as shes still getting used to us let alone a strange new item thats supposed to go on her ;)

I really wanted to get one for Punky as I think she'll enjoy being outside a lot more, but she's also a lot harder to introduce new things to so I thought I'd start with the 'easier' birds first...

Any tips would be much appreciated :)

[coltfire]

As i dont have any of mine in a harness, im not sure but with the dogs to get them to go into it you just hold it up and offer treats but make them put head through the harness before get treat so hold treat on other side of harness and make them go through it, it may work with birds, also check youtube [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks] [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks] hope this helps

[ShellyBorg]

I start with offering treats they have to reach through the loops to get it. Once they will do that put the treats in a small bowl so they have to reach through and down so you get need to drop it over there head. You also need to make sure you can handle there wings and touch there bodies before you try to tighten it up. 4 of my 5 wear a harness. Some happier then others. :D

[Pat 621]

Thanks


Julius 07/09

[Blancaej]

I think Shelly gave you some good advice. Here are some good steps to follow to slowly progress to having them wear it. Go to the next step once they are comfortable with the step.

1)Have it near by
2)Have it on your arm or body while your bird is on you
3)Touch your bird with it
4)Use a treat to get them to put there head through it
5)Work to get it totally on them.

Giving treats each time they accomplish each step each time. They should not be nervous with the step you are working on before proceeding to the next step. I've got Savannah in a harness pretty quickly. Quincy I probably never will! LOL! I hope to get Coqui in one this spring. Good luck and don't give up!

[Pat 621]

Thanks.


Julius 07/09

[StitchynMe]

I'm planning on ordering one for Stitchy from the bird safe store. Can anyone recommend any scrumptious treats for training that GCCs adore?

[Lady]

Treats are a tricky thing I think. What your bird may like as a treat, mine may not. You can put some of what you think Stitchy will like on a plate and see which one he chooses first. This might give you an idea of what he likes most out of what you offer.

Lady has gone from cashews, to walnuts, to almonds and at the moment prefers Pistachios.

[StitchynMe]

Ok, thanks! I will try that!

[kendrafitz]

I don't know if this is good for small beaks, but pili nuts. The bird store I go to has referred to them as birdie crack. [emoji6]

I generally use organic raw cashews for training. They are soft enough for me to break into pieces. For a once a day super special treat Rosie gets a yogurt covered almond. That is her absolute favorite!!

[kendrafitz]

Oh, I forgot to add that I order nuts from nuts.com, not from a bird store. I find they are cheaper that way. ;)

[Abby]

Oh, I forgot to add that I order nuts from nuts.com, not from a bird store. I find they are cheaper that way. ;)

How much is shipping there?

And when it comes to harnesses, Digby is a definite no. That would not happen. But Cleo is a different story - I would definitely like to try getting her in one at some point this spring/summer.

[kendrafitz]

I'm really not sure about shipping. I usually have a coupon or order enough for free shipping.