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Post by Emily on Oct 28, 2013 18:27:32 GMT
Awhile back I ordered a harness online for my cockatiel, Pepper. Since then I've been slowly showing her the harness. Today I was able to get the harness on her while she was distracted with a Q-tip. Unfortunately after it was on, Pepper refused to move and started rolling trying to get the harness off, haha. It's a work in progress but she doesn't hate me---has never bit me, just made the calling sound to basically tell me to get it off of her.
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Post by Sarah on Oct 28, 2013 19:10:47 GMT
Its a slow process, one that I am trying to decide on continuing with Pirate. I didn't harness him at all this summer because he was going through a heavy molt for most of it. He loved going outside, but the putting on and taking off of the harness was such a negative experience for both of us it almost didn't seem worth it. I am thinking about getting him jesses. That is, ankle bands that would connect him to a leash, much like hawks have. That way, no feathers are displaced. I can't decide how safe I think this is though. We shall see.
Still, it may go much better for you and Pepper, because you started with her much younger than I did with Pirate.
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Post by Emily on Oct 28, 2013 19:18:55 GMT
I thought about getting one for her leg but I also saw many accidents happening with that. I really would like to take her outside during the warmer months though since the one time she came outside on the deck she was having a lot of fun and running from shoulder to shoulder with her crest up
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Post by Sarah on Oct 28, 2013 19:32:38 GMT
Yeah, I keep finding warnings from people saying not to get jesses from birds because of accidents, but I can't find anyone who owned a bird that happened to :/ I'm skeptical lol! I should just begin again with harness training.
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Post by Emily on Oct 28, 2013 19:37:32 GMT
Well not that it's getting into the fall/winter seasons, it gives you lots of time lol. If you end up getting the leg-leash for Pirate, let me know what you think! It would definitely be easier getting her to wear that.
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Post by Pammy on Oct 28, 2013 19:52:18 GMT
I really appreciate reading this thread. I am considering getting a harness for Mistletoe. I saw some that a lady makes and sells on eBay. I am very interested to continue hearing about you ladies' progress and decisions on this topic.
Isn't it wonderful to be able to talk about our cockatiels without having to post under "other animals"?
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Post by Sarah on Oct 28, 2013 19:56:21 GMT
If you want to get a harness Pammy, I really recommend the Aviator instead of a hand made one. I'd be too scared something would go wrong if it wasn't professionally made. I have an aviator for Pirate, and its awesome. Still, he just doesn't love anything around his body, but then, I started training him when he was too old for it really. Any bird can be taught, but you can't make them think its normal after a certain age.
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Post by Pammy on Oct 28, 2013 19:58:28 GMT
Sarah, would you say I should start trying the harness on Mistletoe within days of bringing her home?
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Post by Pammy on Oct 28, 2013 19:59:36 GMT
And where do you suggest finding an Aviator harness? Amazon?
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Post by Emily on Oct 28, 2013 20:09:35 GMT
I got Pepper's Aviator on eBay, but you can get it from their actual site, Amazon or other websites I'm sure I think if you start out when Mistletoe is still young, it will make it a little easier for you than say trying when she is an adult. HOPEFULLY Pepper will be ready by next summer so she can enjoy it outside. I might even be THAT owner and bring her to Petco so she can pick out her own toys. Recently I was standing in the isle with a hand full of toys and told the lady that worked there, "I just don't know what toys my birds will like, so I find myself buying everything!" She must have thought I was crazy bird lady status.
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Post by Sarah on Oct 28, 2013 20:13:08 GMT
LOL! I do bring Pirate to Pecto sometimes, or rather I did when we were harness training together a lot. People practically trip over themselves when you walk in with a little bird on your shoulder. People point and ask questions and want to hold him, its good fun. Plus, you know what treats and toys he seems more interested in.
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Post by Emily on Oct 28, 2013 20:20:49 GMT
Okay now I have a new goal! Get to PetCo with Pepper or if anything, car rides. That would be so much fun! I'm really bummed it's too cold now. Has anyone gotten the bird treats that are covered in yogurt? Or if I want to make a toy out of corn on the cob, how long would it last do you think?
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Oct 28, 2013 22:38:59 GMT
all this tiel talk makes me want to get one ha ha
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Post by Sarah on Oct 29, 2013 6:37:39 GMT
They are wonderful pets! You might want to think about it seriously Emily, I'm afraid I have no idea how long such a toy might last, I haven't made anything like it! If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!
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Post by lisamarie on Oct 29, 2013 23:15:08 GMT
Late to post here, but I was browsing harnesses online (Amazon) and I do think I will be buying one for Lucy. I wanted to introduce her to it whiles she's young! And Luvs, you should join the cockatiel family I'm so happy I did!
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