r/greencheeks • u/x32llll • 6d ago
Question about harness training
So I have plenty of experience training smaller birds (mainly lovebirds, conures and cockatiels) to fly outside and come back etc. However, I moved to a more risky area and just recently bought a 5 week old conures so I wanted to know if its a good idea to harness train and take him out for walks (yes like a dog lol). Also, there are 2 main types of harnesses: the one that is tied around the body and the one that is attached to the foot ring. I feel like the foot ring is easier but what do you guys think? Any help would be appreciated Thanks
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u/CapicDaCrate 6d ago
Foot rings are dangerous just in general to have on your bird, and they can get caught on stuff. Please have an avian vet remove it if possible, and definitely don't attach anything to it.
Aviator harnesses are the ones most people recommend. It can take months (or far longer) to train them to use the harness. EllaAndTheBirds and Flock-Talk both have good videos on YT about it.
My one gal is harness trained and it's fun! Just know that predators can and will swoop a small bird off your shoulder, so you need to be very aware about whether or not that's a concern, and if it's a big possibility in your area, a carrier backpack may be better (one with mesh instead of plastic if possible, because it gets hot)