Harness Training

[GingerBird]

Just out of curiosity: IF there exists an aviator harness for budgies, why would you harm a budgie by taking it outside when it is trained correctly for the harness?

[Wolf]

I think that you have asked a wonderful question. I have wondered the same question, so since I don't have budgies, I have been reading what little I can find about it, and so far there isn't much.
The first harnesses were modified from larger harnesses and they caused problems because they did not fit properly. They left raw spots where the harness, body, and wings intersected, as well as where they buckled. Some did the same thing on the birds neck. Hopefully this problem has been addressed with the new aviator harness for budgies.
The other problem appears to be in the birds nature. It appears that the budgies are actually timid enough that when taken outside, without the support of other budgies that they have stress problems. These birds do okay in familiar surroundings and with the proximity of their flock but not so well alone.
That appears to be the gist of the problem. Any more information will have to come from those who have budgies themselves.

[GingerBird]

Interesting, so besides from being small, it has nothing to do with the anatomy of the budgie?

[Wolf]

From what I have been able to find on this topic, the problem is poorly constructed and ill fitting harnesses that were modified from larger ones and the birds own nature and not the anatomy of the bird itself. Please understand that I am still in the process of researching this topic, so if you find any other information, I would love to hear about it.
That is all I presently have.

[GingerBird]

I will browse for some extra information, will keep you up to date if I find some new info !

[Michael]

Just for the record, as a dealer of aviator harnesses, there is no Budgie sized aviator harness produced by the manufacturer. If you are seeing budgies in harnesses either inidividuals misused, adapted, or modified aviator harnesses or found something different to use. The petite size aviator harness is not only too big but also too heavy for such a bird. Furthermore, the bird could slip out or get hurt by the harness. Finally, a lost budgie is virtually irrecoverable. Such a light/small bird could get insanely lost and not to be found. It just isn't a good idea. The bird isn't going to enjoy being dragged outside in an unsuitable harness just for the owner's pleasure. Stick to a carrier or use a harness for a suitably sized parrot with training.

[Wolf]

Just for the record, as a dealer of aviator harnesses, there is no Budgie sized aviator harness produced by the manufacturer. If you are seeing budgies in harnesses either inidividuals misused, adapted, or modified aviator harnesses or found something different to use. The petite size aviator harness is not only too big but also too heavy for such a bird. Furthermore, the bird could slip out or get hurt by the harness. Finally, a lost budgie is virtually irrecoverable. Such a light/small bird could get insanely lost and not to be found. It just isn't a good idea. The bird isn't going to enjoy being dragged outside in an unsuitable harness just for the owner's pleasure. Stick to a carrier or use a harness for a suitably sized parrot with training.

Why is the aviator harness petite size advertised as fitting parakeets?








* Bird flight harness boasts a convenient one-piece design with supple nylon construction that reduce pressure points


* Self-adjusting elastic cord leash lets birds fly in safety


* Included DVD video features training and use instructions

Let your bird safely enjoy the benefits of outdoor flight. Unique, one-piece flight harness and attached elastic cord leash offers your bird safe, escape-proof flight. Unlike most flight suits and harnesses that feature multiple buckles and clips, the Aviator's single plastic buckle design helps prevent injury to your bird during use. Plus, it is easy to install - simply slide the harness over your bird's head, gently pull his wings through the harness body, and pull the lead to tighten the belt to your bird's mid-section. Harness is made of supple nylon for added comfort and fewer pressure points when compared to other flight harnesses. Elastic, bungee-cord-style lead helps prevent injury if your bird flies to the end of the leash. Features a wrist-loop for convenient, drop-free use. Includes a DVD instruction video loaded with helpful training and use instructions. Please specify size and color.

Harness Size For Birds Available Colors
Petite Parakeets, Small Indian Ringneck, Cockatiels, Small Conures (Green Cheek, Brown Throat, etc) Red or Black
XSmall Quakers, Senegal, Doves, Medium Parakeets, Rainbow Lories, Rosella, Noble Macaw, Large Conures (Sun, Jenday, Nanday, etc.) Red or Black
Small Amazons, Timneh Grey, Yellow Collar Macaw, Small Cockatoos (Goffins, Major Mitchell, Galah, Lesser Sulfer), Large Parakeets, Chattering Lori, Pionus Red or Black
Medium Electus, Medium Macaws (Severe, Red Fronted), Large Amazons (Double Yellow, Yellow Nape, etc.), Umbrella Cockatoos, Congo Grey Red, Black, or Silver
Large Large Macaws, Triton, Small Moluccan Red, Black, or Silver
XLarge Moluccan, Green Winged Macaws, Hyacinths Red or Black

Silver Aviator Harness available in Medium or Large only.

Please click on "More Information" for use instructions and further details.
This is from Drs. Foster & Smith and is for Aviator harness w /elastic leash by Parrot University

[Michael]

It doesn't mention budgies! There are many kinds of parakeets and a bunch of them are big enough to wear XS or Petite.

[Wolf]

I see the distinction. I don't think that this is fair advertising as in this country ( USA ) the commonly used term for budgie is parakeet and everyone knows that. Not your fault, I know. And now that I am aware of this I will be sure that any who ask will be advised of this distinction. Thank you.

[GingerBird]

It is very confusing though... The parrotuniversity.com (they invented that harness, or am I wrong?) shows on their website some photo's in the same column as the "petit harness" of those budgies wearing the harness... Well, at least I think they are budgies?

(source: http://theparrotuniversity.com/content/aviator-bird-harness)


They also advertise that the petite harness is for "small parakeets" I understand that it is not exactly the budgie they are referring to, but I would consider a budgie as a member of the set "small parakeet" . I do agree that the harness does not seem to fit as nice as it should, but I also understand the confusion from budgie owners who think this harness should work well enough for their bird.