Harness Discussion

[JadeW]

I bought a small Aviator harness when I first got my bird, but I think it's a bit too big. I'm wondering if I should try to return it or search some different stores for a larger one, or of the next size up wouldn't be too too big to work? Can it have some give or should it be relatively snug?

[Michael]

"Small" is for my Cape Parrot. You need "petite" for cockatiel size. Definitely return/exchange. Here's the sizing chart on the manufacturer's site:

http://www.theparrotuniversity.com/aviator_harness.php

[YungAndintrigued]

I ordered a "small" for my sun conure. It should be here today or tomarrow.

[Michael]

If you are talking about the aviator harness and you actually ordered small, that will be way too big for a sun parakeet. I use small on my Cape parrot and X-Small on Senegal (which is a little big on her).

[skeetersunconure]

i have a sunconure he needs an xsmall.

[YungAndintrigued]

Woops! I mean x small .

[lainmai]

I'm a bit curious as to peoples opinions on this....

I am clipping my Sennie for the first year or so to avoid and "mishaps" as I am in student housing with roomies that are not pet/bird experienced or friendly. He WILL be flighted after I complete my schooling. Should I pick up and have him get used to the harness when he is clipped and still young? I am looking to take him outside for fresh air and walks as often as he'll let me and I'd like to associate outside with the harness to make things easier long term.

[Michael]

Yeah, definitely start young but still be careful and don't push it too hard so it doesn't get scared.

[lainmai]

Yeah, definitely start young but still be careful and don't push it too hard so it doesn't get scared.

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be for a few months until I pick one up and start to train it to wear it (much thanks for the videos on this). But I wasn't too sure if I should hold off until it understood what the harness was for (flight wise) or not. I'll get Tobi used to the harness before he can finally learn how much fun it is to fly =)

[Michael]

The only issue I can see is that if the parrot is used to being clipped while wearing the harness it may be reluctant to fly while wearing it down the line. But with some training that can be overcome.