Apple with his aviator harness.

[GlassOnion]

He loved the sunshine! But constantly chewed on the little metal piece..

[kaylayuh]

Looks like he enjoyed it! Was it difficult to get on him?

[GlassOnion]

Well, I practiced getting the loop on/off him for a couple days. I do have to gently hold his body while I put the loop on, and he will stay put for two seconds or so. The wings, he protests but I gently guide him and it gets done rather quickly. Where it gets tough is the tightening part as he will fuss and go a little crazy.

I did this a few times today, and he still thinks the harness is a toy to play with. As long as I gently grab him still, I can get the harness on.

[zazanomore]

I'm so jealous!

[Margaret]

Apple looks so cute!
My(Chico) future harness is waiting for us already at our post-picking up tomorrow

[Michael]

That's fantastic. Now just remember never to take putting on the harness for granted. It's always gotta remain a positive experience like when you trained it. As for playing with it, I think they never grow out of it. It's like a toy strapped onto their body, how can they not play with it?

I'm curious how a cockatiel does outside like that? Aren't cockatiels generally more skittish? How's he handling it?

[GlassOnion]

Yeah, I'm worried too about the whole 'positive experience' deal too... I try.
He didn't try to fly away once! Overall, he stayed calm and just curious to look at everything. Quite an angelic demonstration from a first time. Apple didn't look skittish at all, and had a very good attitude towards the outside world.
At one point, I ran around the backyard with him on my hand held high and he just spread his wings and enjoyed the breeze as I played airplane with him.

[Margaret]

You have to be scientist to know how to put this harness on a bird I leave it to make Chico get familiar with it and I'll read instruction later.
BTW: GlassOnion, how long did you train to put harness on Apple before he felt so-so OK?

[GlassOnion]

About half a day of introducing the harness as a 'toy' like object. Then came the desensitization for a day, where I approached him with the harness and held him still while I touched him with it. Then I rewarded with a treat. Then after, I made a little loop and practised getting it on and off briefly.

Overall, 4-5 days of short, multiple training sessions during the day.
But mind you, Apple still doesn't like the harness and will fly away several times from it at the beginning but soon calms down and accepts the ordeal and the treats associated with it.

[Margaret]

Chico hates harness until .. she realize she's outside on a fresh air- then she completely doesn't mind. We was on a short walk 3 times and she loved it(me too)