Aviator Harness?

[parrotqueen]

Hey everyone, I'm thinking about buying an Aviator harness for the birds. They have a 'petite' size, made specially for small conures, parakeets, and cockatiels. And I read on several websites that (supposedly) it is comfortable and does not jerk the bird back if it happens to find the end of the line. I want to let them fly and exercise their wings, while giving them mommy time outside. So, what are the pros and cons about the aviator harness, and what are your personal opinions on it? Is it really worth the price?

Thank you to everyone taking the time to read this, opinions are much appreciated.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

The aviator harnesses are wonderful ... but depending on your bird it may be VERY challenging to get them to let you put it on them. It's best to start them young with this sort of thing.

There are other brands of harnesses out there, many of them cheaper than the Aviator. They are NOT WORTH IT. I have tried others, and *especially* for smaller birds they are horrible and even dangerous.

 

[HRH Di]

A friend of ours just got one for his Blue-throat macaw. He wasn't really excited about putting it on the first time, and still doesn't like that part, but he knows that it means a special outing.

Zeus hasn't jerked back when he flies to the end of the tether. Either he can feel the tension before it gets that taut, or he doesn't fly that fast.

Good luck with it!

 

[DustyDusky]

I have a harness for Dusty. If he sees me holding it and i come for him he freaks out. I generally have to hide it then go get him and very quickly i have to put it on him. Once he has it on he's ok with it.

 

[MaiTai]

Oh I need to get a few of these and the flight line I think. I am still undecided on clipping the boys or leaving them flighted.

 

[parrotqueen]

Thank you everyone for the input. I'll have to let them play with it first to get acquainted with it. But I'm pretty sure I'm getting one.

AD, thank you for telling me about the other harnesses. But may I ask, how are they actually dangerous?

Also, isn't there still the worry of the bird getting loose? I have very LARGE dogs surrounding my backyard everywhere I look, and I don't want my babies to get hurt.

 

[Tobycyng]

Heya
I'm pretty new to the forums, but hear me out.
I've been looking on ebay for a parrot harness, and I was *horrified* to see that the aviator harness sells for £25
Are the alternatives really that bad?
This one looks OK

*NEW* AVIAN ADVENTURE HARNESS FOR LOVEBIRDS-GREEN WING MACAW PARROT BIRD HARNESS | eBay

But as I am fairly new to the idea of harnesses for a parrot, I kind of want to know other owners thoughts.

Alternatively, if any of you have an old Aviator harness for an INR, and are willing to sell a bit cheaper then be sure to PM me (London area - collection)

Many thanks!