Bonnie is an Aviator

[Boozieshome]

After much research and deliberation, I got an Aviator for Bonnie. She scared me by almost flying away on Mother's Day and I decided it was not worth the risk and she would benefit from it.

I got it on her on the first try, but my right hand tells me she was not pleased. But we got it on and I took her outside to reward her. Once outside, she immediately flew to the length of the tether. It was not graceful. I have a longer tether, but decided to only use the base length for her first time outside. She quickly learned there was a set distance she could fly and was skidding into the grass like a pro. I even let her climb a tree. She could not have been more joyful.

After I got her down from the tree, I took her inside and removed it. I deliberately did all these things promptly so she will associate her harness with going outside and immediate removal afterwards.

My wife came home from her shift at the hospital and wanted to do it again. Bonnie had no problem with getting to the harness again, it was much easier.

I am happy to be able to take her around with me without fear and no clipped wings.

 

[Jen5200]

Wow, congratulations on Bonnie’s excursion! I couldn’t access the link, but very exciting to be able to get her into a harness first try

 

[Scott]

Nice work, Congratulations Bonnie!

 

[itzjbean]

Thank you for getting her a harness! It's definitely worth it to have our birds safe and secure when venturing outdoors, as you have already realized from having her almost fly away. Good for you, and it sounds like she didn't mind it!

 

[wrench13]

IMHO taking a parrot outside without a harness is just asking for a fly-away. I been there. It is heart rendering.

 

[itzjbean]

IMHO taking a parrot outside without a harness is just asking for a fly-away. I been there. It is heart rendering.

Couldn't agree more. It doesn't matter if you think the bird is 'too bonded' to you and won't fly away, same thing with clipped wings, most birds can still fly with a clip. I am a member of several facebook groups about birds and often see people snapping pictures of their parrots outside in the grass, no harness in sight, usually very young birds too with no flight training experience. Just not a good idea ever.