Harness concerns?

[Tanzle]

Hey I'm so sorry if my formatting is a little odd, I'm new to the site and haven't been able to navigate everything yet.

So I've recently decided that I wanted to train my two cockatiels (Both are males from the same clutch and I've had them since they were over a month old. They're over a year old now.) how to use a harness, mostly for emergencies in case of evacuation and maybe the occasional walk around the block so they could get some more sun.

I've done my research on them and know how to appropriately introduce it to them without scaring them or hurting them. I know they might not get accustomed to it, thats fine, all birds are different; I just wanted to try.

My father is very against the idea. He is afraid that the birds would get sick due to them being exposed to an environment their species isn't familiar with (I live in South Central California).

His fears are valid, but I don't intend for them to be in places where there are a lot of people or even other animals (like pet stores) that could get them sick. And I most likely won't even think about taking them outside until they are completely comfortable with it on, which might be a few months.

Should I be worried? I understand that there are always risks to things like this.

 

[AzurZafir]

I have the same problem but with green cheek conures. My dad is against it all. I wish you luck whatever way you’ll choose and I hope someone can tell us some information about this. : )

 

[saxguy64]

I'm just curious why someone would be against harness training. If done properly, and your birds aren't bothered by it, it's wonderful! Even if you didn't take them outside in the harness, if nothing else, it's a great training and bonding/trust exercise. My Ekkie guy Tucker took to it very easily. He's a gentle and accepting little soul, and pretty much trusts me without question. My YNA Baxter was 17 when I got her, and I really don't see the harness in her future. We're working on it, very slowly...

Aside from the harness, for venturing outside, a travel cage or backpack style carrier is a great option. They get to be with you, see the sights, get some fresh air and sunshine, but are still safe from escape or predators if you have them in your area. Food for thought.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[noodles123]

1. DO NOT allow your birds around other birds unless they have been tested and quarantined in your home for at least a month with a CAV check-up/blood-work etc-- I know a lot of people will argue against me, but there are diseases that birds can spread VERY easily without any symptoms for their entire life-spans---via feather dust etc..They are difficult to test for (and notoriously inaccurate and expensive)...but super-deadly to some, and not to others (while very contagious for all).

2. DO NOT take your bird to restaurants or gas-stations (or stores) where they may be using Teflon/ptfe/pfoa /pfcs- These common chemicals are used to coat things from irons to pots and pans, to space-heaters and they can be deadly in minutes...I would never take my bird into a gas-station or even Wal-Mart for this very reason. They cook using Teflon and it is a risk.

3. DO NOT take your bird to places where they are burning candles, using scented oils, incense , air fresheners, pug-ins, or other strongly scented products (including standard household cleaners).

4. DO NOT allow your bird to rummage in random grass....it's a risk due to pesticides and fertilizers, as well as diseases and parasites.

5. Be mindful of the stress that sudden temperature changes can have on a bird's body--we regulate way better than they do, so taking a bird from a 75 degree F house into a 50 degree f street without serious planning, covers etc is bad news.

6. Your dad is 500% correct that there is risk to taking your bird into a pet store with other birds.

other than that--- I think harness training is a good thing, but it is not without its challenges. It is important to socialize a bird with people and some sunshine is not a bad thing-- it adds enrichment and fun when done with caution.