"...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

[StephenAndKyleigh]

I was told this by a free flier. He knows Kyleigh is less than 10 weeks. Thoughts?

 

[Aquila]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Birds, just like children, learn at different times. Don't be discouraged. It takes work, for both of you, and a lot of trust building. I've had my BFA for several years, he's over 30, and never attempted to fly at all until recently, he's very quickly become a very strong flyer (though he has to work on his landing.)

I hope one day to have him freeflying, but right now it's not an option because I don't think he'd be reliable, but that doesn't mean it'll never happen. It'll happen when we're both ready.

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Is there anything I should be doing to teach her or do I just wait until she starts?

 

[getwozzy]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Is there anything I should be doing to teach her or do I just wait until she starts?

I would wait until she starts fledging ---you can of course start desensitizing her to an aviator harness now, so that way she's used to it when you get to the point of flight training...

But as Aquila stated, every bird/child learns at different paces....

 

[JerseyWendy]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Stephen, my very first thought was: Whoever told you this is full of doo-doo! :54:

Kyleigh is still growing her feathers! She's flapping regularly, and she's developing at a perfectly normal rate.

I swear, some folks should zip their lips before muttering nonsense.

 

[Birdman666]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

WHAT THEY SAID... Boatload of B.S.

Don't stress.

They learn when they learn. And free flying skills come later down the road... Sweepea was about a year old when I started this training with her.

Sally was about 3-4.

Maggie was 12 years old.

So... No! You can train them at any age.

My foster DYH was IN HIS 60's!!!

 

[Birdman666]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Is there anything I should be doing to teach her or do I just wait until she starts?

Back off. Be patient. Just enjoy her being a baby for now. Don't rush things. They come when they come.

The more you push, the more you stress out your bird.

One day, it'll be just like flicking a switch. They get it, and that's that... on to learning the next thing.

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

*takes a deep breath*

When it comes to anything, I am always afraid about the process being impeded by my doing of something wrong. It's a terrible trait, but it's how I am. I think I just had a freak out moment folks. My apologies. I just want to make sure I am doing everything I can to set Kyleigh up for success.

 

[Birdman666]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Handling her at this age, socializing her, playing with her, allowing her to abundance wean and fledge, and making the bird feel safe, and loved...

There's nothing more to do at this age...

Don't stress over it.

 

[Nakiska]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

Wow...that's a pretty bold statement I think. Our conure Franklin never even attempted to fly until he was 9 months old!

To this day...its not his favorite activity he prefers to run, climb and hop places, however he knows he can fly if he needs to.

Like everyone else stated...definitely don't stress over it. Besides in my experience, our fliers seem to get in the most mischief and trouble. Ha-ha!

Have a great day

Toni

 

[JerseyWendy]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

*takes a deep breath*

When it comes to anything, I am always afraid about process by impeded by my doing of something wrong. It's a terrible trait, but it's how I am. I think I just had a freak out moment folks. My apologies. I just want to make sure I am doing everything I can to set Kyleigh up for success.

Stephen, you already ARE an exceptional parront!!

 

[Aquila]

Re: "...if you're bird isn't flying by now, you'll never be able to free fly."

The best way to set her up for success is keep doing what you're doing! Building that lifelong trust now and encouraging her to be the best bird she can be.

This might just be personal opinion and experience, but larger birds seem to prefer to climb around and walk first, where as smaller birds start off flying first.