I was supposed to go hiking with Cocoa this morning but in the last minute I changed my mind. I took her for flying exercise to test out the new line which I bought 2 days ago. It's an 80lbs Dyneema fishing line. Much lighter than the bulky nylon rope I was using.
It went on well initially. She did 240ft twice and 250ft once. She was rested for awhile before took her for last round. I told her last round not last day.
On nearing the landing platform, she flew higher and higher. She was flying away, past the platform. When the line reached maximum she had to turn back.
I thought she would come back to me but instead she flew past me. I thought the line had snapped. I could only see the leash of the harness flying past me.
I nearly had an heart attack. My heart was pounding real fast. I ran after her. She landed on the goal post of the football field which was about 20ft away from me. I quickly went to grab the leash and checked the line. Thanks goodness the line was still intact.
Cocoa didn't respond to my recall. Since she was comfortably perching on the goal post, I quickly retrieved the flight line then climbed the post to retrieve Cocoa. Usually the flying exercise ends with a session of recall training before heading home. But I had no guts to do it this morning. What an experience!
Wow that must have been scary for both of you. Just goes to show that you never know what might happen, regardless of how well they usually respond. Good on you for harnessing Cocoa - I think its the safest way and it definitely helped in this incident.
How scary for you. Cocoa was probably aware she had more freedom than usual and was determined to use it, just goes to show you can never be 100% sure they will return to their owner no matter how close that relationship is and I know you have a great relationship going, cocoa is one of (if not the) the most travelled companion birds I know.
I did a few short distance flights this morning. All turned out well. I didn't have the guts to try 250ft again, not at this moment. I'll let her get used to the ultra light fishing line for a week or so before putting her back on the 250ft flight.
Cocoa is a dominant bird and also a jealous bird. Most of the time she refused to let Mocha (a Hill Mynah for those who do not know) to perch on our shoulders. Cocoa would chase Mocha away. Not only that, she also chased Mocha away from the kitchen cabinet and the fridge.
This morning Mocha followed my wife to the dressing room. He likes to perch on the clothes rack. Cocoa flew in later and perched on the curtain rail at the window. Mocha chased Cocoa away and took over the curtain rail. Cocoa then flew to the door. And again Mocha went to "attack" Cocoa. Cocoa had to flee and she crash landed outside the room. Mocha claimed his 1st victory over a bird almost twice his size.
I didn't know much about CAG though it shares common traits with TAG, but I guess now I will. I think CAG hates being isolated. As the photos implies, cage is not a good idea for African Grey, maybe an aviary of wide open cage with tropical sights.