Pak-o-Bird Question

[katie_fleming]

(Today is spam the forums day! )

This is kind of a follow-up to my harness training post. I found the Pak-o-Bird backpacks and I think I'd really like to get one for Jasper. The only place in Canada I can find them is Parrotdise Perch and with tax it'll be $300 for the medium

I'm outside all the time in the summer...fishing, having picnics, walking around, etc and think this might be a good idea. Originally I had planned on harness training so he could be on that while I'm outside but I think I need a plan b.

So I'm wondering if any of you own one? I've read good reviews but wanted to ask here. How long can they be in one for? I'm wondering if he'd be happy just sitting on one perch all day...

Also, if I open the screen to take him out, I have no idea if I need to be worried about him flying away. He has a baby clip but I really don't know how he'll react. He's never been outside before. I have no idea how to go about doing this LOL

I also have a balcony that I'd love for him to join me on, another reason for the harness training. I actually kept his small cage that I had to use temporarily while waiting for his big one, so I think I might put that out there this summer. I'll put him in it inside then transfer to the balcony. The pak-o-bird could also work too.

Any advice on the backpack and how to take him outdoors, etc would be great. I'd love for him to join me outside if it ever gets warm again!!

 

[Kiwibird]

We got one, and even here in the US it was expensive! I have to say though, it was easily one of the best investments we ever made for Kiwi. I know it's hard to get past the price, but I really can't recommend these enough! He LOVES going outside in the summer, and we ended up using ours almost daily last summer. And you do get what you pay for with this backpack. It is VERY well made, VERY well designed for the needs of a parrot and comfortable to carry around. Your bird is safe from predators and curious peopl/children/pets while out and about behind the stainless mesh. It's easy to buckle in the car, easy to roll down the "panels" if your bird is frightened, bad weather or needs a nap and great for day trips with the easy in/easy out dishes (I do not keep the dishes in unless we'll be gone long enough he needs to eat and drink while out). Kiwi is clipped and often allowed to "freely" hang out outside, so I do open the flap for him at the park or out on the deck and stuff. HOWEVER, I would NEVER open the flap for a bird who hasn't been trained to be loose outdoors unless the bird was harnessed. Being "free" outdoors is a PRIVILEGE not every pet parrot is a good candidate for due to such differing personalities in pet parrots. Many are too domesticated to go outside with a harness or in a cage. And there is ALWAYS a risk of loss even for the best trained birds. Birds who are skittish, not strongly bonded, not well disciplined (i.e. do not always follow commands or have trouble with verbal commands), know how to fly but are not competent in recall DO NOT make good candidates for being "free" outdoors. When in doubt, don't do it is a good rule to follow. How about getting the backpack and harness training him so he has a place to hang out in but can also come out while safely on a harness?

 

[veimar]

I got one for $45 off craigslist, clean and nice, but without a perch. I haven't used it yet, but my hubby is making a perch, and I plan to take my tiel and budgie out for walk in it in summer. But definitely not worth $300!

 

[Flboy]

If he spooks in the middle of being taken out, he will fly. And instinct says fly to the highest point!

 

[Kalidasa]

Best money ever spent I think. I take my conure for bike rides every day (warm months) in his. Plus it's another place for him to go in when we're inside where he can eat and bash some toys around. They're very well made and sturdy. But you definitely don't want to be unzipping it outside. The bird should go in and come out indoors.

 

[drlisaort]

Katie I am so glad you asked about this back pack for birds! I saw it a few years back and really wanted to get it but then didn't. But...by the reviews from those here who do have one it sounds like it was a great purchase. I am out every day walking or biking and would love to have Oliver with me. Does anyone know if sun gets in enough to count for some sun exposure?

As for the skittish part, I'm pretty careful about bringing Oliver out...especially if it is a windy day. He too is clipped (which I hate!) because we live in Florida and doors are open often and I'm a "paranoid" Momma.

 

[torrap]

I have one and used it only once so far as it is still pretty cold here. I was able to get it for closer to $200 from Dr. Foster and Smith. They ship free in the US if you spend more than $50.
What I like about it is that it can be used as a carrier or a travel cage as well.
I am a small person, so it's rather bulky on my shoulders (I have a medium one). But I am planning to use it a lot when I go to the mountains comes Summer. It even has a special set of loops for a car seatbelt so it can be secured in the car.

 

[katie_fleming]

I could order it directly from the company that makes them and it's definitely cheaper, but then I'd have shipping on top, exchange rate, and duty charges. So it would probably end up being what it is here.

I'm not very big either and I was worried it might be too bulky on my back. Are they fairly easy to carry from the shoulder strap as well? I guess carrying it on your back might be easier though.

I just spent $300 on a playgym for him a month or so ago so time to save up those pennies again lol

 

[torrap]

There are many ways to be able to carry it, even as a bag in one hand, but my fav is in front as a backpack, so I can control and see what is going on. Also I love that I can go shopping with one of my birds without attracting everyone's attention to the bird....nobody pays attention to a backpack in your cart, at least not everybody like before. I've done it and I love it. The bird can see outside but because of the fine steel mesh it's not so clear from outside to see what is inside....... .
I think I should of looked into a small size as well, but I have a little bigger DYHA, so decided to go with the medium. My YSA is smaller but her tail is longer, so overall I think I have bought the right size. Maybe check with the manufacturer on what size they recommend for your boy. You could save some money too.

 

[Minimaker]

I just checked the XL macaw size and nearly laughed when I saw how huge that thing is and how awkward it would be to wear it. It looks great for smaller birds though. The stroller thing would work I guess, if you're on terrain that would allow for wheels. I don't know, I think the avian harness would work better for the larger birds. You could adapt a regular child's stroller to work for far less money though if you needed a hands free transport system. A clip could be attached to clip the harness to it. I'll have to wait and see what the warm weather holds for us to see if something is really needed or not. We don't get much hiking in my area but could be good for regular walks.

 

[veimar]

It is pretty bulky! I'm tall and skinny, but even for me it feels really big. I prefer taking my tiel out in the harness, but with pak-o-bird you can take out a few fids at a time, which is cool. And BTW if you have a bigger birds make sure you get one with metal mesh, not regular one. My concern is that birds could easily chew even through that metal mesh on the edges.

 

[Kiwibird]

The medium backpack is bulky, but not at all heavy. I'm 5'6 and slim, I found no issue getting the straps adjusted and carrying it around. If you are in a crowded area or narrow space, you do have to be aware you have a rather large pack on and not knock your bird into anything Other than that, you kind of get used to wearing it if you use it often!

 

[katie_fleming]

All sounds good I think I'm pretty convinced I'll get him one. Thanks for all your feedback!

 

[flyingron]

We've got the medium one (if I recall right) for my Quaker. We use it as the travel cage and she'll spend the better part of a six hour trip in it (though we'll take her out from time to time). She didn't seem to have any problem. Initially, she'd fall off the perch when we weren't careful, but she'd sit on the bottom bar and then climb up the side back to the main perch. Margy's looking forward to using it more when the weather turns nicer outside.

 

[katie_fleming]

So apparently Parrotdise Perch only does 1 order each year for these (April/May they said). I'm wondering if there's another store in Canada that sells them, do any of you know? I'll try a better google search later to see. They do have good prices, just kinda sucks about waiting.

BTW at what temperature can Jasper go outside? And is it ever too hot in the pak-o-birds? I do realize he's a tropical bird just not sure what the safe temperature ranges would be.

Thank you

 

[veimar]

I cannot answer your question about the stores in Canada (cannot you ship there from Amazon?). I don't think there should be too hot in the pak-o-bird... It has mesh from all sides and is very well ventilated. I would avoid direct sun for prolonged periods of time though. To stay safe I wouldn't take him outside below 63-65F, but I'm not sure, maybe someone else knows better... I take my cockatiel out at 55-60, but they are hardier than ekkies.

 

[katie_fleming]

I cannot answer your question about the stores in Canada (cannot you ship there from Amazon?). I don't think there should be too hot in the pak-o-bird... It has mesh from all sides and is very well ventilated. I would avoid direct sun for prolonged periods of time though. To stay safe I wouldn't take him outside below 63-65F, but I'm not sure, maybe someone else knows better... I take my cockatiel out at 55-60, but they are hardier than ekkies.

I can order from the US but the exchange rate/shipping/duty puts it waaay over the price here. I'll keep looking, I might just have to be patient

 

[katie_fleming]

Just an update, I was able to order a bag yesterday

The owner of the store wrote and let me know their western store still had one in stock so I bought it from there. She said when they do their new orders next month the price will be going up 30% to match the new price/exchange rate. Ouch. Glad I was able to snag one, but still totaled $310!

Hopefully Jasper will like it LOL

 

[Puck]

I just wanted to add my review here as it is a little different from others: I got the Pak O Bird about three weeks ago, and I am returning it. The softness of it made it feel unstable to me, and I found it awkward to carry. I really disliked the fact that I could barely see my bird (and his reactions) through the mesh, and though I had no problem getting him in, even when all the panels were up I felt like he was in a cave. I also don't think he could see me well when he was in it as he got pretty antsy, calling out for me. I am going to try a clear one where I can see him and he can see me and just sew a cover for it if he needs covering up. I can see why it is great for very active people, but if all you do is sit in the park or go shopping or some other activity that doesn't involve being very active, the backpack isn't really much more useful than any other carrier--certainly not a hundred dollars better, IMHO. But I don't ride bikes or hike or anything that would necessitate being able to literally strap my bird to my body!

 

[katie_fleming]

Thanks for your review. Jasper has been in it several times now (in my apartment) and he loves it. He goes in without me asking and doesn't want to come out haha. I've put a bell toy in and he plays with it too while I've been walking around.

The only thing I don't like so far is how BIG it is. I'm a small person and it looks quite hilarious. This will probably make me use it less (yeah yeah vanity and all that), but I'm looking forward to using it in the Summer.

I think while you're in motion like you said it's perfect, but sitting I don't know. I assume he'll want out if we're just sitting around but I'll have to do some shorter 'tests' with him and see. I guess if I put really fun toys inside he might not mind.