Learning to Fly

[birdlover912]

Orrin is currently going through a molt, and has grown in 4 primary flight feathers on each wing. Since he didn't get much of a chance to fledge at the breeders (he weaned and was clipped early), I though it might be a good idea to let him fly for a bit before I clip him. The problem is, he is afraid to fly. He'll flap his wings occasionally, like if he is playing hard or something, but he never flies; He doesn't even flutter to the floor. Rylee has only had a partial clip all his life, so he flies to me, to his cage, etc. I though he might encourage Orrin, but he doesn't seem to want to, which makes me kinda sad, since he is a bird--meant to fly.

Does anyone have any tips on helping him fly? I've tried gently tossing him onto a soft landing, such as the couch, but he grabs on tight to me and freaks out (I stopped doing that!). It's almost like he is afraid of falling all the time...should I just clip him? I'd really love for him to learn to fly, but he seems afraid.

[Jag]

I had to fledge Rico and Rayne... I don't know if this will help, but this is how I did it. I let them hang onto my finger, and lowered my hand fast enough to get their reflex of flapping or at least opening their wings. They got lots of excited praise for this (and treats!) We did this every single day. One day, they let go, and fluttered to the ground. They acted surprised, but they got the same praise and treats. From there they started to make small flights (like from me to my wife) and then it got longer until now they are flying all over like crazy birds! They didn't have all their flights when I started this, and I kept using the word 'fly'....so now they know what that means, and will fly on command (if they are in the mood to fly!) They will even stand on their cages and get ready for takeoff...waiting for someone to tell them to 'fly' or 'go'.

I think the key may have been the excitement in it. I hyped it up so they were very excited to try. I know they were scared, and Rico has one heck of a death grip...but he did eventually let go. I wouldn't give up yet. I spent every day for a month or more 'teaching' them how to fly. They love it now, and it's just sad (IMO) when they aren't fledged properly before being clipped. I would ask them 'Are you ready?' also before even swooping down with them to get the reflex. Then they knew that I was about to 'go' and to be prepared. I hope this helps some!

[Monica]

A bird doesn't have to be clipped early in order to "forget" how to fly. If they don't get enough exercise then it's possible for them to become so weak that they can't fly.

Another option for training flight is to teach a bird to "come." Start by having the bird step up, treat. Set the bird back down and repeat. After several repetitions, move your hand a little further away, have the bird come, and treat. Keep doing this slowly, in increments that has the bird stepping up a short distance, then a med distance, then a long distance where they have to use their beak to pull themselves over... then to where they are hopping onto your hand. From there, it's hopping using their wings. Over time, you can increase this to the point that they are flying.


http://www.flyingparrotsinside.com/
Freeflight Training

[birdlover912]

He made his first flight! He made his first flight!

Earlier this evening, Rylee was startled by something, and started flying around the room...and Orrin joined him! For about 20 seconds they flew around the room! Orrin was a bit out of breath after he landed, probably because he hasn't flew for such a long time. Hopefully he can keep this up--great exercise! Way to go Ori!

Monica--I'd love to teach my guys to come! They'll walk across the table or the floor to me, but so far they aren't wanting to jump or fly to me yet...we'll keep working on it!

[jenseits]

Yay! That's a great milestone.

Here's how I taught Stewie to fly to me when he was just growing his flights back in for the first time: Teaching Flighted Recall: First Steps Best in Flock – Parrot Blog

He was getting very good at flying to me. Our next step was teaching him NOT to fly to me all the time.

Unfortunately, since then I've had to clip him again. I loved having him flighted, but he always attacks Mika, and I can't risk her getting hurt because he's got real aggression issues toward her.

[Jag]

Originally Posted by birdlover912

He made his first flight! He made his first flight!

Earlier this evening, Rylee was startled by something, and started flying around the room...and Orrin joined him! For about 20 seconds they flew around the room! Orrin was a bit out of breath after he landed, probably because he hasn't flew for such a long time. Hopefully he can keep this up--great exercise! Way to go Ori!

Monica--I'd love to teach my guys to come! They'll walk across the table or the floor to me, but so far they aren't wanting to jump or fly to me yet...we'll keep working on it!

GREAT news!! It's so exciting to seem them flying for the first time!! My guys go streaking through the upstairs now... and they love it!

[LovelySydney]

yea - so excited to hear he flew!! & with a friend too, how fun. Thats definitely improvement, glad to hear the good news!!

[Chicklette]

That is GREAT! It's just so amazing to see them fly. Im glad he tried to fly. My conure Boomer and IRN, Chiquita are both fully flighted and it's amazing to see them fly. If they crashed into things, that is the only time I would clip but they sure know their way around.

[Valo's Moirana]

i love it when they fly.... way to go, orrin

[kellywess]

Originally Posted by Jag

I had to fledge Rico and Rayne... I don't know if this will help, but this is how I did it. I let them hang onto my finger, and lowered my hand fast enough to get their reflex of flapping or at least opening their wings. They got lots of excited praise for this (and treats!) We did this every single day. One day, they let go, and fluttered to the ground. They acted surprised, but they got the same praise and treats. From there they started to make small flights (like from me to my wife) and then it got longer until now they are flying all over like crazy birds! They didn't have all their flights when I started this, and I kept using the word 'fly'....so now they know what that means, and will fly on command (if they are in the mood to fly!) They will even stand on their cages and get ready for takeoff...waiting for someone to tell them to 'fly' or 'go'.

I think the key may have been the excitement in it. I hyped it up so they were very excited to try. I know they were scared, and Rico has one heck of a death grip...but he did eventually let go. I wouldn't give up yet. I spent every day for a month or more 'teaching' them how to fly. They love it now, and it's just sad (IMO) when they aren't fledged properly before being clipped. I would ask them 'Are you ready?' also before even swooping down with them to get the reflex. Then they knew that I was about to 'go' and to be prepared. I hope this helps some!

That is how I have done it with my smaller birds. You have to help them build up their chest muscles. Yes, you have to get verry excited for them!