Harnesses/Leashes for Senegals?

[molehole22]

I have a senegal who is almost a year old now, and I want to start introducing him to the outside world. I just purchased a Feather Tether Bird Harness and Leash, but my Monty will have nothing to do with it! I attempted to put it on him, and he struggled like mad. Does anyone know whether he just needs to get used to it or if it's a wasted effort? Please share your leash/harness experiences and insight with senegals or other parrots, if you can. :) Thanks!

[amanda143]

I wouldn't dream of trying to put a flight harness on our ZON!!! haha But since our macaw is still young we are going to try and introduce him to it slowly so he gets used to it and won't freak out. I think the key is to get them familiar with it and take baby steps.

[Poicephalus girl]

I tried getting my Sennie used to a Feather Tether when she was still a couple of months old. I went slowly, first showing her the harness, then touching her with it and finally trying to put it on. That last part was a horrendous experience.

People have told me that the Aviator is much easier to put on and much lighter (less metal clasps). I do believe them, but each time I think about buying one to try it on, I am remembered of Shade's struggle with the Feather Tether and I start questioning again if it's worth it, for her anyways.

[USSLancelot]

The feather Tether is a really bad design. The Aviator or even the Flight Suits are much more bird friendly. That being said, unless the bird was used to it at a very early age, it's going to be a big struggle to get them used to it. It can be done, but it's a very slow process and you better make sure to keep a large supply of band-aids close by.

Once they do get used to it, and again it will take time and lots of patience, you'll really need to put it on every day even if you aren't going anywhere. They forget their comfort with the harness VERY quickly - sometimes just a day without it on is enough to have to start all over again.

[critter]

i returned the feather tether (didn't like it at all) and bought the aviator (extra small) for my senegal. if you buy the aviator, WATCH THE DVD. had i not watched the dvd first, i would've failed miserably in getting him to accept it. it took 3-4 weeks of practice touching his wings and giving him empowerment over how long i held his wings for, but i now manage to get it on without a fuss. taking it off, however, is another story.

[molehole22]

Thank you all for sharing. :) I tried getting Monty used to the leash for about a week by setting it next to his cage and having it nearby in plain sight when I played with him. The first couple times I tried to get it on him he struggled and wouldn't relax until it was off. Since then his behavior has improved, and I make sure to take him outside whenever I put the tether on him so that he can associate his great adventures outside with the leash. He's been getting better and better about it every day. He still struggles a bit when I try to put it on him, but once he's outside he's usually too distracted to be upset (I've also mastered the art of putting it on him quickly, which helps). I probably should have introduced it to him a few months earlier than I did, but so far he's doing great!

And I know some of you said the Feather Tether isn't too great, but I don't know if I want to spend more money on a leash, and this one seems to be working fine. I'll look into buying another leash if Monty refuses to adapt to this one, though I think he'll do great. Thanks again to all of you for your input.

[Poi Gurl]

Aloha!
I tried the Feather Tether on my sennie, Mugu and she wanted nothing to do with that!! I tried everything...no luck. It's now a chew toy for her!

[proviewsg]

Personally i will recommend the aviator harness, i had one for my senegal too. The aviator seems be a much lighter harness and easier to use as there's only one buckle you need to tighten and your bird is ready to go

One thing i like about the aviator harness is they shipped an instructional DVD, so anyone who bought can learn how to use the harness and condition their bird to the harness.

[gnome]

i am having the same problem with my sennie. i'd love to bring him outside, but have yet to get him into a harness. i would like to try the aviator, if this doesnt work i dont know what to do.