Want to learn how to train a bird not to fly away?
It’s an essential part of bird training and should be done immediately. You don’t want a situation to develop where the bird finds an opening and leaves the birdcage never to return!
Unfortunately, this happens a lot more than bird owners would like to admit, which is why it’s best to stay proactive. By learning how to train a bird not to fly away, you can rein them in and make sure they don’t know how to return.
The benefits of training include:
- Safer Training Sessions
- Easier to Promote Free-Flying Sessions
- Improves BIrd’s Health
Don’t assume your bird is going to return if it gets out. This is a common misconception bird owners have.
It’s possible for a bird to find a way to get out of the bird cage and then fly far away from you. It is natural and something they may look to do if there’s no training in place.
This detailed guide is going to highlight how to train a bird not to fly away, what to use, and how to make sure they develop good habits.
Best Bird Harness For Training Birds (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Large Aviator Harness for birds weighing 600-1000 grams: Lg. Macaws, Triton Cockatoo, Sm. Moluccan Cockatoo.
- Escape-Proof! Many other brands have leads and leashes with buckles and clips that can be easily removed by your bird. The...
- Self-adjusting Elastic Leash: Automatically adjusts from the chest to the back as the bird climbs and flies and eliminates a...
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AVIATOR Bird Harness is perfect when it comes to training a bird not to fly away. It is compact, easy to manage, and will remain comfortable as the bird flies around.
With its sleek design, escape-proof features, and easy setup, there’s no better bird harness on the market right now for you to buy!
The team behind this has engineered a bird harness that is good for all types of birds and will work well immediately.
Tips On How To Train a Bird Not To Fly Away
Use a Bird Harness
As you learn how to train a bird not to fly away, it’s important to think about using a quality bird harness.
These are noted for delivering great results and remain flexible in all situations. If you are worried about how to use a bird harness for training a bird, it’s recommended to begin with short sessions to get the hang of things.
It may take a bit of time to master the art of using a bird harness, but it will yield impressive results eventually.
Using a bird harness for training birds is great because it allows you the freedom to maximize their training sessions.
Remember, when you are doing this, make sure to let the bird dictate things for a bit. This is going to provide them with control and freedom as they are flying around.
This is essential or they are going to feel restricted and that can take away from a training session.
If you want to learn how to train a bird not to fly away, the bird harness has to be used carefully. Don’t tug on it and only “control” it when the bird seems to be getting away from you. After a while, your bird is going to get used to you being there during flying sessions.
This is when the results will come!

Start Indoors
Where are you going to be training with the bird?
In your first training session, it doesn’t make sense to head outdoors. This is going to give the bird way too much freedom and you will lose any semblance of control in seconds!
Be diligent and make sure they are only being allowed for a flying session indoors.
This can be a simple room inside your house where the birdcage is. You want to make sure they are used to the idea of flying and then returning.
Without doing this, you are not going to figure out how to train a bird not to fly away. They are going to take advantage of things and that’s horrible.
The goal should remain to focus on what works and that is an indoor training session.
Indoor sessions are lovely because even when the bird doesn’t listen, you will have them within a controlled space in your house. This is far easier to manage rather than having to chase them around outdoors!
This is essential as you learn how to train a bird not to fly away.
Give Them Bird Treats
What about giving the bird something to look forward to when you’re around?
Bird treats are heralded as being a great way to pamper your bird and get them to want to stay. Otherwise, as soon as you let them fly, they are going to try to head in the opposite direction.
To avoid this, use bird treats during initial training sessions and even when you are cuddling with them.
This is going to build a stronger bond and you are going to see the bird want to stay around you more.
The benefits include:
- An Incentive for the Bird to Stay
- Triggers a Positive Response
- Great for Bird’s Mental Well-Being
When you are using bird treats for training a bird, make sure they are safe for the bird to eat. You want to use treats that are going to be sustainable in the future and won’t hamper the bird’s health.
Even something as simple as bird seeds will get the job done.
Any type of incentive goes a long way as you learn how to train a bird not to fly away. It might seem difficult at first, but bird treats are going to keep them from going in the opposite direction. This is a must for anyone that is serious about what they are doing.
Look towards pampering the bird and then getting them to listen to you. The chances of success will go through the roof.

Start with Short Sessions
How long are your training sessions with the bird?
There is nothing worse than extended flying sessions because the bird will tire out. When they start to tire out, they will lose control and may not listen as well.
You never want a situation where a bird is being trained to keep flying until it physically can’t. If so, you are essentially training them to fly away from you!
Instead, your want to focus on short 15-20 minute training sessions with the bird.
Of course, as you learn how to train a bird not to fly away, you will begin to understand what works and what doesn’t.
This means you can adapt and increase or decrease the training sessions based on what’s best for the bird. If not, you are going to realize the extended sessions are going to take away from what is happening.
Be smart when you are training a bird.
You want to regulate their schedule, understand what works for their body, and then keep them as close as possible during the short session.
By doing this, you are going to see better results.
Get Them Used To Your Touch
You will have to build a good bond with your bird, so they don’t fly away.
In general, it’s recommended to take a few months to simply work with your bird. This means spending at least 30-60 minutes per day with them in your hands or around you. It is one of the best ways to build a stronger relationship.
When your bird sees you as a flock mate, it becomes easier to keep them around even when they’re flying freely.
Why is it important for a bird to get used to your touch?
The reasons include:
- Creates a Stronger Bond with the Bird
- Makes the Bird Want to Stay
- Leads to Controlled Behavior From the Bird
When a bird isn’t used to your touch, they may not be willing to stay around as soon as they get a bit of freedom.
You have to shower them with treats, pets, and simply making sure they are happy. This is the only way to make sure you are content with what is going on. Otherwise, they are not going to feel comfortable with the process.
As you learn how to train a bird not to fly away, always make sure they are positioned close to you during flying sessions. You want to drill home the point that they are reliant on your presence.
Final Thoughts
These are the main tips on how to train a bird not to fly away.
Rather than struggling with your options and not knowing what to do, it’s recommended to follow the tips cited here.
You are going to learn what it takes to make sure the bird doesn’t fly away from you. Yes, it is going to be challenging at first, but the goal is to adapt and continue to use a good bird harness until you’re comfortable.
With the right bird harness, you are going to learn how to train a bird not to fly away in days. This is the charm of using one and setting it up right away.
For more on how to train your bird, go through these guides – how to train birds to take baths, tips for training birds to talk, finding the best bird harness for your bird, and how to build trust with your bird.