Want to learn how to put on a bird harness?
A bird harness is a wonderful investment, but only when you put it on the right way. Too many bird owners take the time to invest in a brand-new bird harness and then don’t put it on properly!
It’s essential to learn how to put on a bird harness as soon as possible.
When used correctly, the bird harness can become a game-changer and add value to taking out the bird for a short trip outside or around the house.
The benefits of a bird harness include:
- Added Control
- Keeps the Bird Nearby
- Consistent Durability
However, when a bird harness is put on incorrectly, it can hurt the bird and that’s the last thing you want to have happen!
It’s best to take your time, learn how to put on a bird harness, and then move forward with using it on your bird.
Here is a detailed look at how to put on a bird harness, what to avoid, and why it’s imperative to do it the right way to keep your bird safe.
Table of Contents
Best Bird Harness for 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 2023-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips on How to Put on a Bird Harness
Tip #1: Hold the Bird Harness in Front of the Bird
You will have to get the bird used to the harness for it to remain as calm as possible.
The average bird won’t like the bird harness at first. It will be a foreign object that seems odd and something that’s out of place in its life.
This is why holding it in front of the bird is a good way for it to get used to the scent and how it looks.
Doing this can save you a lot of trouble during the process.
Otherwise, the bird is going to be struggling right away and may even nip at the bird harness in a bid to get out of it.
Tip #2: Grab the Bird Around Its Wings
The first thing you are going to have to do after the bird is used to the scent is to grab it.
This means you are going to hold the bird snugly around the wings so it can’t fly away from you or wriggle free. Remember, a bird is going to be confused and may struggle a bit.
This is okay as long as you are maintaining a gentle grip around the bird’s wings.
As you learn how to put on a bird harness, it becomes imperative to focus on how you are holding the bird.
Hold it closer to the middle of the wings, so the bird doesn’t slip out in its bid to get free.
Tip #3: Place One Wing in at a Time
When you are holding the bird, it’s time to put the harness into place.
Depending on how the bird harness is designed, you are going to need to get the wings to go through the holes that are present.
This means you have to keep holding the bird around the wings and then release one so it can be pushed through the hole.
Once it goes through the hole, you are going to grab the same wing again and release the other one. Repeat on the other side so both wings are in the harness.
At this point, you can tie the bird harness together so it stays in place.
Tip #4: Use Treats to Keep the Bird Calm
Let’s assume your bird is moving around all over the place and squawking loudly.
This is normal when it comes to learning how to put on a bird harness. The goal should be to use an incentive for the bird to sit still and that is going to involve using bird treats.
Quality bird treats will push the bird’s attention away from the harness as soon as you put it on.
Keep this trick in the back of your mind or the bird is not going to enjoy the process at all.
It’s also essential to maintain a gentle touch around the bird and continue to pet it. This is going to help calm the bird down, especially when it comes to something that’s foreign to it such as a bird harness.
Final Thoughts
This is how to put on a bird harness.
It’s not going to be easy at first and that’s common for most bird owners. You are going to feel like it’s not going on and the bird is wriggling around too much for it to snap into place.
This is normal and it’s to be expected because the bird isn’t used to a bird harness.
However, with time and the tips pointed out here, you are going to get the bird harness to work the way it is supposed to. The goal is to remain dedicated to the process and continue to learn how to put on a bird harness.
As long as you do this, the bird is going to get used to the harness and will enjoy using it too!
Here are additional articles to keep in mind about birds – giving celery to your bird at home, finding the right bird harness for your bird, quality air purifier for birds at home, tips for keeping a budgie nice and warm.