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Posted by PHGaia on August 05, 2002 at 23:55:29:

In Reply to: Using a harness/taking my bird out posted by Jenny Jen on July 28, 2002 at 06:51:29:

Hi Genny:
I think using a harness on your bird is a great idea if you want to be able to walk around with her on your hand/arm. If all you want to do is give her some sun and fresh air, she is safer in a cage. Should you opt to train her to wear the harness, you should be aware of the dangers to your bird. The first that comes to mind is the raptor threat. I know of several instances where the bird is snatched while outdoors. One severe macaw was taken by a red shouldered hawk from his owners head. The bird liked to ride up there and the hawk saw lunch.The harness helped to keept the bird from being taken but it was weeks in healing from head and back wounds. I know of a B&G macaw that was terribly wounded by a small dog. The dog saw the bird and started barking... the bird started flapping and screaming in response... the owner panicked and let go... the bird was clipped so she went to the ground and the dog bit her in the face... the bird lost the sight in one eye and it took almost a year for the wounds in her beak to grow out. She also broke one of her wings trying to get away from the dog and that required extensive surgery to correct. In addition to the birds trauma, pain and suffering, it cost mega money but it happened and the owner was willing to pay. And the stories go on. When you work for an avian vet for over six years you get to hear lots of sad tales and very few of them end up having the happy endings that these two cases did. So be careful... keep those wings clipped... and consider using a cage for outdoor fun.
Thank you for posting.

:I am the proud owner of a 9 month old cockatoo! I love that bird heart and soul! My question is, I have read many articals on taking the bird outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. Most say use a large transport cage and let the bird play on the front yard or use a harness. Should I leave well enough alone? I do not want to "teach" my baby bad habits as going for the front to try to gey out or becoming "obssessed" with going out and worst yet wanting to leave the house everytime I leave. At this point she is happy and content when I go to work with no problmes noted(so says family member) I would not want to change that. I take her out to the nursing home where I work at and the old ppl just love her and I also show her off at the beauty palor and nail salon(being aware of smells and vapors and sprays of course!)I am just concerend with outings that just lead to the outside and may get the bird use to the outdoors and the harness being part of the problem as it gives more freedom that a cage or travel carrier. Thanks for any info.

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