Majick Feathers

Harness Training your feathered friend

This guide has been written using the Majick Feathers Harnesses (which are available from the Majick Feathers Shop)

While some of the steps are specific to the Majick Feathers Harnesses, the overall concepts are the same for harness training.

If your bird has not happily used a harness before or it has been a long time since using a harness, please take time to train and familiarise your bird before attempting to go on outings.

All training should be completed at the birds’ pace. Failing to do so can result in a bird that is fearful of the harness and cause much stress for you and your bird.

Start by allowing your bird to get used to the sight of the harness. This can be done by clipping the harness to your clothing while you are playing with the bird.
 Most birds are inquisitive by nature and will after some time investigate new objects. This can take hours or weeks depending on the bird and how much time you are spending with them and how comfortable they are in the environment. It may take longer if they have had a bad experience already. It is particularly important you do not rush them.

Once your bird has gotten used to the harness just being there, spend some time playing with your bird with the harness in your hands. If step one was completed well step two should not cause any fear for your bird. Touch the bird with the harness and use the harness to pat your bird getting it used to the feel. 

With your birds’ favorite treat in hand open the head loop of the harness as large as it can go lure the bird with a treat to put its head through the harness. You may need to start by holding the treat through the harness and getting your bird to lean forward to reach the treat and slowly reduce how far through the harness you are holding the treat until the bird is reaching through the harness to get the treat. This needs to be repeated many times until your bird is comfortable and happy to have the loop go over their head.

Only once your bird is extremely comfortable with the loop going over their head then you pass the straps under their wings. Do not clip the harness together or adjust the tri-glide depending on the model of harness you purchased until you have repeated the current processes many times and you bird is very comfortable.

To complete the training clip or adjust the tri-glide reward your bird then remove the harness and reward again.  Repeat the process, continue to put the harness on and off ensuring you are rewarding its calm behavior each time until your bird is happy with the whole process. This may take a couple more training sessions for your bird to be truly comfortable
 Take your bird for a walk around the house several times before attempting to venture outside.

Remember do not rush any part of the process as this will make your bird scared of the harness. 
 When your bird is completely at ease with the whole process congratulations, your bird is now ready to go on adventures with you.