PLEASE NOTE
Please DO NOT leave your bird on their own whilst wearing a harness.
Please DO NOT allow your bird to chew the harness.
Baby Parrot brains are programmed to learn flight skills during a very short ‘sensitive period of development’ that occurs for about three weeks after his first flight.
Flight skills develop as a bird flies into things and then successfully learns how not to fly into things. Each time an attempt is made to fly, a baby learns a little more about how to succeed. A baby with clipped wings still attempts to develop flight skills but is not able to succeed, so psychological changes occur in the brain to keep the baby from getting hurt.
The young bird basically learns that flying is dangerous and should be avoided. Since this ‘lack of success’ happens during rapid brain development the brain will learn to avoid trying to develop flight skills that are proving to be dangerous and harmful.
SO, PROCEED SLOWLY.
A bird that has not been flying will not be in good physical condition. It is very difficult to determine the exact condition of your bird so to be on the safe side it is necessary to assume they are in poor condition and start with short flights. Proceeding too fast can result in pulled and strained muscles, as well as stress on the lungs and pulmonary system.
Note: Many young birds, and older birds that are learning to fly, are able to fly up but, afraid to fly down from high perches. This is because flying up is slow and flying down can be very fast.
Smaller Parrots are more aerodynamic than larger birds. Smaller birds that have not flown most of their life will find it easier to learn to fly. Larger species that have not been flying find it more difficult to exercise in the house and cage, will be in poorer condition, and may find it a little difficult to learn flight skills.
When first using Leash Extensions it is important to check the distance from where you will be standing to where you bird will be able to fly. It is very easy to misjudge distance.
Always attach the Leash Extension wrist strap securely around your wrist and hold adjoining section of leash in your hand for extra security.
The Leash Extension clasp is small but strong. Because a bird will be carrying the leash when he flies it is necessary to make every part as light as possible. Carefully attach the clasp to the Harness wrist strap without damaging the wrist strap material.
A flying bird is carrying the weight of the harness and ½ the weight of the leash. It can take some experience for a bird to develop the muscles and cardiovascular system to fly without becoming exhausted.
Beginners should start with short Leash Extension to gain experience with your flight area. It is easy to misgauge distances and allow your bird to land on a tree limb or roof that is out of reach. Many birds that are learning to fly are able to fly up but afraid to fly down from high perches.
Do not connect multiple extensions together. The connection can become snagged on grass making it difficult for a bird to maintain flight. Mow grass short to eliminate as much drag as possible when flying.
