Clipped Birds Will Fly Away

Merlin (blue and gold macaw) had his first trip outside on a harness. In Merlin’s previous home, he would sometimes be put outside on a perch under no supervision, no restraint like from a harness, and no aviary. They said “oh well he’s never attempted to fly away” which is a accident waiting to happen.

Even clipped birds can and will fly away. These animals are meant for flight. Their response to something unknown, startling, etc. is to take flight. Your bird may not have the best leverage with clipped wings inside your home, but outside, wind can easy help glide your light weight feathered friend up and and up and up. Then your bird is unable to fly appropriately without its primaries and will either then fall hard or get stuck and not have the confidence to come down.

Most birds need training to accept the harness, but Merlin was one of those exceptions. We have developed such a trust bond so quickly that he is cool with almost everything I do to him. He seems to just enjoy me. He’s 35 and was barely handled for over 22 years and accepted the harness. My other birds all needed training to accept the harness. Merlin got confused with how to move with the leash, as he thought he should step up on it, but once I cued him to turn 360 (a truck he learned) he understood the mechanics and we cool with it.

I do have harness training consultations available at my lowest price for consultations. Here I will show you the training, you’ll get a training plan, and my undivided aid when you run into questions during your training process. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our online or in-person behavior consultations.