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Post by jenwade on Feb 13, 2017 21:24:03 GMT -5
I was just wondering if anyone took their QP for walks? I love taking evening walks (when my schedule permits) and I thought it would be neat to have my Lady go with me. I know that taking a bird is no where near the same as taking a dog on a leash, but I thought there had to be a way to do it. I recently got a travel cage, and I had the thought of getting some sort of stroller or something to put her travel cage in and push her while I walked. She could enjoy the outdoors and be safe at the same time. And I would have some company! I haven't completely thought things through, and I was just wondering if anyone else had any experience or ideas on the subject.
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Post by zim on Feb 14, 2017 1:08:28 GMT -5
I would say harness training would be your best bet. I haven't any experience with this (yet), but other members here have successfully done this. beccilouise in particular has a thread somewhere about training her QP, Maya, maybe she will chime in with advice. She also has a thread about taking Maya for walks, with great pictures. If you want to check that one out, here's the link: www.quakerparrotforum.net/thread/1611/mayas-weekly-walks-park |
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Post by biteybird on Feb 14, 2017 4:52:20 GMT -5
Yep, a flight harness (check Aviator or Bird diaper by Avian Fashions) or else a 'Pak-O-Bird' backpack would do the trick, methinks!  |
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Post by easttex on Feb 14, 2017 5:37:22 GMT -5
I've seen lots of pet strollers, but none specifically for birds. They would not last long under a parrot beak. The harness is a good option, but it can take quite a while to properly train a bird to accept it, particularly once they get past babyhood. The backpacks look really nice. I don't think it would be too difficult to modify a baby stroller to accommodate a bird cage, if you're up for a small project. I'd be willing to bet there is something on YouTube that would help.
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Post by jenwade on Feb 14, 2017 7:11:38 GMT -5
I really do want one of the Pak-O-Bird backpacks. I will probably end up getting one, as soon as I can fit it into my budget. They are quite pricey. I had considered a harness, but Lady is past her babyhood at nearly 3 years old. She is extremely agreeable, but I don't know that she would be willing to start learning to wear a harness at this point. And I would be concerned about other people that I may possibly meet wanting to get near her. She loves people and doesn't generally shy away from them, but there is always the risk. And I would not want her to have a bad reaction to someone, both for her safety and for theirs, as everyone here knows that when a QP decides to bite, they can really hurt. And I would want her to have a way to "get away" if she wanted to. The Pak-O-Bird would provide that, as would placing her cage in some sort of stroller contraption. I will have to figure something out. Spring will be here soon and I will want to get outdoors and have some sort of fresh air. Thanks for the input.
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Post by biteybird on Feb 15, 2017 2:28:09 GMT -5
I want a Pak-O-Bird backpack too. I think that on the website they suggest Medium for quakers - and yes, they're pricey, but extremely well made. If I had the funds I would order one right now, but I'll have to wait for a bit. In Australia it's a LOT more expensive than in the US because of the dollar and the postage.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Feb 15, 2017 17:37:46 GMT -5
I got a backpack for Shah years ago. It is a cage in a calico backpack. Ordered it from the US - it was very pricey - but it is great to take him to the vet or if we have to go out anywhere. He hates it but too bad for him |
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Post by julianna on Feb 16, 2017 14:47:12 GMT -5
My Quaker Oscar... does not like to go for walks. I have attempted this and he really gets scared. He prefers just the back deck or my garden. Seems.. far enough for him.
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Post by biteybird on Feb 17, 2017 3:32:35 GMT -5
My Quaker Oscar... does not like to go for walks. I have attempted this and he really gets scared. He prefers just the back deck or my garden. Seems.. far enough for him. He probably doesn't want to go too far away from the food. |
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Post by aaron on Feb 17, 2017 16:42:51 GMT -5
We have a Pak-O-Bird... They are great products and very high quality. We used to take Cupcake out in it all the time... to the extent that many of the local restaurants knew her... but eventually she started to seem more upset/scared than anything else by the prospect of going anywhere in the carrier. So we don't do this any more. But it worked out great while it lasted.
One thing I will note about those pak-o-bird backpacks is that the mesh they use is extremely fine, which is great because it cannot be destroyed by its passengers, but it also means that it is harder to see through than expected, for us and for her. It still worked out, but I can't help but wonder if she would have liked it more if she could have seen better.
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Post by julianna on Feb 19, 2017 14:05:53 GMT -5
You got it right Biteybird...he stays where the food is lol.
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Post by jenwade on Feb 20, 2017 16:03:13 GMT -5
While its not quite a walk, Lady did get into her travel cage and go with me to work today. My boss is out of town this week (not that he would have minded anyway) and I figured that I could use the company today. The weather is nice and warm and it just felt like the perfect day to test it out. She seems to be enjoying her day out with "Mom." She is a little on the quiet side, but perks up whenever I go and sit beside of her for a few minutes. We may have to do this more often.
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Post by pidgesmum on Apr 15, 2017 20:16:52 GMT -5
I have managed to put a harness on Pidge twice. The second time was harder than the first. He spends most of the time chewing the harness. He is quite frightened outside and I doubt he'd leave my shoulder even without the harness. Unfortunately an Indian miner swooped at him both times and I had to bring him in. The local parrots take an interest in him as well, coming up on the verandah and sitting at his window. He acts like they don't exist.
Sadly, I don't think he'll ever be able to be an outside bird. Our local birds are too territorial. I can't even put his cage outside without him being monstered.
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Post by pidgesmum on Apr 15, 2017 20:29:23 GMT -5
I have managed to put a harness on Pidge twice. The second time was harder than the first. He spends most of the time chewing the harness. He is quite frightened outside and I doubt he'd leave my shoulder even without the harness. Unfortunately an Indian miner swooped at him both times and I had to bring him in. The local parrots take an interest in him as well, coming up on the verandah and sitting at his window. He acts like they don't exist.
Sadly, I don't think he'll ever be able to be an outside bird. Our local birds are too territorial. I can't even put his cage outside without him being monstered.
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Post by biteybird on Apr 15, 2017 20:42:56 GMT -5
Yep, we have/had the Indian Mynahs terrorising our bird aviaries, too (you're in Australia, right?). I wouldn't give up just yet, though. As long as he's with you/on you he will be safe. I know what you mean though, I've had Bonnie outside in the sun in a little cage - to get some natural light/UV - but I couldn't walk too far away from her cage because of the mynahs, butcher birds and magpies being so aggressive. I'm in the NT now and I brought a brand new flightsuit with me. Once I've moved into my unit on Wednesday I can re-start training with Bonnie and maybe take her for walks. |
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