harness

Question
HI
I HAVE A BLUE CROWNED PARROT . HE IS A VERY TAME HAPPY BIRD AND IS LOVED BY ALL THE FAMILY . EVERY NOW AND THEN HE MIGHT STAY AT MY MUMS OR BROTHERS FOR A CHANGE ONLY THE ODD NIGHT ONCE IN A BLUE MOON . BECAUSE EVERYONE WANTS HIM !
I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING GETTING A HARNESS FOR HIM IN THE LOCAL PET STORES BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT USING ONE . IS IT CRUEL TO DO THIS ?
I HAVE READ THAT SOME PARROTS CAN BE TRUSTED TO BE LET FREE AND COME BACK . IS THIS TRUE ?
I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE HIM OVER THE ROAD TO MY SISTERS FOR EXAMPLE OR HAVE HIM OUT IN THE GARDEN WHILE WE HAVE A BARBAQUE IN THE SUMMER . BUT IT WOULD BREAK MY HEART IF I LOST HIM , HES ONE OF THE FAMILY .
WHAT DO YOU THINK ? I UNDERSTAND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A RISK ? BUT DO PEOPLE DO THIS ?
MANY THANKS  

Answer
Hi, Rachel.  Thanks for posting.

YES, people take their parrots outside with them all the time!  However, like you state, there's always the risk of losing them.  People who take their parrots outside ensure the parrots' wing (flight) feathers are clipped well enough so they can't gain altitude and fly away (or up in a tree, on a roof, etc.) if they did try to fly from where they are perched.  If flight feathers aren't clipped, they can fly away from you and be gone forever.  When clipped, they can't gain altitude (they fly to the ground), therefore, giving you the opportunity to catch s/he before s/he can get away or get hurt, etc.  I've taken many of my parrots outside on numerous occasions...riding in the car, sitting in a tree, to the grocery, etc.

As far as a harness goes, I've never used one, not sure that I would.  I know many people who've used them with no complaints.  However, it's the bird that's has to wear them!  I don't think they're cruel, but I can't imagine any of my parrots staying in one for long...they'd find some way to get out (by chewing it, wiggling out, etc.)!  Even if they did stay in one, I can't imagine them being happy about it, but it's something they'd have to get used to, if you could even get one on a parrot!

One thing you need to know...flight feathers will grow back!  Therefore, you have to ensure they are clipped well enough each time you decide to take s/he outside with you (you may need to clip/have clipped every few months, depending on the individual bird).  I've also seen a type of device similar to a leash, where one end attaches to a parrot's ankle and you have the other end to hold onto.  Search the internet for parrot supplies.  Also, even with clipped flight feathers, a good, strong wind can take your bird away.  The safest method is to take your parrot outside with you in a secure cage.  This also protects your parrot from cats and other wildlife, insects, etc.

Chrys