Harness Training + Treats

[Spearmint]

Hi all,
I recently got my GCC an aviator harness (petite size), i was wondering if anybody found any useful training methods for harness training? He can stick his head through the wing loop but is still very hesitant about the head loop as it looks very small. I've tried day by day to slowly lure his head into the head loop, but instead of wanting the treat he rather bites my hand.
The treats i give him are not high value for him at all, ive tried sunflower seeds, millet, apple, seed mix rolled up with some banana, other fruits, pieces of cashew and almond nut.

Suggestions for treats and harness training would be nice, thank you

 

[scrape]

This video helped me when I was working with the head loop. My cockatoo is not very food motivated, I just make sure to work when he is hungry. In between meals works best, with short sessions.
Maybe try safflower seeds. Or little bits of crackers or dry cereal. Peanut butter or almond butter on a popsicle stick. Maybe try some more nuts, walnuts and pistachios.

 

[FeatheredM]

It deosn't necessarily have to be a seed or a nut. It could be anything that you bird likes to eat. But my conure's favorites is pumpkin seeds and her favorite vegetable is corn and bell pepper, and any kind of fruit in front of her.

 

[Spearmint]

This video helped me when I was working with the head loop. My cockatoo is not very food motivated, I just make sure to work when he is hungry. In between meals works best, with short sessions.
Maybe try safflower seeds. Or little bits of crackers or dry cereal. Peanut butter or almond butter on a popsicle stick. Maybe try some more nuts, walnuts and pistachios.

Thank you! I'll definitely give it a try

 

[Spearmint]

It deosn't necessarily have to be a seed or a nut. It could be anything that you bird likes to eat. But my conure's favorites is pumpkin seeds and her favorite vegetable is corn and bell pepper, and any kind of fruit in front of her.

Thank you! I've got some pumpkin seeds that i give my hermit crabs, i'll offer some to him.

 

[Spearmint]

This video helped me when I was working with the head loop. My cockatoo is not very food motivated, I just make sure to work when he is hungry. In between meals works best, with short sessions.
Maybe try safflower seeds. Or little bits of crackers or dry cereal. Peanut butter or almond butter on a popsicle stick. Maybe try some more nuts, walnuts and pistachios.

Sorry for the late reply, but do you know where i can find Safflower seeds?

 

[scrape]

Sorry for the late reply, but do you know where i can find Safflower seeds?

I honestly don't know... Maybe at a Walmart or online?

 

[AussieBird]

Sorry for the late reply, but do you know where i can find Safflower seeds?

Seeing your in Aus, here's some online places. I haven't bought things from these places (except petshopdirect, got my flight cage from there)

Safflower Bird Seed for Sale : ENFIELD PRODUCE

Safflower Bird Seed is popular in large parrot and pigeon seed mixes. Can also be found in some small parrot mixes like our peach face mix in smaller quantities.

www.petandgarden.com.au

Pet Shop Direct - Premium Bird Seed Safflower Seed 3kg

Visit Pet Shop Direct and find the largest collection of bird seed available on the Australian market. If you have any questions, our professional staff will have the answers.

www.petshopdirect.com.au

Safflower

Another great seed for uses across various blends. Known to be a great source of fatty acids. Available in 1kg, 2.5kg, 5kg and 20kg bags.

parrotsupplies.com.au

 

[Shezbug]

I’d honestly first identify what your birds absolute favourite treat is before trying to motivate him with food rewards- you mention quite a lot of food treats but also say he’s not finding any of the treats you supply to be high value… if they’re not high value then they’re not treats and won’t have him motivated to earn them.
Has your bird tried pine nuts? They’re a big winner with many birds.

Also, treats are usually not a food that is ever free fed in a bowl