Have a Question about anklets and jesses

[Mandy]

First of all let me tell you where I got this idea. I used to volunter at the zoo in the education department and they had small parrots and owls with anklets and jesses on so they could take them outside to show them to the people at the zoo. Well (okey here comes the weird part) I have a cockatiel and I have read that they very good flyers and may even get away with there wings clipped, also it says never take them outside. Well thats not okey with me, I like to take my (many) pets with me. Plus I want to take him (the bird) to nursing homes with a group that I'm in called P.A.W.S. Also I don't like having his wings fully clipped because when he falls he plops to the ground and has gotten hurt(plus I have found it suprisingly hard to catch a flapping blurr of feathers). Okay, okay I'll get to the point. I want to know what people think about putting anklets and jesses on a cockatiel and if any body would know where to look really small anklets, jesses, and leashs.

[wes]

Hi Mandy , almyri's and jess are eazy to make , make them your self, so they may fit properly, Ive made a pair for a mini macal.
wes

[Mandy]

:DThank you very much Wes. Now if sombody could tell me what you would use to make these things!

[Sparkly]

Jesses for a 'tiel? Hmmmm, I can see the need, having lost two to accidents that would have been avoidable with them. Leather is used for raptors, and that would probably be fine for them. *shrugs* Never heard of anyone trying it before. I can tell you for a fact, though, that it is impossible to train one to come at a whistle and some millet.

[Mandy]

Thank for the reply Reizoko13. I definatly don't want to lose my bird. Also what is like on mars? It's kinda cool to talk to someone from another planet! Thanks again!


TEXT Also Don't forget I still need some advice from somebody to tell what and I guess how to make anklets, jesses, and leashs.

[TheMeanPitBull]

Mandy do u have msn or aim i can tell u how to make them better on there

[Shiba]

They are very easy to make, it is like riding a bike, you can never forget!

You may not want to use leather for your cockatiel. They have sensitive feet and cockatiels are known to be chewers. I don't know about your cockatiel, but my birds (parakeet and lovebird) hated anything on their bodies that they were not used to (such as strings caught on their toes or feathers, etc.). It would seem like leather would be a very easy thing for a cockatiel to chew through, though I guess if you dipped it in (what do you call it? Niel's Foot Oil or base of something? Haha, sorry, I forgot, but I am sure a whole bunch of falconers on here would know what I am talking about ;D ) the anklets and jesses may be alright.

Anyway, go for it and see how your cockatiel responds to it! It may take a while for him to get used to it, but I can't see why it can not be done! Make sure your cockatiel is really tame first! If you need more questions concerning cockatiels, go here: birdmart.com/chatboards/cockatiels/ They give really great information!

Good luck!!

[TheMeanPitBull]

i believe its Neats foot oil

[Shiba]

Yes! There we go! Thank you David! ;D

[Mandy]

Thanks everybody for your info! Also Meanpitbull I have AIM. I hope you can help!!

[TheMeanPitBull]

uh whats ur aim?

[Mandy]

oh sorry bout that Meanpitbull. I have AOL. I haven't singned up yet though. I'll do that now and get back to you with any info you might need.

[TheMeanPitBull]

well mandy just when u get aim add me TheMeanPitBull

[SheHawka!]

Hey Mandy I've tried it before when I used to have my parakeet. He hated them and though they worked good they never lasted a day cus he chewed them off, what I think would be better would just hold the toes on one foot. Its how they have done it a Tracy Aviary for years with their parrots and it worked better with my parakeet after we got over the chomping of the fingers which is just worked out with lots of handing and rewards for being good.

-missy

[kitana8]

A good old harness would probably do a better job than anklets and jesses in my opinion!
A parrot lover came to a falconry class with me last year to see if falconry principles would allow him to have his blue and gold macaw free flying outside with him. He learned that it's impossible that way... But I guess that with a harness, and clicker training, you could train your bird to be free-flying without too much trouble. And having the harness and leash under the hand just in case...