Every bird is unique. Every animal has its own character. Some of them don’t need any training at all, others have to be acclimatised to a transport box or bird backpack in tiny steps over weeks, months or even years. But it’s worth the effort! With a bird rucksack, you have your hands free and can take your bird with you wherever you go. Whether it’s hiking, cycling or simply going for a walk in the park – joint activities are so much easier and more enjoyable. And a bird backpack is also a huge advantage on the way to the vet. The backpack offers your bird a safe and secure home during transport. Here are a few important tips on how to train for the bird backpack!
Birds are sociable animals that love to spend time with their owners. But joint activities can sometimes be difficult if you can’t simply take your feathered friend with you. This is where the BIRDLINER bird backpack from TARIGS comes into play!
The BIRDLINER is an innovative backpack that has been specially developed to meet the needs of birds and their owners. With the BIRDLINER you can transport your bird safely and comfortably and at the same time have your hands free to enjoy your time together.
Whether hiking, cycling or simply going for a walk in the park – anything is possible with the BIRDLINER. Your bird will enjoy the freedom of experiencing the world from a new perspective, while you can relax and enjoy your time together.
But before you can set off, it’s important to get your bird used to the rucksack. With a little patience and the right training, your bird will soon see the BIRDLINER as its second home.
In this blog article, we give you tips and tricks on how to make the training successful.
Training for the bird backpack
We are aware that a bird backpack can seem scary or uncomfortable for parrots and other birds that have never seen a bird backpack before. However, with a little preparation and (a lot of) practice, most birds will love relaxing in the backpack. They can be anywhere, watch everything or take a restful nap.
It’s that easy to get your bird used to the carrier backpack! Depending on whether your bird is already familiar with clicker training, you can adapt the training accordingly.
1. Familiarise yourself with the backpack
The first step is to familiarise your bird with the backpack. Place the backpack in the house and let your bird observe it from a distance. Place treats in the rucksack to arouse your bird’s curiosity. As soon as your bird enters the backpack, praise it and give it more treats. Repeat these steps until your bird enters the backpack without fear.
Tip: You can also decorate the rucksack with a toy or other object that your bird loves. This will make the backpack even more attractive to your bird.
2. Walk into the backpack
Open the door of the backpack and lure your bird inside with treats. Once your bird is in the backpack, praise it and give it more treats. Repeat this step until your bird voluntarily runs into the backpack.
Tip: You can also place the backpack on the floor to make it easier for your bird to get in.
3. Closing the backpack
As soon as your bird enters the backpack, you can try to close it for a short time. Keep extending the time in the closed backpack. Reward your bird with treats when it sits quietly in the backpack.
Tip: You can only close the backpack for a short time at first and gradually increase the duration.
4. Putting on the backpack
If your bird stays relaxed in the backpack for longer periods of time, you can start with short walks in the house. Gradually increase the duration and distance of the walks. Pay attention to your bird’s body language. End the walk in good time before your bird feels uncomfortable.
Tip: Only carry the backpack in the house at first before venturing outside with your bird. This will give your bird time to get used to the feeling of carrying it.
Important: Do not leave your bird unattended in the bird rucksack. Make sure that the bird does not nibble on the backpack, for example on the zip. Check the backpack for damage to the windows, zip or other seams before each use. If you notice any damage, you should not use the backpack again until it has been repaired.
Tips for successful training:
- Use positive reinforcement: reward your bird with treats and praise when it does something well.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your bird to get used to the backpack.
- Make the training a positive experience: play with your bird in the backpack and let him find treats from the backpack.
- Talk to a vet or an experienced bird owner: they can give you more tips and advice.
With a little patience and the right training your bird will soon see the BIRDLINER as its second home. So you can discover the world together!
And don’t forget: Tag us on your adventures! #tarigs