How to Put a Collar or Vest on Your Bird

Our collars & vests come in different styles: slip-on, Velcro, or snap closures. All require preparation and patience. Choose the method that best fits your bird’s needs.

Option 1: Immediate Placement of Collars

Best if your bird is plucking severely or self-harming and needs the collar right away.

Steps (for all collar types):

1. Towel your bird to prevent biting or injury. Hold gently but securely around the neck.

2. Expose the head while keeping the body wrapped.

3. Slip-On: Position the neck hole in front of the beak, then slide the beak and head through. Adjust the drawstring if applicable.

4. Velcro: Gently wrap the collar around the neck, lining up the Velcro pieces and fastening securely. Adjust the drawstring if applicable.

5. Snaps: Wrap the collar around the neck and close the snaps one by one, making sure they’re fastened snugly. Adjust the drawstring if applicable.

6. Release your bird onto the ground or a low perch to calm down.

Option 1 (Continued): Immediate Placement of Vests

Unlike collars, vests do not slip on. They are wrapped around the body and secured with fasteners.

Steps (for velcro or snap vests):

1. Towel your bird to prevent injury.

2. Wrap the vest around the chest.

3. Position the vest over the shoulders.

4. Secure with Velcro or snaps across the back and under the wings. Adjust the drawstring if applicable.

5. Release your bird onto a safe, low perch to calm down.

Important:

• Birds may act like the collar or vest is “too heavy.” This is normal protest behavior.

• Keep perches low (1-2 feet) to prevent injuries from falls.

• Over time, your bird will learn to perch, climb, eat, and play with the collar or vest.

Option 2: Slow Introduction for Collars & Vests

Best if plucking is mild and you want to reduce stress. This method takes weeks to months.

Steps:

1. Place the collar/vest nearby: start across the room, then move it closer to the cage over time.

2. Show comfort: let your bird see you handle the collar/vest, or wear it on your shoulder.

3. Introduce play: offer treats through the neck hole (or hold the collar/vest near them) so they associate it with rewards.

4. Practice wearing: briefly place the collar/vest on (using slip-on, Velcro, or snaps), then remove it. Increase wear time gradually (1 min, 5 min, 10 min, etc.) until full-time use is possible.

Reminder: Patience is key. Never force the collar/vest on if your bird resists. With consistency, they’ll adjust.