whg.
I echo your feelings on free flight wholeheartedly. I too, am very much for allowing my 5 birds to fly freely through out my house anytime they choose, however, please reconsider your desire to try outdoors free flight. I have read numerous stories from members here who have tried outdoor flights, only to have their birds fly away never to be found again.....
As bird owners, it is our responsibility to give our birds the best possible life we can and especially to do everything in our power to keep them as safe as possible. They do not know what "outdoors" is, they don't know how to survive, they don't know how to search and find their own food and water, that it doesn't just appear in a bowl in front of them, the dangers of predators in their area, the cold, rain to mention a few. The bird will not understand that you are his owner and will return to you because of love and devotion, especially as a they are put into an outdoor world that is all new and scary to them. They panic, and their instinct is to fly as far away as possible.
Pet birds rely on YOU to keep them safe from the dangers they may face as they can't possibly comprehend those unforseen dangerous. If you decide to outdoor flight your bird, you will loose your bird and in MY opinion will have done a disservice to your bird.
Please, no disrespect to you and your decision, I just feel very strongly about outdoor flight without a harness. This is only MY opinion, you are entitled to yours as well. No hard feelings.
I would like to welcome you to our family, and I look forward to hearing more about your flock. I am sure you have much to share with us. Please go to the Welcome Room and tell us more about you and your flock. Pictures are always welcome...we LOVE them!
B)