tricks

[willist]

My Greenwing, Auggie used to do a trick. I would get him to hang from my thumb with his break and both feet. I would say "let go" and he would let go with his beak, then I would say "one foot" and he would hang with just one foot. His many fans loved it. Anyway recently he started hanging from one foot as soon as I get him into position to do the trick before I can say "let go", so now it doesn't appear to be a trick any more. Anyone have any suggestions on how I can get him to wait until I say"let go"? Auggies career in show business depends on your help.

 

[noblemacaw]

You might have to retrain him using different words. Instead of using the queue words you are currently using you are going to need to replace the words with new ones. This will be like him having to learn a new trick so he will not be able to anticipate the end to get the treat. My Noble macaw does the same thing. He anticipates the end of the trick and does it so he can get the treat quicker. He thinks ~Why do the trick in three stages when I can just hang by one foot?~ Macaw's are such foodies that they will do just about anything for their loved food.

They are always trying to out smart me. My Illiger's was very good at his attempts to outsmart me. I have to say that Diego has succeeded at times and has got me. Macaw's are too smart for their own good. I LOVE MACAWS!

Noblemacaw