Step One?

[javelin]

Thanks jhuff. Sunflower has started eating off my hand last night (hurray!) although he is still very hesitant about it. Another week perhaps and he should be at ease already hopefully. He'd only do it now if he's already very hungry.

The reason I asked the question is that I had a few units of psychology and from what I recall, it's not so much handfeeding that is crucial for training. Most animals, particularly those coming from the wild, will respond to various cues and stimuli when they know they will be "presented" a reward. Some animals know that the reward will appear or be presented only at a specific location (like a feeding tray) so they know that even if they perform the task at a distance, they will still get the reward at their usual spot. So theoretically, if they see us just presenting the food, an association will already be established.

But of course, handfeeding has its advantages since the close contact reinforces a bond based on trust.

[jhuff]

Pavlov was a brilliant man. His works are wonderful and yes, like in the event with "Pavlov's Dog" I do believe that deep down, the Bird ends up relating the "cue" with "food". Binx will do a trick and after he is done, he will collect himself and wait for the treat. LOL. Anyway, I dont know that hand feeding is "mandatory", but I do think it creates a good relationship with the bird. I think that your bird MUST feel comfortable with you and trust you before it will be able to preform to its maximum potential. Kuddos on the studies! I am a Sociology Major @ MTSU.

[javelin]

... Binx will do a trick and after he is done, he will collect himself and wait for the treat....

Wow, I hope I get to that point. Binx already trusts you so much he is willing to wait in expectation.

BTW, I'm not studying anymore. I graduated from Mass Communications about 10 years ago. Even still, I'm more Skinnerian than Pavlovian. Good luck on your studies.

Going back, have you managed to resolve your dilemma about reverting the clicker from being a cue rather than a bridge? Maybe if you hide the clicker (behind your back perhaps) and make sure you click only after the performance of the task, Binx can re-learn the trick properly.

[jhuff]

Yes! that is actually what I did. I decided to hide the clicker so that he doesnt use it as the cue. However, if he sees me get it out, he goes into trick mode and is soo ready to play! I think Sunflower will get to that point with you, especially since you are on here trying to get advice, that, to me, already tells me you are willing to work with Sunflower. Some people just have birds as pets to look at in a cage! Binx wouldnt have any part of that, he knows how to get out of his cage when its shut! lol!! Keep me updated on Sunflower!

[javelin]

Nice work on Binx. I am looking forward to the day Sunflower would be tame enough to let out of his cage. I'm posting updates on Sunflower's progress at the "Sunflower's Diary" thread.

[Michael]

Pavlov was a brilliant man. His works are wonderful and yes, like in the event with "Pavlov's Dog" I do believe that deep down, the Bird ends up relating the "cue" with "food". Binx will do a trick and after he is done, he will collect himself and wait for the treat. LOL.

Wouldn't the be Skinner instead?