I taught both of my cockatoos how to "roll over" which is pretty much the same as "bang" and "playing dead" because they all involve teaching the bird to go onto its back on command. However, the thing is, I taught both of my birds using different ways. I used clicker training with both, but separate techniques (sort of). Let me show you what I...

So, I finally got Bondi to perform the entire Mailbox Routine on camera. This routine is very advanced in my opinion. Bondi already knew dozens of behaviors and this one became frustrating for her. I literally gave her about 4 months off from doing it before attempting it again and getting real results. See, Bondi is the type of bird that once...

Distractions can really put an abrupt halt in training. For example, I had three birds out while attempting to work with just one of them. I didn't plan it that way - I had them all out flying around and then Bondi told me she wanted to work on her "roll over/play dead" trick so I began training on the hallway floor. Well, once Bandit saw Bondi ...

Photo  by Dave Location: Orlando, FL Lawn Mowing: Galah "Bandit"   Putting natural behaviors on cue is FUN and EASY! You need to know the basics of clicker conditioning and you're ready to go. I'm going to explain the steps I took to do so with my rose breasted cockatoo, Bandit, and how you can follow what I did with your own bird at home!   St...

Photo by Dave Location: Sandpoint, ID Excited ones: Rose Breasted Cockatoos "Bondi", "Ace" and "Bandit"   Some friends asked if I could watch their rose breasted cockatoo, Ace, for a day or so. They were staying at an aunt's and I was happy to look after Ace (whom I hand fed when he was just a youngin' anyway!)   I was actually really looking f...

Photo by Dave Location: Moab, Utah Outside Flyers: Rose Breasted Cockatoos "Bandit" & "Bondi" I hope you all remember Bondi's story. If you don't, here's to sum it up: She was raised right, never clipped and properly fledged. The post above is about how much happier she became flying in an outdoor batting cage.   To now sum up how far she h...