Suggestions for new trick - somersaults ?

[Albert]

So I can get Salty to lie on his back on a flat surface, which was a big deal for him, he doesn't like to be on his back, but he will do it for me.
I want to try and get him to do a somersault and I've seen videos of a blue and gold macaw doing this trick. Any suggestions on how to proceed in training Salty to do this?

[spiritbird]

Sorry Albert I cannot help with this question. I have never been too much into teaching any animal a trick. Hope you succeed.


[Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

[kendrafitz]

I don't have much advice. I can get Rosie to do one but assisted by me. Give her lots of belly kisses and praise. But honestly Rosie is better at training me than I am at training her. ;)

[Albert]

SO instead of somersaults, I've decided to teach Salty to roll over sideways, you know , like a doggie does. He does this in his cage sometimes , and seems to dislike it less then when I was trying to show him how to do a head first somersault. Last nights training session was 1/2 hour and he seems to be getting it, but I still need to start him on the roll. He is pretty smart so it should not take long.

[spiritbird]

You will have to show us a video of this when he is accomplished for a roll over.

[kendrafitz]

I can't wait to see it!!! :)

[Albert]

Its a tough one for sure. Tonights session was almost all roll overs. I just cant get him to initiate the rollover, once I start him he will follow thru, but its the initial move thats proving hard for him to get. Its funny now, when we start a session, he immediately does the turn in a circle trick, without me requesting it. Salty also picked up a quarter (coin) and dropped it into my hand, so thats the next trick to teach him.... to pick up coins and deposit them into a birdybank.

I'll try to remember to video the next training session to show off his progress.
Thanks for the support, so far !