The Slow Motion Roll Over

Comet is just one of those birds that moves much slower than the rest of the flock... not sure why, but he just does. So when I started training him to roll over, it was slow going. I called Dave in to see my progress and said, "It's like he does it in slow motion!" and Dave said, "But that's kinda cool, keep it that way!" So I thought about HOW to keep it that way, and found a way... My open palm is the cue (like you've seen with my galah, Bandit) but I control how fast Comet rolls by the speed of my hand going OVER his body. So to get him to go super slow, I raise my hand slow and hold it by his side... so Comet lifts his foot slowly and starts to turn his head, then I move over his body a little and he starts to tuck under for the roll onto his back and as my hand is center over him, he goes on his back and stays there, then I slowly pull my hand over the rest of his body and he rolls up with the movement of my hand. It's like a cue for how fast or slow I want him to go. I can now get him to roll over real fast or real slow and it makes a great trick and a laugh for showing a trick in "slow motion". Here is the fast version: 

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.

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