Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been working with a scarlet macaw at a science center and I'd like to teach her a trick or two to possibly do some educational shows with her. Not really sure what kind of tricks, or how to begin, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

First how well is she/he with step up, step down, flight training (if not wing clipped) etc.? These are of course the first to work with. If they are going well the "Turn Around" and "Wave" would be the next to work with. For the wave begin like you would to step up but try with the opposite foot. If your bird usually steps up with the left foot offer your hand to her right foot or vice versa. When your bird raises the foot tell her "wave" or another command you will use consistently, then praise her and possibly give a treat (or clicker etc). The first few times reward just for raising the foot, then work on extending the time and height the foot is raised in the same manner. For the Turn Around begin with her on a perch and offer a treat in front of her. Next time offer a treat to the side so she has to turn her head to reach it when she does this consistently show her the treat in front, move it to the side and as she starts to turn her head move it on to behind her, forcing her to turn to the back to take it, Keep working a little at a time until she is completely turning back around to the front before receiving the treat. This trick does work much better with a treat then with a clicker at least in my opinion. If I haven't explained well enough or for more ideas let me know