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taddo New user 49 Posts |
I am sure all of you who use it have had your challenges with that bird coming back, especially under different situations where you perform. Well everyday I train my bird and it comes back until it is performance time. It will come back about 2 out 5 times and if he comes back I consider lucky. But it really throws me off. I have a new bird I would like to train but other than the standard methods does anyone have a way to help improve his chnaces of coming back. I understand here they sometimes have a mind of their own but I would like to improve my odds.
taddo |
xxxRoyxxx Loyal user 218 Posts |
You can also try tossing him tail first...Also, some birds, because of their personalities/demeanor, seem to fit certain effects better than others. I went through several birds before I found the one I have now that is comfortable with the job and therefore does the toss well...Then again, like anyone will tell you, there will always be times when that bird just doesn't come back...Just my opinion
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
The problem with tossing the bird out tail first is that you are stroking the feathers in the opposite direction of their natural growth. I know Shimada does it this way but I don't like the idea.
For training, I always set up a bright light similar to a spot light and toss the bird toward the light. They can't see in that light and will naturally turn around. You are the first thing they see and usually come back if you have your hand or finger held out for them. There is always the chance they will not though. I attended a convention over the weekend and a very experienced pro did a double dove toss. Both birds decided it would be nice to circle the theater 4 or 5 times and then land on a chandelier. You just never know and should rehearse you act to compensate, just in case. One method that may help is to deprive them of food for awhile and each time you rehearse, have a treat ready for them when they return. They'll learn that the food is with you and they'll come back. (most of the time).
Where the magic begins
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Jason Purdy Regular user 140 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-17 11:21, Dave Scribner wrote: Hi Dave, That wasn't me by any chance was it? |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-18 23:29, Jason Purdy wrote: Yup, it sure was. Nice recovery. I figured after a circle or two, they'd fly back to the stage but you never know. Nice act by the way. It's nice to see different types of productions.
Where the magic begins
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Jason Purdy Regular user 140 Posts |
Well, Dave, actually, the bird that was on the chandelier had been trained to land there. How else was he supposed to tie in with the next act?
Seriously though, my “lead” dove did come back both times as she should, but the second was a bit distracted. Too much to see, balloons, chandeliers etc. etc.. He did make a second loop, and was returning back to me. But someone in the audience tried to lend a hand. This was a distraction to his return. So another circle around the room. AGAIN on his 2nd attempt to return the same hand from the audience was a distraction for his return. Most often he will come back (If not to my hand, to the perch on stage.) This is what they have been conditioned to do. (And he was trying.) But with the added distractions the bird gets confused, and tired. On the third attempt I finally had to ask the person to keep his hand down! I know they were trying to be helpful, but it was a distraction to the bird. At that moment, I was having bad flashbacks. While performing in Japan, one of my birds was caught in mid air by an audience member. They reached right up and caught her with both hands. Unfortunately the dove was injured and could no longer perform. She is retired from the show, but continues to thrive. To answer Taddo's question... about ways to help improve his doves chances of returning hear are a few thoughts for you. If you practice in a darkened room with a spotlight and the dove returns back to you GREAT! Now, you should start practicing with the lights on! You need to condition the bird to return. In different environments and whether it can see or not. (Instinctively). Some times they don't have enough time for their eyesight to adjust to the light. First, it's dark... and then they are flying blinded by a bright spot light. When YOU look at a bright light, even after you can see again, you still see trace spots (black spots) in your eyes. Play with the distance that you toss. Some of my birds return better the further I throw them! Others, I have to through only a few feet or they will find somewhere else to land. Also practice in different rooms, with different lighting conditions. By only practicing in one environment your bird gets conditioned to that setting. You need to condition the flight pattern, not the atmosphere of the room. As a fulltime performer, I may be at a school in the early morning, and a black tie affair in the evening. On another day I may be at a resort that has my show at 10:00PM. I need to have the same energy level at every show. And so it goes with you doves, don’t always practice at the same time of day. Work your birds at different times of the day and night. They will begin to know when it’s show time… and the will learn how to turn it on. Be sure to give your birds plenty of rest, especially during training. Don’t over work them. Instead of rewarding them with food, Reward them with praise and a happy voice. Sometimes my birds get so excited they do a little dance with their feet! Like they are excited. It should be a fun time for you and you birds. So if you find that you or your bird is having a bad day, try a different bird, or take a day off! This, in my opinion is the key element. Strive to make you actions precise. This comes with practice. You need to make your throws the same every time you do them! Work on the same speed, angle, height, etc. Even a well-trained return bird can be confused by a change in your actions. So try to do it the same every time! Good Luck! P.S. Dave, why didn't you introduce yourself and say hello? |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Good advice Jason. I have my basement set up in a stage setting with spotlight but practice quite a bit with the birds in my living room with normal daylight and the cats running around. To be honest, I fully intended to introduce myself but my wife wasn't feeling well right after the show and I needed to get her back to the room. I think we were even staying on the same floor. I was on 3.
Next time I'll be sure to find you. I was in the 3rd row from the stage right next to Gen Grant and I actually thought about trying to get your bird to land on my finger but then figured it would find it's way back to you. It's an easy temptation to give in to unless you're a dove worker.
Where the magic begins
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Jason Purdy Regular user 140 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-17 08:30, taddo wrote: While practicing, most likely, your birds are "in and out" frequently. I'm referring to "in" as concealed. (For much shorter periods of time.) In contrast think about when you perform live. Your birds are usually "in" (the dark) for longer periods of time. This is directly related to what I had said about their eyes adjusting etc... |
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