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WKM Regular user London Uk 139 Posts |
Hi all,
I was wondering if some of you would be able to help me out with some training issues. I have recently purchased the Tony Clark DVD set and am beging to set a new regime in place for the training of my birds, like the feeding pattern and such. but..... My birds live in an avairy, My House is not big enough to set up a "Playground" as suggested, so they are able to fly freely in the avairy. So excersize is ot a problem. I have started to feed them daily instead of weekly, and will soon want to start training them individually as suggested. So for now I have 2 questions - 1. Once trained how often do I need to give my doves a "refresher" on things like the flying back to me and such. Obviously I am not at this stage yet, and probalby won't be until about 8 weeks after I start training but it is good to knw this so that I can start a conditioning process now and get them and me into it. 2. While I have a few birds that have no problems with me, a couple are a bit skittish and simply fly away from me, how can I gain their trust? I want to be able to handle them without having to chase them arround, and know that I am able to pick one up without scaring it or making it want to fly a mile! Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Liam Ball AIMC*
The Gentleman Magician |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
WKM, once they are trained, you'll be amazed how much they remember. You don't have to go through an entire training period again with them but you should work with them as often as possible. Daily is the best. I had a dove that wasn't used in my act for months but when I tossed him out in my basement, it only took two tries and he came back.
As for the skiddish doves, only constant practice and handling will resolve that issue. When the fly away, don't chase them. That just makes them scared. Let them go and slowly walk up to them extending you hand as a perch. They fly away again and again but eventually, they'll stay with you. You could try some seed in your hand and offer it to them when you approach. They'll soon learn you are a friend and not a predator.
Where the magic begins
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WKM Regular user London Uk 139 Posts |
Thanks dave, I will give it a go this week.
on anither note, I fed them yesterday morning, 1.5 Tablespons each, I put it in the feeding tray and they all jumped in happily munching away, but that was over 24 hours ago and there is still LOADS Left, Am I doing something wrong or will ittake a bit of time for them to get used to this?
Liam Ball AIMC*
The Gentleman Magician |
1906Alpha1906 Special user North Cacky Lack 516 Posts |
WKM, Doves are "picky eaters" so you will always have some left over. They find the seeds and goodies that they like, and the rest is just thrown all over the place. *smile* Like some people, they leave certain items on the plate which they don't prefer *grin*, but eat the rest. Just make sure you clean often enough because these left over seeds will attract little bugs such as ants, and other creatures to get a free meal. If your cages are outside, then other birds will be around due to the thrown seeds from the doves. Doves will eat until they are content too, so just because they didn't finish all of it, doesn't mean that they won't eventually consume the rest at a later time. They like to pick sometimes just to "snack". You're fine though, no worries. Just ake sure you have a little "Grit" in the mix with the doves food. They can' t digest on their own, so they need this to help.
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WKM Regular user London Uk 139 Posts |
Thanks Alpha.
Yes I have grit in the avairy too, and it is outside, good thinking about the insects. I have recently purchased a Hose eo that I can effectivle clean and treat the birds in the hot weather. I am going to feed again tomorrow and see how it goes, hopefully they should be a little hungary then and I will get a better idea of their preferances. Thanks again.
Liam Ball AIMC*
The Gentleman Magician |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
WKM, give them a little less seed next time. Experiment until all of the seed is gone at each feeding. Alpha is correct, doves are picky but if you only give them what they consume, they start to get less picky and eat what you give them. It also solves the bug problem.
Alpha, nice to see an avatar. I like to see who I'm talking with.
Where the magic begins
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WKM Regular user London Uk 139 Posts |
Hi Dave
I think that is a god idea. How do you guys feel about nutrients, vitemins and treats, and what do you find work best?
Liam Ball AIMC*
The Gentleman Magician |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Vitamins are essential. You can get them that go in water or seed. Usually a few drops once or twice a week is sufficient. As for treats, they should be handle as "treats". Hard boiled eggs, peas, apples, leaf lettuce, peanut butter, and millet are all excellent. I vary what I give my birds and usually only give them one once a week. The shells from the hard boiled eggs are great too. They give the birds calcium and also act as grit at the same time.
Where the magic begins
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1906Alpha1906 Special user North Cacky Lack 516 Posts |
Yeah, my doves love hard boiled eggs....they sawrm over the pieces when I put them in, and always chase each other around for the last piece. (Hint: Its a great training technique too). No need in really posting this next statement because its always true but: What Dave said is true....*smile*
That's all.... Yeah, dave, decided to go ahead and put an Avatar.... |
WKM Regular user London Uk 139 Posts |
Thanks Guys, There are some real good tips here. I will be making anote a setting a schedule for this all to go into.
I look forward to feeding back the results in a few weeks. Thanks again...
Liam Ball AIMC*
The Gentleman Magician |
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