Training Scarlet the Macaw for Shows

[@rekindle7602]

I love hearing these stories about how Jessi and Taylor build trust bonds with the animals! And scarlet is so pretty!

[@theworldwhispers]

Taylor's enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks for sharing the story of your trust bond with Scarlet!

[@FoiledFeline]

I love all the little noises Scarlett made throughout this video. What a great story of a successful animal ambassador!

[@hywodena]

Having a good relationship with an animal is such an underrated part of animal care!! I work with animals and that's probably the most valuable tool when you need to do something that an animal may not be comfortable with. If they trust you, and you trust them, it goes so far. I remember the first time I found a horse cast in his stall. He wasn't my horse but I handled him on a daily basis. When I helped him get unstuck he tried very hard to cooperate, and seemed to be careful not to hurt me. It really impressed me and taught me a lot about how important that relationship is.

[@NotAyFox]

There is something beautiful about building a bond between two intelligent beings that have entirely different perception of the world.

[@raania3184]

I 've been watching Scarlet ever since she came to Animal Wonders. She is soooooooooooo beautiful and seeing her so joyful just make my heart so happy. Thank you Animal Wonders for these amazing videos' 💓❤❤❤❤

[@thatvierkid]

Who else didn’t expect Taylor??

[@jbielic4067]

I didn't either, but it's so nice to see her again. Such a sweet kid.

[@DaveTpletsch]

I was not, but I'm glad to see her, and I realize now it makes sense for Taylor to be the one presenting this story since Scarlet is bonded to her.

[@Sarah-ej8zi]

Well me

[@fossilfighters101]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@leester9487]

Great job Taylor!

[@InfectedChris]

It's rewarding to see the results of the hours of training and the bond that naturally forms as you spend more time together. I'm sure she'll enjoy learning new things as long as the treats keep flowing!

[@MaryJo22]

Hey Taylor! Has life gone back to normal there? How are you?? It's really amazing seeing the personality of an animal... I mean, even if you expect it, when it comes out it always surprises you in some way. But that's the magic I think. Good to see you!

[@animalwondersmontana]

Thanks for asking! Taylor is working on a remote summer camp right now, so she can't answer. Life isn't back to normal here yet. We have fewer public shows and they are definitely different than pre-Covid times. Our rules are: outdoor only spaces, social distance between family groups, masks recommended and required when closer than 6', none of the usual audience touching of some of the animals, and plenty of hand sanitizer and hand washing when applicable. Also, Taylor isn't entering the indoor spaces at AW yet, but she is working remotely and caring for the animals that are outside. We have no volunteers or interns for the foreseeable future. So, things are better than when we were in complete quarantine because Taylor is able to help with some shows and some of the animals, but it's still challenging and neccessary to keep up precautions to protect the animals, our families, and our audiences.

[@tobinmoore35]

Taylor is so great! I love seeing her in videos.

[@eugenio5774]

I absolutely love how scarlet is like "GIVE TREAT!"

[@sonjaya37]

Taylor, I’m so glad to see you back! You have gotten so good at making these videos and projecting so much confidence as you share your expertise. It was great to see a video with you in it again!

[@Plectrudefy]

I love how you always respect the animal and their pace, even if it takes more time. I've been advised too often to clip wings so "they can't leave and have to get used to you"...

[@Piarou]

Really happy to see you again, Taylor. And as always your enthusiasm and care shows, and that makes me smile. You and Scarlet are amazing together.

[@artpestic6581]

It's really impressive to see her progress. I'm currently working with my Blue and Gold, she's still a baby (Just turned 1 year old) so it's no rush!

[@a.bookmonkey6790]

I love your haircut Taylor!

[@FlyKiwi]

I really enjoy hearing the realistic, slow journey that training an animal is. I think videos like this (and presentations) help people realise how much work goes into building this level of bond.

[@tamarrajames3590]

Great job forming such a good trust bond with Scarlet. It was nice to see you again Taylor.🖤🇨🇦

[@juliew1426]

This is the first time I've seen Taylor! You ladies have such an amazing quality about you, which I'm sure has a lot to do with why you are so successful w/ animals.

[@adrianaciucur1791]

I love your video with parrots! I learnd new great things watching your videos! I have 2 lovebirds.

[@karmaslifestyle6034]

You are so kind and helpful I really love animals and I really love what you do keep going and keep doing what you do and ignore any haters love you so much Good luck

[@Beryllahawk]

Her little commentary made this video very charming as well as just plain heart-warming. That's a LOT of dedication and persistence in training, and you are right to be proud - of her and of yourself! In regards to imitation of noises - I wonder if any of the birds imitate each other, or any of the other animals? Can the parrots even hear Kemosabe, and if they could, would they try imitating his little noises? Or is the imitation less about what sounds are just around in the environment and more based on something like - oh, what the bird actually likes to hear or something like that? (I am highly entertained by the notion of a parrot imitating a coendou!)

[@breyanna6951]

Hello! This is kinda random but hearing Taylor’s and Scarlett’s training story is really motivational because my cockatiel and I are in the process of harness training and my cockatiel is not enjoying the process. This video reminded me to keep at it, and keep working a little everyday, and we will reach our goal. Thank you animal wonders!!

[@bubbajenkins123]

Yay Scarlet graduated from AWM University!

[@hamilpatel4025]

Thanks for sharing! Really interesting to see the beginnings of your training and how you interact with animals.

[@AllTheArtsy]

Taylor is so sweet! So nice to see them interacting!

[@sarahgrant6703]

This is the kind of wholesome content I need

[@liliaaaaaaaa]

Scarlet so loves her treats. What a beautiful sensitive intelligent bird.

[@gubjorggisladottir3525]

hmm... Scarlet will live for at least 40 more years... correct? What will happen to her when you (Taylor) stop working (in 5-15 years) at AnimalWonders Montana? Will she stay with you or will she need to bond with a new human person?

[@animalwondersmontana]

If Taylor leaves AW in the future then Scarlet will most likely get a new human to bond to. While it will be hard for her to go through that kind of change, as long as she gets someone new then she will be okay.

[@turdl38]

@@animalwondersmontana I'd love to take over, but know I'm not actually qualified beyond loving critters. No education. Also the small issue of not being in Montana lol.

[@dmndsol]

I was very happy to see Taylor and Scarlett in this episode and I hope to see more. Thanks for sharing.

[@SaiyanHeretic]

When I was a kid, I once saw somebody's pet scarlet macaw that apparently still had its flight feathers and got loose. It was Spring, so I hope it had enough time to fly someplace warm. Wouldn't want to stick around NY come to the new school year, let me tell ya!

[@shellyrae777]

She has beautiful coloring, what a pretty bird!

[@LinnersC]

Do you trim flight feathers, is that why she is safe outside without a harness?

[@pollypocket3508]

They might be in a screened-in area.

[@LinnersC]

@@pollypocket3508 that's fair, I just noticed they seemed to be outdoors for the presentation pictures too

[@animalwondersmontana]

Scarlet is not trimmed. We get her outside as often as we can in a safe environment. She doesn't fly away because she feels safest with Taylor and is also not interested in trying to fly. Since she came to AW in her 30s she likely has never had the opportunity to fly and it isn't part of her behavioral repertoire. Maybe in the future we'll work on getting her free flight trained! It would definitely take a lot of work.

[@LinnersC]

@@animalwondersmontana happy she feels so safe with Taylor and that they work as such a great team 😍

[@maxravenwood3877]

I saw a video recently where someone's dog freaked out when they saw their owner wearing a mask because of COVID, do the animals at animal wonders get scared or upset when they see humans wearing masks?

[@difficult.to.underestimate]

No, its most likely the dog didn't recognize their owner

[@turdl38]

Why is Taylor so freaking adorable!?

[@salmannadeem5814]

i love your vids soooo much

[@jvp714]

I'm loving all the bird videos recently! Also I STONGLY believe there should be shows for adults because I want to see all of the animals up close!

[@animalwondersmontana]

Good news! We do adult groups too!!

[@gordonwiley2006]

Scarlet is adorable.

[@estherlee529]

didn't expect you Taylor!

[@Xix1326]

I love the birds, but I miss Huck and Kismet. How are they doing?

[@potatosenseiyt7573]

Any tips for my scared Cockatiels

[@ShesAaRebel]

Check out Bird Tricks! They've got some great videos on how to desensitize birds.

[@eviehankins8223]

I would love to know more about the education and experiences you have that lead you to this career. I'd love to be working with animals this way.♡

[@bigbiemacaw]

I’m training my young harlequin macaw to be a therapy animal.. I’m bringing him everywhere to socialise him and get him used to meeting new ppl.. I’ve to learn how to keep those little hands back .. a kid tried to lift his wing today.. I stopped him of course but bigbie did so well and sat right hopefully he knew I’d have his back we’ve been asked to go show him to kids for education

[@dorabrooks76]

That's wonderful! 😄 Kids _can_ be grabby... especially when excited. I don't know a ton about birds, but I have worked with quite a few children, so if I may... Maybe you can work on including appropriate touching rules in your presentation, with some sort of catchy phrase with demonstration that's easy to remember for littl'uns (and adults, honestly lol). I'm thinking of something like, "remember: two fingers! 😊" that people often use for kids interacting with furry and scaled animals. Then as each child and/or adult comes up to interact, a quick reminder of the catch phrase will usually be enough for them to recall the rules. I say "usually", because, of course, there's no guarantee. Sounds like he's right that you have his back, though, so I guess just keep your eye on the situation like you already do and you'll be able to intervene in the rare case it's required. As for what rules/limits and resultant catch phrase, well, you know much better than I what will work for you and your feathered friend. It might take some trial and error, but I think you'll get there! Thank you for what you and Bigbie are doing! Animal therapy is such a special gift to give to people. I wish you both all the best in your training and adventure taking together!

[@ygwxlf]

i have a green winged macaw, i have had him for awhile now and he has always been aggressive, we rescued him from an abusive home so he always snaps at people when they get close, sometimes he lets me scratch his head other times he tries to bite me, he even plays peek a boo with me and only me and its very confusing, one of my family members built a trust with him and he loves her but she doesnt play with him anymore and neglects him so we are trying to rehome them but i want to give him a chance to trust me even tho recently him bit me giving me a mark that almost needed stitches when i was trying to help him off a chair when he was afraid of it. Any advice ?

[@sreejinuranjith8680]

Pls tell me how did you make that type banner of youtube

[@devinders2290]

I love your videos!! :)

[@abbyfung6760]

Please can you do a tour of Animal Wonders? We would like to see all the rooms and animals 😁. Thank you! From Abby and Aster and Nala (our hamster).

[@andybaraghani4332]

i just love macaws

[@johnk7302]

My dad has an african gray and his ex-wife had a Scarlett mc-caw. The McCaw was much more social than the african gray and stepped up onto my hand with no problem.

[@zainabb.2792]

I’m feeling so emotional 🥺🥺

[@sandy-wh5gx]

I love green wing macaws and scarlet macaws

[@KaaSerpent]

You have the Scarlet Seal of Approval™. :)

[@sarahislow3845]

Can do how to bond with your buggie because I have two buggies and how to care for them thank you I love your videos and family and I hade a bunny 🐰 but it died it is so hard without him

[@someone-wz9yn]

Animal Wonders Montana can you please reply to this, Will animal wonders last for long, I mean will you guys stay in Montana and continue your way of educating others in the next 20 years, Hope it will. Will your children help you guys with this or no. Please reply

[@Evan._.388]

It’s funny that they put Jessi in the intro and Taylor is the one in the vid

[@edwinbaroja8660]

Isn't jessie su pposed to be working at scishow kids

[@leester9487]

Scarlett looks old. Do you know how old she is?

[@animalwondersmontana]

She's somewhere in her 30s.

[@henzcarltupas328henzcarltu2]

Scarlet is actually a Green Wing Macaw 😍😅

[@lottieevans3219]

Just a recommendation: trim her beak! I know it isn’t hurting her but it looks hard to eat and uncomfortable x

[@animalwondersmontana]

Thanks for your concern ❤ Her beak is perfect the way it is. Green wing macaws have a much thicker upper mandible than other more well known species like blue and gold macaws. Their beak is adapted to crack open the hardest of nuts but it's also sensitive enough to crack open the tiniest of seeds.

[@marthachampagne316]

@@animalwondersmontana sounds like she might want to get some big nuts that need to be cracked out of thick shells then. I've eaten walnuts in the shell before and let me tell you, if the shell cracks funny it takes a long time to pick all the tiny pieces of broken nut out of them. also cracking a thick hard shelled nut sounds like a fun demonstration to do at a presentation, for both bird and visitor. :)

[@mimthyss]

Shes very demanding for treats lol.. personally I wouldnt treat her for leaning in and trying to grab it and squawking indignantly (albeit quietly) over it xD. Although you are in her "bubble" so it is kind of a tease when she can see the treat but can't quite reach it haha

[@devinders2290]

I forgot to add this but please wish me happy late birthday in a video

[@abdulmusawwirnomanienglish7116]

How to tame adult parrot

[@K4y74h]

I know your animals are ambassadors and you want them to be about as much as "animals" as they are - and not pets - but HOW CAN YOU GUYS HOLD BACK ON NOT PETTING THEM?! Omg, as a parrot owner, I CANT NOT see those feathers and not think of petting, scratching and sniffing that beauty. Seriously, how do you resist the urge to give the animals some physical demonstration of affection?

[@Martin_76]

Hello

[@fossilfighters101]

hi

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

Howdy!

[@devinders2290]

Animal Wonders my birthday was on the 16th of July but I forgot to tell you, so can you guys wish me happy late birthday please?

[@devinders2290]

I'm on my dad's account because he bought me this tablet so call me Sabreen it's like Sabrina but at the end it has een at the end instead of ina

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

(Trying to come from a helping criticism not frustration but when it comes to the quality of life for animals I am a little more passionate.) I would urge you to reconsider how you use treats and communicate with your animals. (I realize this works better for some than others but especially with the parrots this applies.) You give a stream of treats that have no meaning except that the animal is still there. You allow them to get treats when they use begging behavior which is not the mind set you want for training. This video show examples of why this is a problem and it was frustrating me and the bird. You were in their space which indicates you want their attention then holding the treat while talking with your hands thus to the parrot basically playing keep away with the treat. 2:04 Look at how the macaw is following around the treat while you talk and getting agitated and then if you give the treat you are rewarding that behavior and frustration. I noticed a cut there what happened next? Did the parrot bite or act out? Notice how through out the parrot is following the treat instead waiting contently. Despite this muddying the communication with the parrot the obsessive mind set of "must get the treat" is not ideal and the frustration you create in the animal will make it act out which would make it not be able to be around other people. (Also that begging behavior can trigger hormonal troubles too which would also be a problem you can avoid by reducing that behavior.) Begging is a kind of stress in an animal. You can tell because they get more agitated when they are not successful. Begging is not a consistent way to get food and thus it takes away some of their control over their environment when that is the main way for them to get treats (which it is when you use treats to occupy instead of reward). 2:55 Notice as you talk you are signaling to her that you want her to step up but not following through with asking her to step up. She is crouched down and wanting to do it. This will degrade your communication as you have just proven that you do not always mean what you say. If you do this too much she will not know when you mean it and when you are just talking too close to her. 5:00 Oh goodness those are big treats. You do not need the big guns except for when they have done something really tricky or new. If they get a big reward every time for normal things, you do not have the use of a special reward when you would want one. (you can cut the nuts down to have smaller choices) Two: stepping down is also a trick the same as stepping up so this would have been a good opportunity to optimize that and ask for the step down before giving the treat. I would say to maybe try to use some of her favorite toys for entertainment and distraction while on the stand instead of food to help break that begging behavior. Then you have the opportunity to talk about how important enrichment and toys are to parrots. Once she is more content on the stand and you remove the need to beg she should be more content to sit on you. I feel that if the parrot does not want to contently (as in not heightened or begging or stressed) spend time out of it's enclosure that should be a indicator of something being wrong and needing to be corrected. I would not make this comment and put in this effort if I did not think you would care to know and are fully capable of training in a different way. (As a side note (you probably know this but sometimes we get focused and do not register things so I try not to assume in case it could help) to get her more comfortable with people target training is good. They can hold the target and you treat so that she can interact with people and everyone stays safe. So you can have children and men you know do this with her so she sees them as sources of treat opportunities thus good.) Positive feedback: I like her as a presenter. It is nice to have a different perspective. She seems very energetic and obviously cares a lot. She paced her talking well. :)

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

Also fully aware there are some animals that are not trainable and you are just bribing to be there but parrots are not one of them. This is also not just something I have seen Taylor to it is also something that Jessi does with the animals as well.

[@devinders2290]

It's actually pretty easy to say so if you guys say it wrong it ok

[@sreejinuranjith8680]

Pls

[@devinders2290]

Omg I keep forgetting to add things

[@devinders2290]

Now i'm done talking (idk why I talk a lot)

[@mightyxt]

I saw a bird.

[@WaltRBuck]

Hah.. you trained Scarlett. Yeah .. right. That animal has certainly trained its human though. Hehe ;P

[@catzkeet4860]

That’s what training is tho. These days we’ve learnt that training isn’t about “forcing” an animal to do what we want, it’s about understanding the animals needs, fears and motivations, so that we can make it as easy as possible for them to do what we want, and learning the way they communicate back to us, so that we can make our communication to them as clear and reasonable as possible. In other words, training isn’t us teaching them, it’s both parties learning to communicate clearly

[@devinders2290]

Btw I turned 10 years old

[@karmaslifestyle6034]

First

[@Martin_76]

please respond

[@almobirb]

no.

[@sourabhtripathi0986]

@@almobirb 😂

[@evelynbrylow3624]

Hi!!

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

Roger :)

[@thisisatonofbs]

You shouldn't be presenting with her that close to you. You can see she's reacting to your gestures, like holding your arm out like you want her to step up. Should be more than a few feet away when talking and gesturing like that. That way she doesn't get confused or frustrated with not succeeding at what you really don't want her to do.

[@MrE1981]

Who's this teenage boy?

[@someone-wz9yn]

Stop Joking about her, Taylor is a she

[@InfectedChris]

She's really pretty!

[@Holtza]

No need to refer to yourself in third person.