B.j.'s Shell Game

If your new to birdkeeping, I suggest you acquaint yourself with

the knowledge you need to look after your bird before you

attempt any taming or training. Yours B.J.

 

 

B.J's Find the Pea Trick

AKA 'The Shell Game

 

 

Using three upturned plastic eggcups with a treat hidden under one

cup. By chopping & changing the position of the cups, the bird has

to find which cup hides the treat.

 

 

HOW TO TEACH IT

(1) Sit at a table with the bird. three eggcup a little millet & a slice

of cake & a cup of tea.

Show him the eggcups & encourage him to play & investigate them

Lie one on it's side & drop a crumb or millet seed so he has to push

the cup out of away to get it.

When he's familiar & comfortable with the eggcups.

Cover a treat with one & tell him to, "find it." If he touches the cup,

or better still knocks it over he gets the treat. If he thinks its gone.

Show him where it is, keep trying some birds are a bit slow, they

think if you can't see it, it's gone forever.

When he's succesful 3 or 4 times, take a break & repeat later.

Next day move on to, (2).

 

 

(2) Line up the three upturned eggcups & show him only one has a

crumb under it. Slowly move the cup in one switch & ask him to find it

& quickly show him. So he doesn't get bored. Repeat the one switch

until he starts to gets it right & take a break. If he can keep track of it.

Move on to, (3).

 

 

(3) Increase to two moves, & continue as in, 2.

 

 

For those of you who want to surprise & amaze your audience by

moving the cups as fast as a NewYork street hustler, I'm afraid you

will have to cheat.

 

 

THE CHEAT

During step 1, 2,& 3, with your fist clenched, touch the top of the

eggcup. With your extended little finger. Till the bird grasps the

idea your pointing at the cup & treat. Once he gets the idea, very

gradually over the next few days, point to the cup from a little

further away.

 

 

THE SECRET POINT.

Seated at the table, you have a teacup, Pick up the cup as if to drink

with your little finger extended, like rich people do but hide it under

the cup so your audience don't see it. Raise the cup above the birds

eye line so the he can see which eggcup your pointing at with your

little finger.

As soon as he makes his move take a drink & turnover the eggcup

with your free hand if the bird has only touched it.

This will divert attention away from your teacup & pointing finger.

 

 

HAVE FUN

PS. I DO NOT APPROVE OF GAMBLING IN ANY SHAPE

OR FORM, UNLESS I'M WINNING..Yours B.J.

Edited March 9, 201213 yr by Bird Junky