07 Oct Why We Let Our Birds Choose When to Fly: The Power of Choice in Bird Training
Have you ever seen someone run at a flock of pigeons to make them fly or nudge their dog to move?
It’s a pretty natural response. As humans, we often feel the need to prompt animals into action. But here at Avian Behavior International, we take a different approach—especially with our birds.
If you have ever joined us at any of our experiences, you would have noticed that we never toss our birds off our hand or glove to get them to fly. Instead, we let them make that choice on their own by offering them a cue trained with positive reinforcement.
Why? Because this choice is an essential part of the trust we’ve built with them and the foundation of how we work together. Let’s take a closer look at why we do things this way.
The Human Tendency to Coerce
We all do it, even if we don’t realize it. Whether it’s running at pigeons to watch them scatter or gently nudging our pets into a position we want, we’re used to coaxing animals into action. While this might seem harmless, it can create a disconnect between us and the animal.
When a bird is coerced, it can start to feel like it has no control, which leads to several issues. Trust can erode, as the bird may begin to associate you with pressure rather than positive experiences. Over time, this lack of trust can result in resistance to training, such as refusing to step up or even biting. Additionally, removing their choice can lower their motivation to engage in training—flight becomes something they have to do, rather than something they want to do.
By giving birds the freedom to choose, we foster a relationship based on trust and cooperation, where they’re more eager to participate and learn.
Why We Don’t Toss Our Birds Off Our Hand
We never force our birds to fly because it’s important for them to have the freedom to make that choice. By giving them autonomy, we maintain the positive association of staying on our hand, preventing behaviors like biting or resisting stepping up.
Additionally, birds are far more aware of their surroundings than we are. They can sense dangers—like unfavorable wind or unseen predators—that we can’t. Forcing them into flight could put them in risky situations, making it harder for them to return. By allowing them to choose, we respect their instincts and keep their experience positive.
Conclusion
Ready to see this work in action? Book an experience and when you come see us, watch closely. You’ll see that our birds’ decision to fly is entirely their own. It’s part of the trust and mutual respect we’ve built with them over time. While it may look like we’re simply standing still, we’re actually giving our birds the freedom to choose—and with that comes a deeper bond and a more rewarding experience for both bird and handler.
After all, true freedom comes with choice, even for our feathered friends.