You get out of it what you put in...

[Anansi]

My older son (7 yrs) was always complaining that Jolly never wanted to come to him the way he does to me or my wife. I sat him down and explained that, with birds, you get out of it what you put in. He was inconsistent with the stuff I'd taught him, so he wasn't seeing results. I pointed out that if he wanted that kind of relationship with Jolly, he'd have to put in the work.

What do you know? He actually listened! Hahaha! Here, for your viewing pleasure, are the fruits of his labor:
[ame="https://youtu.be/qsk6nNVofZ4"]Aidan's training session with Jolly - YouTube[/ame]

I was very proud. He wants to work with Maya next, but I think I'll ease him into that. She can be quick and downright surgical with that beak when dealing with anyone but me. But he's paying attention. He's learning. I've no doubt he'll get there.

 

[GreatBlue320]

This is wonderful to see! Good for Aidan for listening - I'm happy he is getting to see the results of his hard work.

This video is definitely encouraging for me to keep having my son make an effort with Baxter. It's would be so easy to give up and say that he is just going to be one of those birds who will only go to one person, but I refuse to give in.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[DexMom]

I have an animal lover named Aidan, too . I loved hearing the joy in his voice when he said "Good boy!" It makes my heart smile .

 

[Kiwibird]

How wonderful for your son and Jolly It's great he's learning how to bond and work with parrots so young and that you have such an exceptional bird. Hope he can make progress with miss Maya too.

 

[chris-md]

This made my night :emoticonc:

 

[Mango121913]

Awesome, can hear the joy in his voice too!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Very Nice !!! Well said

 

[camo]

Good to see Jolly teaching valuable life lessons.

I remember the first time Gizmo & then Pebbles flew to me, it was a very rewarding experience, I couldn't imagine how the experience would be at the age of 7. That has to be a great childhood memory for Aidan.

Cheers,

Cameron

 

[Allee]

Great job, Jolly and Aidan! Aidan has obviously listened and learned. It's a joy to watch Jolly fly, thanks for the smile.

 

[Birdman666]

YEP.

It's a very good life lesson. One Sarah learned early on too, and the bird's themselves reinforce. She was around the same age I think.

 

[katie_fleming]

Awesome!! I hope to have Jasper flighted one day when I can afford a house.

 

[Taw5106]

Go Aidan and Jolly! Great video! Now where is the video of Mia???

 

[Anansi]

Thanks, everyone! When I saw how Aidan had applied what he'd learned, I was just so proud of him and wanted to share it with all of you.

It truly is a life lesson, and I've already used his victory there as an example of how he should approach other challenges that he faces from day to day. (Parrots as teaching aids! Who'd have thought? Lol!)

I'm very proud of how well-socialized Jolly is as well. And my hope is to one day get Maya there, too. (Not to mention get her flying! She's a tough nut to crack in either case, but she's every bit as loveable as she is stubborn.)

Oh, and don't worry, Tracey. I'll soon have a Maya video up. (Probably not a flying video anytime soon, though. Hahaha!)

 

[Taw5106]

Oh, and don't worry, Tracey. I'll soon have a Maya video up. (Probably not a flying video anytime soon, though. Hahaha!)

LOL!!! Is Maya a tough nut? If so,YES, I agree with ekkie females, Venus is tough! I would love to see Maya in action. You have a gorgeous pair of Ekkies too!

 

[JerseyWendy]

What a BRILLIANT thread! And the title is self explanatory and oh-so-very-true!!

Loved it! Aidan's a natural, just like his Papa.

 

[Anansi]

LOL!!! Is Maya a tough nut? If so,YES, I agree with ekkie females, Venus is tough! I would love to see Maya in action. You have a gorgeous pair of Ekkies too!

Oh, yes. Maya is a VERY tough nut. Not to me, personally, as she always treats me with kid's gloves, but in terms of her behavior with other people. She's just extremely stubborn and strong-willed. But you know how it is with training. Just keep throwing stuff at the wall until something sticks. Lol!

And thank you! You have a rather attractive flock yourself, Tracey.

 

[Anansi]

What a BRILLIANT thread! And the title is self explanatory and oh-so-very-true!!

Loved it! Aidan's a natural, just like his Papa.

Thank you, Wendy!

Aidan definitely has a knack for working with birds. With that middle ground type movement that you need. You know, not so slow that you appear afraid or hesitant, and not so fast that you freak them out and put them on edge? He picked that up rather quickly. I look forward to seeing how he progresses in another year or so.

 

[Terry57]

Stephen, what a fantastic thread about perseverance! Totally agree with Wendy, Aidan is just like his Daddy...I see another bird whisperer in the family

 

[Anansi]

Awww! I'm hardly a bird whisperer, but thank you, Terr! And yes, perseverance is exactly what it's all about! (Darn! Should've worked that into the title. Lol!)

 

[JerseyWendy]

Stephen, what a fantastic thread about perseverance! Totally agree with Wendy, Aidan is just like his Daddy...I see another bird whisperer in the family

Better fix that smiley there at the end, Missy. HAHAHAHAH!!!