Applied Behavioral Analysis and
Reading Body Language in Raptors
“The most basic description of falconry ethics is ‘to do right by the bird’,”
Mike McDermott, The Imprint Accipiter
Why ABA?
• All behaviors have an antecedent and a consequence
• A behavior that repeats itself is reinforced, period.
• Understanding the pattern of behavior is the only way to problem solve and shape
However, understanding body language is crucial to ABA.
Importance of Body Language
• Feathers are subtle
• Raptors are even more foreign to our sensibilities than parrots
• Body language is the key to positive relationships
• Body language is the key to health and successful release
How to Develop Raptor Skills
• Teach ABA basics to raptor handlers
• Learn to read body language through simple training
• Focus on positive reinforcement
• Avoid superstitious training and embracing negative reinforcement
• BEHAVIOR not weight.
Using Jump Ups
• Learn to Learn
• Physical Conditioning
• Relationship Building
• Train the Trainer
Rousing
Bathing
Head Flipping
Relaxed, Comfortable Falcon
Eye Shape – Raised Hackles
Eye Shape – Fanned Tail
Mantling
Bating
Aggression
Ultimate Benefits
• Ease Bating
• Avoid Feather Breakage
• Eliminate Aggression
• Avoid Stress (and stress-related disease, such as aspergillosis)
Taking it to Practice
• Demonstrate, don’t berate.
• Be positive, reward clients for the good.
• Provide tools and resources.
• Encourage the learning curve.
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