Learn a Little: Minnow, the Fish Crow

Flight Training

Avian flight training is very beneficial to birds in captivity. This type of training provides an activity that is vital to bird health, allowing them to exercise, stretch their wings, build muscle, sharpen coordination, and most importantly, satisfy natural instincts. It also allows captive birds to express natural behaviors, boost confidence, and reduce stress.

One of the Cook Museum’s Live Animal Ambassadors, Minnow (the fish crow), participates in regular flight training. To begin, Minnow must first be comfortable with carrier training. This is when Minnow successfully goes into her travel carrier voluntarily so she can be transported. Minnow, a member of the corvid family and a highly intelligent animal, knows that she will get time outside of her habitat if she goes into the carrier. It is completely up to her if she wants to participate, it is never forced.

Once she is in the carrier, she’s given a reward and can now safely travel to a bigger space where she has room to fly. One or more of her trainers will set up stations throughout the room. After the trainer gives a cue, Minnow will fly to that station and receive a reward. The next trainer will repeat this cue, and Minnow will fly to the next station. This will continue until Minnow is tired, no longer interested, or until the trainers run out of rewards.

During these sessions, Minnow and her trainers are building a trusting bond, which is important for a successful training session and a healthy relationship. Flight training gives birds in captivity the freedom of flight in a safe, controlled environment.