To break a bird of the habit of snatching food from the fist, what should a falconer do?

Feeding tidbits from the fist is an effective method to break a bird of the habit of snatching food. This approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and encourages the bird to focus on waiting for the smaller portions rather than grabbing larger chunks in a snatching manner. By offering tidbits, the falconer can promote patience in the bird, reinforcing the behavior of calm eating directly from the trainer's hand. This process also aids in building trust and strengthens the bond between the falconer and the bird.

Using larger portions from the fist could exacerbate the snatching behavior, as the bird may feel the need to grab more impulsively. Allowing the bird to eat while flying could lead to distractions and encourage undesirable behaviors instead of correcting them. Employing harsher training methods might induce fear or anxiety, which can ultimately harm the training process and the relationship between the falconer and the bird. By focusing on tidbits, the falconer fosters a more desirable and controlled eating behavior.