[nicklecompte]

> Mollaret seemed to think that, because crows are smart, their behavior should be predictable and programmable—even if his own behavior wasn’t. He was treating ecology like a subset of mechanics, as though the crows themselves could be turned into cogs in a machine.

In particular it's hard to get a crow to do tedious, boring chores for some almonds or whatever when they know there's relatively fresh pizza in a dumpster 2 blocks down the street.

[Swizec]

> In particular it's hard to get a crow to do tedious, boring chores for some almonds or whatever when they know there's relatively fresh pizza in a dumpster 2 blocks down the street.

I have the same problem with my parrot. He’s too smart and unlike dogs has zero desire to please. If he doesn’t like the trick you’re teaching him, or it’s taking too long, he’ll just fly to the nearest food bowl and help himself. He even knows where the treats are and will get them himself if you’re taking too long.

On the other hand, he actively prefers treats in foraging boxes. He’ll fly to his treat bag, get your attention, then fly to a foraging puzzle and indicate “yo put that shit in here”. They love foraging.

[yareally]

That sounds about right. You wouldn't happen have a Green Cheek Conure, would you?

[Swizec]

Sun/Jenday Conure mix

[yareally]

I have a cinnamon green cheek, exact same behaviors. Loves to forge, knows where all his treats are so we have to hide them. Goes nuts when he sees a walnut like a little dog. They're "cheeky" little guys :)

[bagels]

My first thought was that if they are smart enough to trade for food, they're also smart enough not to.