Training with Rayne
April 12, 2024 by Ellen -
Someone recently asked for an update on Rayne’s forehead, and here it is! As many of you who follow the blog already know, Rayne has a chronically dry forehead. It is a distinguishing feature that makes her easy to identify within her group, but can also be itchy and we assume somewhat uncomfortable for her. Because of this, Jenna wrote a plan (awhile ago) to apply lotion to Rayne’s forehead in an attempt to moisturize it and help with the dryness.
Rayne with a magazine and box of enrichment items
The update is that Rayne is a genius and has been allowing us to regularly lotion her forehead, using a paintbrush! She is especially helpful during these sessions as once we paint some of the lotion onto her head, she quickly rubs it in. Rayne’s favorite part of these sessions seems to be the juice she gets as a reward, and she especially loves getting to finish off what is left of it by the end of our session as a jackpot for a job well done. Immediately following these sessions, her forehead appears shiny and well-moisturized, making her look almost like a completely different chimp. We will be continuing to apply lotion to her forehead regularly using a paintbrush, and may try using different lotions to see if they provide more lasting effects.
Rayne’s forehead after lotion application
Enjoy some bonus photos from a forage with Jamie’s group today. The weather has been beautiful today, and both humans and chimps are enjoying it.
Foxie and her doll
Jamie with as many mini peppers as she could carry. This looks very similar to a different photo of Jamie we posted recently…Jamie loves her mini peppers!
Missy in motion
15 Comments
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What a difference! I know it must be helping with the itching. Thank you for taking such good care of her.
If it’s safe, perhaps you could try Vaseline.
After thought – or maybe even aloe.
they have to assume that anything used will wind up in her mouth
I would recommend calendula oil. It is easy to make;
let calandulaflowers soak in (olive) oil in a pot with a lid for a few weeks, then strain and you have very healing oil for the skin.
beautiful training. have you ever considered sending pictures to a vet specializing in skin conditions? maybe there is something more effective. just a thought:hugging:
how is Gordo – i worry about him
Rayne, you look even more beautiful than usual, and you’re worth all the extra juice for the good job you do, rubbing it in! Girl to girl, I find coconut oil works really well (and it tastes good too, if there’s any left on your fingers!) Keep up the good work.
Do you still use coconut oil on Rayne’s forehead? If yes, she must smell so yummy delicious! I think it is great Rayne rubs in the oil herself. If you are looking for something heavier in weight that might last longer, perhaps you could try Leaping Bunny to see if they have a product that would work for Rayne’s skin. Dry skin can be so irritating, her spa and juice sessions must be such a treat for her.
Thanks so much for pampering Rayne. Can’t get over how young and beautiful she looks afterwards.
Her forehead looks like it might be more comfortable after appying the lotion. Thanks for letting us watch. Rayne looks like she is proudly displaying her magazines to everyone. It’s a great picture.
I’m not surprised Raynee’s a genius – enough to look into her eyes! (not to mention her family tree….) She evidently enjoys this training session, and, I guess that’s not only because of the treat juice, but she also wants to make you happy with her cooperation. The moment when she’s nodding after a successful brush-stroke is just lovely. What an extraordinary lady she is! Thank you for caring about her dry skin!
this was absolutely fascinating. it just goes to show clicker training works for everyone! and rayne keeps track — one brush stroke only before she gets her juice!
Rayne’s forehead looks amazing! So much more moisturized! Rayne is a smartie, so it’s no surprise she’d pick up on the PRT quickly!
As for Jamie, that lady sure loves her peppers! It seems every time you guys put them out for a forage, she grabs an armload!
I’ve noticed a difference in latest videos, it seems to help!
I wonder if it can helped from the inside…can Rayne get some Vitamin E (or D? whichever one helps) with her morning smoothie?
wow! looks amazing!!! what a beautiful, amazing. smart chimp lady!!! ?
Looking terrific Rayne baby! You have such wonderful humans:heart::heart: