If you're having problems getting the legendary birds, here is how to get them WITHOUT the
use of a friend bow;
Team up with you partner after credits roll, then go to Mt. Thunder first. Save in the
middle, and find a yellow gummi. When you challenge Zapdos, throw a sleep seed or
something at him so that he can't attack you. Then throw the gummi at him. If he eats it,
continue fighting him. If not, still continue, you just have a lower chance. Try and hit
him last yourself. If he decides to join, recruit. If not, shut down and start over from
middle point.
To get Moltres, go to Mt. Blaze with your partner and Zapdos. Save at the middle again.
Get a red gummi. When you get to Moltres, hit Team, then Zapdos, then Farewell. This will
send him back, and let you recruit Moltres the same way you recruited Zapdos. Shut down
and try again if needed.
Finally, we get to Articuno. Go with Moltres and your partner. Get a clear gummi
somewhere. Save in the middle, as always. When you get to Articuno, say farewell to
Moltres as you did to Zapdos. Once again, throw the gummi, KO it and restart if needed.