Meyer's Parrot Positive Reinforcement Training

Toby and Joseph from the Parrot Behavior and Training DVD Part 1. This is an update of what Toby has learned since the DVD was filmed.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• parrot
• behavior
• positive
• reinforcement
• training
• meyer's
• bird

[GoodBirdInc]

He was handfed and the aviary requires the new owners to visit regularly. In my experience it is more about the training techniques one uses that influences biting. Since the aggressive behavior Joseph has learned about positive reinforcement training and now has had tremendous success with toby. In addition to all this, toby now will run an obstacle course, allow nail trims and is comfy in a towel. Great job Joseph!

[AirKrow1]

i have 2 parakeets and i try to do all these things but they always fly away from me and fly to the other bird. Any advice?

[GoodBirdInc]

You bet: ) Make it your goal to really watch their body language. If they look even the slightest bit nervous, back off a bit. Try to gradually introduce something they like, such as millet spray and associate that with your presence. Think of it as trying to get a wild squirrel to approach you. It is about going slow, being gentle and providing something of value to the bird.

[captmicha]

I went to this class and they made it so complicated about how to train a bird to step up!

Just do what you did. Have your hand between him and the treat so he' fixated on having it and just views your hand as a non threatening perch.

[GoodBirdInc]

There is a video clip on the Good Bird Inc website that details how to train step up for positive reinforcement. Showing the treat is a good start : ) Over time I switch the treat to a "target" so the bird does not depend on seeing a treat to do the behavior. And yes I agree your hand should be non threatening. I teach people to keep their hand still and let the bird do the work of coming to you. This way it is the bird's choice, amd his choice results in a desired outcome...he gets treats!

[myroosterwilleatyou]

My parrot bites when i scritch him on the head or play with him- not out of fear or anger but lovingly or cause he can- how can i prevent this? also how can i prevent him crawling onto my shoulder?

[GoodBirdInc]

Toby did this as well. By teaching him through positive reinforcement the problem was resolved. I suggest you visit my website for more information on positive reinforcement training. There is also a video clip there on targeting that can help with the shoulder issue. YouTube doesnt allow websites to be listed in comments to avoid spamming. Just google Good Bird Inc and/or Barbara Heidenreich to find the site.

[abirdslife]

great reinforcement training !!

[tdfn]

Wow! Really great job! Fantastic :)

[12fourlife]

Was he handfed because i've heard most of the time if there handfed and you spend some time with them before you take them him home they won't bite. is this statement i've made true or false.

[flybybutterflies]

WELL DONE! I train my guinea pigs and hamsters too. =)

[matthewpin]

How old is toby? I have a meyers and he just turned 5 months and he's starting to vocalize alot more. I hope to have him trained as well as Toby!!! Any tips or hints you can give an amature?

[captmicha]

Hey, I'd sit on your arm for some sunflower seeds!

It might hurt though.