Training advice

So I have had precious (goffins 17 yo) for a month now and want to start some basic training with her what's the best way to go about it clicker? Or is there another better way?? Since she is 17 is she going to be hard to train? She does step up in her cage and some times when out, I have to coax her back in with a treat? And how do I train her to not get on shoulders?? Thank you in advance

Good for you, for reaching out and wanting to do the right things.

Here's some reading that we usually recommend.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community


As for clicker training, we have many proponents here... I'm sure one or more will be along to give you their thoughts.

Welcome!

I’ve used a version of clicker training with Bumble and it’s very successful. I don’t have enough hands to manage a clicker, treats, props (for tricks) and a bird, so I just say YESSS in a high pitched excited voice where you would click.

The first thing you’ll want to do is target training-everything else you train will use this as a starting point. Get some sort of target stick (some people use chopsticks, I use a knitting needle) and put it in front of Precious’ beak. If she moves toward it at all, click/treat. Do this repeatedly. Then you migh even meet her in the middle and as she moves in, so do you so her beak touches the target. Click/treat. Repeat a lot of times (stop meeting her in the middle after a couple tries) Then move the target farther away. Etc. Eventually, you will be able to lure her anywhere you want by having her follow the target.

Finding the right treat is also important. Bumble will perform for almost anything, but others use pine nuts, almonds, special seeds for training time. That’s the ONLY time they get that special treat.

Training should be done in short (15-20 minutes at most) sessions at a regular time in a regular place.

Wrench will probably be along shortly to add to this. His Salty is a very accomplished trick bird. 98% of what I know about training I learned from him.

Mostly, have fun. If you’re having fun, Precious will know it and she’ll have fun too!


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Some good Clicker Training info: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/60435-clicker-target-training.html

Goffins are not the easiest of parrots to train. They are affectionate, very perceptive, and clownish. You'll need to find a "trick" or particular behavior they enjoy.

Age is not so much a factor as already ingrained behaviors learned over time.

The shoulder is the *most* trusted position for a parrot, as they can (even Goffins) cause traumatic injury to the neck/face/head. All of my Goffins except for one have unrestricted shoulder privileges as they have earned it and are totally trustworthy. If you don't desire this with Precious, you'll need to firmly and consistently prevent this behavior. It is a very natural inclination to be close to you, so when she tries to climb, reward her with another position, such as cuddling or placing on a play stand and rewarding.

Omg thank you thank you for the great informatuon....looks like I have some reading to do, I just want what's best for her and for her to be the happiest fid she can be��

Being motivated and loving Precious is the *most* important first step. Time, patience, and strategy will be your friends!