Use the cage Master Yoda!

Squeekmouse

Well-known member
May 31, 2017
840
337
Illinois
Parrots
Yoda, Green Cheek Conure - Trigger, Congo African Grey
Hello all!

We brought our new feathered overlord, a Green Cheek Conure we named Yoda, home almost 3 weeks ago. He's almost 4 months old now and we are working on potty training him.

We are having pretty good success so far, but I think we confused him. We say the potty command word when he acts like he needs to go and place him in either his cage or on his playgym. We also say the potty command as soon as we see him actually pooping and then he gets picked up and praised afterwards. But now, he doesn't seem to want to go in his cage at all, and he tries to hold it to only go on his playgym. I'd much rather he go in his cage and not hold it, I don't want him to get sick. Any suggestions?

Anyone have any general advice or suggestions on training? We're thinking of getting some of the DVD's by Barbara Heidenreich "Good Bird, Inc".

Thanks!
 
OP
Squeekmouse

Squeekmouse

Well-known member
May 31, 2017
840
337
Illinois
Parrots
Yoda, Green Cheek Conure - Trigger, Congo African Grey
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I just wish I knew what we are doing wrong or how to fix this. He was doing so well for a couple of weeks and seemed to really understand the training. We never punish or scold him, but if I take him out of his cage when he hasn't pooped he is nippy and grouchy and will leap off our hands to head for his playgym, and usually poop along the way. Usually a rather large one by that point.
 

BoomBoom

Well-known member
May 2, 2012
1,722
58
Parrots
Boomer (Sun Conure 9 yrs), Pewpew (Budgie 5 yrs), Ulap (Budgie 2 yrs), Eight & Kiki (Beloved Budgies, RIP)
In the mornings, they usually let a big one go because they rarely poop in the night. During the day and right before bedtime, younger conures seem to poop every 15-20 minutes like clockwork. This is a good opportunity for you to get used to his poop-rhythm. When you know he is about to go, keep him / bring him in the cage then do the verbal command. Repeat till he gets the idea that it's also okay to poop in the cage. People who live with birds will develop a 6th sense for the poop cycle, don't worry :)

Also, have other poop stations around your place where he knows it's okay to do his business. This can be a tree stand, a table perch, a window-side perch with some paper under to catch the poop, etc. Boomer has an accepted station in every room (except kitchen) so he doesn't have to fly so far when he's really got to go. He seeks them out when he needs to.

PS. One last thing, never do a treat reward when poop training. I heard this will cause some birds to intentionally hold it in (not healthy). Praises in the form of words and action as you've been doing is perfect. Let him associate the word 'Poop' or whatever your keyword is to the act of pooping. Soon, you can ask him to poop anywhere, even inside the cage. Best of luck to Yoda!
 
Last edited:

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top