Amateur Parrot Trainer Caught on Tape!

Amateur Parrot Trainer Caught on Tape, PLEASE HELP!

OK, so I feel like a bumbling idiot and decided to video my evening session with Mr. Sunshine.

I am so glad I did because it shows how completely unskilled I am. At one point I bend down to pick up a dropped treat and Sunshine climbs down to go on my hair; he is on my shoulder and back for a moment before he flies off and to the ground.

He finally waddles over towards me and right by my service dog (Thank God she is extremely well trained) but Sunshine didn't accept my hand or offer to climb up on my arm. Instead, he made his way back over to his cage and then climbed from the floor up to the top.

You can hear me trying to stay calm, give direction and praise but I was so worried, especially when I saw a loose feather!

Most of this is caught in the first video. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEyOeKi_ecs"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEyOeKi_ecs[/ame]

The second video is me trying to reassure Mr. Sunshine all is well, and then coax him back into his cage.
[ame="https://youtu.be/sEmXKjA9gYQ"]https://youtu.be/sEmXKjA9gYQ[/ame]

Watching these makes me cringe, as I'm sure it will many of you. I expose myself in this awkward way to ask for your critique to help me better provide Mr. Sunshine's wellbeing.

I am aware I am clueless and expect to hear a long list of what I do wrong. Please, also tell me what I should have, could have, and can do next time. I love this little guy so much. He has been through a lot. I don't want to be making things worse for him because I so obviously don't know what I am doing.

Stop being so hard on yourself!
You're doing great on the overall. Lots of very little things that come with doing such things for the first time.

Consider scripting your sessions as it will likely help you. Now do not drive yourself crazy with the detail, more an outline to keep the session rolling along.
Except that 'stuff' will not go as wished! After all you are working with an Amazon that is just as interested in teaching you somethings.

Enjoy the sessions!
Have it be fun time that everyone will enjoy!

SailBoat said:

Stop being so hard on yourself!
You're doing great on the overall. Lots of very little things that come with doing such things for the first time.

Consider scripting your sessions as it will likely help you. Now do not drive yourself crazy with the detail, more an outline to keep the session rolling along.
Except that 'stuff' will not go as wished! After all you are working with an Amazon that is just as interested in teaching you somethings.

Enjoy the sessions!
Have it be fun time that everyone will enjoy!

Click to expand...

Thank you, SailBoat. A outlinline will help me for sure. I am trying so hard to learn his language. He's so darn cute !

He's already pretty comfortable with you and he looks eager to learn! I love how he mumbles and speaks to you. To me that's an indication he is really enjoying his time with you. I think you're doing VERY WELL with Mr S


Jim

AmyMyBlueFront said:

He's already pretty comfortable with you and he looks eager to learn! I love how he mumbles and speaks to you. To me that's an indication he is really enjoying his time with you. I think you're doing VERY WELL with Mr S


Jim

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Really? Never have I felt as unsure of myself as I do with Mr. Sunshine.

I love him! He is so sweet and charming and has been through so much, I just want to do right by him. I want him to know he is home, he is safe and he is loved. He deserves a happy life.

RobynnLynne said:

AmyMyBlueFront said:

He's already pretty comfortable with you and he looks eager to learn! I love how he mumbles and speaks to you. To me that's an indication he is really enjoying his time with you. I think you're doing VERY WELL with Mr S


Jim

Click to expand...

Really? Never have I felt as unsure of myself as I do with Mr. Sunshine.

I love him! He is so sweet and charming and has been through so much, I just want to do right by him. I want him to know he is home, he is safe and he is loved. He deserves a happy life.

Click to expand...

Take a deep breath and TRY to relax for a moment! LOL. How long has Mr.S been with you now? A WEEK or TWO?? Some parrots take months,or even YEARS,to come as far as you have with him. Trust me when I say that he'll definitely let you KNOW if you're doing something wrong or something he doesn't like or want to do. As been said many times over,go at HIS pace. What you have been posting has all been positive. God willing,you're going to have many,many,MANY years with this very lucky guy


Jim

Is Mr S missing a few toes on his right foot?

Its hard when your still discovering your new parrots personality, but try to be consistent in words and signals, so if you use the stick and you want him to move say move or something like that.

For pickin him up, try hand with thumb curled under, fingers together, tite, and offer his treat just out of reach so, he has to step with one foot on your hand to get it . Always say Step Up, or other verbal cue. Be consistent. Then move the teat further and further away. Training parrots is best done away from their cage in a neutral place, - bedroom or other - we do ours on the coffee table!
The cage is THEIR hood, momma, dont mess w' me there!

AmyMyBlueFront said:

Take a deep breath and TRY to relax for a moment! LOL. How long has Mr.S been with you now? A WEEK or TWO?? Some parrots take months,or even YEARS,to come as far as you have with him. Trust me when I say that he'll definitely let you KNOW if you're doing something wrong or something he doesn't like or want to do. As been said many times over,go at HIS pace. What you have been posting has all been positive. God willing,you're going to have many,many,MANY years with this very lucky guy


Jim

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It was 6 weeks yesterday, Jim. Thank you, though. I enjoy him so much. He has brought me so much sunshine into our little family. I will try to stop obsessing and relax!

The 2nd video I added show how I had to trick him to get him back in. I really want to get past that.

He is really is smart, too. I guess we will learn together.

wrench13 said:

Is Mr S missing a few toes on his right foot?

Its hard when your still discovering your new parrots personality, but try to be consistent in words and signals, so if you use the stick and you want him to move say move or something like that.

For pickin him up, try hand with thumb curled under, fingers together, tite, and offer his treat just out of reach so, he has to step with one foot on your hand to get it . Always say Step Up, or other verbal cue. Be consistent. Then move the teat further and further away. Training parrots is best done away from their cage in a neutral place, - bedroom or other - we do ours on the coffee table!
The cage is THEIR hood, momma, dont mess w' me there!

Click to expand...

Yes Wrench, He started life in a doctor's office as a novelty, I am told.

He would entertain patients and staff for five days, and then was alone Friday evenings till Monday morning. Except for the cleaning person, I am assuming it was a woman because he doesn't particularly like men and he had no fear of vacuuming, sweeping, or cleaning around and inside his cage.

He was there for 7 years till one morning staff arrived to find Sunshine had chewed his foot off to free himself from a toy his foot got stuck in.

A casual observer wouldn't even notice today. He gets around amazingly well, but I can't imagine how he felt hurting and alone, waiting for help to arrive.

Plus, I am concerned about his special needs as he gets older.

Thanks for the good advice. I reread over all the tips so generously shared every morning...after Mr. S has his breakfast.

Wrench, I've watched almost all of you and Salty's videos. I am amazed at what he can do. And it pleases him as much as it does you!

Your lifestory thread is both entertaining and informative. I am making my way through your many adventures as well.

I don’t want to interrupt our local Amazon experts, I know you and Mr. Sunshine are getting along great and getting the best possible advice. I just want to say Mr. Sunshine’s story hit me right in the heart. Unspeakable what happened to that beautiful boy, truly heart wrenching and to think it happened in a veterinarian clinic. Thank you for giving him a home and treating him with the love and respect he deserves.

***Thank you to all our members for making ParrotForums a safe haven for parrots and their people.

i can tell Mr S is a smart one. Really once he understands that you want to work with him to learn stuff, he will start learning for the shear joy of learning. He will be like a sponge.

How is Mr S with toys? Has he some now? What kind?

I'm really impressed that you rescued him from that Dr office, UGH what a life for a parrot. Our dog vet has a yellow nape that lives that life, and I feel so bad for him, alaone every nite and weekends.

Whoah, stop the presses!! Doing some research, it seems yellow fronted ( or yellow crowned) Amazons , the nominate specieis, have black beaks. Mr. Sunshine has a horn colored beak, w/ red shoulders, which I believe makes him a Panama Amazon (panamensis). 'Boats can you confirm that? Or Birdman666? I know there are several sub=species of yellow crowns ( Belize and others) but I think they all have black beaks

Panamas are like the parrot of choice in their native ranges and make great companion parrots.

From good 'ol Wikipedia:

Because they are highly sought after as pets and because of trapping of wild birds, which is now illegal, there has been a population decline. This has made them difficult to find. Panama amazons are extremely playful, can be excellent talkers and tend to be loud at times; much like the (nominate)*yellow-crowned,*yellow-headed*and*yellow-naped amazons. Though their body language is the same, Panama amazons are much less likely to become physically aggressive. Many other amazon parrots are erroneously sold as Panama amazons, because of their scarcity*

Allee said:

I just want to say Mr. Sunshine’s story hit me right in the heart. Unspeakable what happened to that beautiful boy, truly heart wrenching and to think it happened in a veterinarian clinic. Thank you for giving him a home and treating him with the love and respect he deserves.

***Thank you to all our members for making ParrotForums a safe haven for parrots and their people.

Click to expand...

It is senseless what he went through! Then he was rehomed a least twice before my neighbor rescued him for 5 years. I guess that is why I am so obsessed with knowing I am doing right by him.

Parrot Forum members have been and are a lifeline, helping me to have the knowledge and confidence I need to provide Mr. S the best care and life he deserves!

wrench13 said:

How is Mr S with toys? Has he some now? What kind?

Click to expand...

He IS smart and loves to learn.

He came to me with 3 toys; one stacked wood hanging toy, he chews on occasionally, another aged toy he doesn't bother with, I plan on taking out, and a plastic interlocking toy he loves to chew on.

I crocheted a big foraging ball out of hemp twine, stuffed it with tissue paper strips, plain brown paper strips and added hanging beads(plastic & wood), pieces of knotted and braided twine and cotton scraps, and of course tucked some sunflower seeds inside. It took me a week to get it into his cage. But he now loves it! I can keep adding surprises (as he destroys them) to the inside and he really enjoys pulling the paper strips from inside.

His favorite toy right now is the plastic screw caps from water, iced tea and milk. I did take 2 weeks till he took one but now he shreds a least one a day. He will only accept red ones (which is good cos that's what I hav most) but offer him blue and white, telling him the color each time.

I have wood blocks but he is not trusting of them yet.

Everything will be better when we get the step up down and he trusts me to spend time away from his cage.

wrench13 said:

Whoah, stop the presses!! Doing some research, it seems yellow fronted ( or yellow crowned) Amazons , the nominate specieis, have black beaks. Mr. Sunshine has a horn colored beak, w/ red shoulders, which I believe makes him a Panama Amazon (panamensis). 'Boats can you confirm that? Or Birdman666? I know there are several sub=species of yellow crowns ( Belize and others) but I think they all have black beaks

Panamas are like the parrot of choice in their native ranges and make great companion parrots.

From good 'ol Wikipedia:

Because they are highly sought after as pets and because of trapping of wild birds, which is now illegal, there has been a population decline. This has made them difficult to find. Panama amazons are extremely playful, can be excellent talkers and tend to be loud at times; much like the (nominate)*yellow-crowned,*yellow-headed*and*yellow-naped amazons. Though their body language is the same, Panama amazons are much less likely to become physically aggressive. Many other amazon parrots are erroneously sold as Panama amazons, because of their scarcity*

Click to expand...

That's fascinating! Thank you. I will be researching into that and would love to hear what the rest of you think.

Everyone here thought he was a double yellow headed amazon, including the SPCA and veterinarians. They were surprised to discover he was a yellow fronted amazon. This just keeps getting more interesting.

I love this forum and everything it stands for!

Glad to see your parrot is making progress. In a short of time he will have you fully trained.

RobynnLynne said:

wrench13 said:

Is Mr S missing a few toes on his right foot?

Its hard when your still discovering your new parrots personality, but try to be consistent in words and signals, so if you use the stick and you want him to move say move or something like that.

For pickin him up, try hand with thumb curled under, fingers together, tite, and offer his treat just out of reach so, he has to step with one foot on your hand to get it . Always say Step Up, or other verbal cue. Be consistent. Then move the teat further and further away. Training parrots is best done away from their cage in a neutral place, - bedroom or other - we do ours on the coffee table!
The cage is THEIR hood, momma, dont mess w' me there!

Click to expand...

Yes Wrench, He started life in a doctor's office as a novelty, I am told.

He would entertain patients and staff for five days, and then was alone Friday evenings till Monday morning. Except for the cleaning person, I am assuming it was a woman because he doesn't particularly like men and he had no fear of vacuuming, sweeping, or cleaning around and inside his cage.

He was there for 7 years till one morning staff arrived to find Sunshine had chewed his foot off to free himself from a toy his foot got stuck in.

A casual observer wouldn't even notice today. He gets around amazingly well, but I can't imagine how he felt hurting and alone, waiting for help to arrive.

Plus, I am concerned about his special needs as he gets older.

Thanks for the good advice. I reread over all the tips so generously shared every morning...after Mr. S has his breakfast.

Click to expand...

:11::02: This brought tears to my eyes!! Chewed his own foot to get free from a toy!! OMG poor poor Mr Sunshine!!! and being hurt and all alone on top of it all!!
He is so so lucky that you found him! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving this poor soul!


Jim

AmyMyBlueFront said:

RobynnLynne said:

wrench13 said:

Is Mr S missing a few toes on his right foot?

Its hard when your still discovering your new parrots personality, but try to be consistent in words and signals, so if you use the stick and you want him to move say move or something like that.

For pickin him up, try hand with thumb curled under, fingers together, tite, and offer his treat just out of reach so, he has to step with one foot on your hand to get it . Always say Step Up, or other verbal cue. Be consistent. Then move the teat further and further away. Training parrots is best done away from their cage in a neutral place, - bedroom or other - we do ours on the coffee table!
The cage is THEIR hood, momma, dont mess w' me there!

Click to expand...

Yes Wrench, He started life in a doctor's office as a novelty, I am told.

He would entertain patients and staff for five days, and then was alone Friday evenings till Monday morning. Except for the cleaning person, I am assuming it was a woman because he doesn't particularly like men and he had no fear of vacuuming, sweeping, or cleaning around and inside his cage.

He was there for 7 years till one morning staff arrived to find Sunshine had chewed his foot off to free himself from a toy his foot got stuck in.

A casual observer wouldn't even notice today. He gets around amazingly well, but I can't imagine how he felt hurting and alone, waiting for help to arrive.

Plus, I am concerned about his special needs as he gets older.

Thanks for the good advice. I reread over all the tips so generously shared every morning...after Mr. S has his breakfast.

Click to expand...

:11::02: This brought tears to my eyes!! Chewed his own foot to get free from a toy!! OMG poor poor Mr Sunshine!!! and being hurt and all alone on top of it all!!
He is so so lucky that you found him! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving this poor soul!


Jim

Click to expand...

I know it still breaks my heart. No thanks needed, though appreciated. I am the blessed one here. It is an honor to care for him and to love him as he deserves! He is a treasure and such a sweetheart. I adore him!

I had to re watch your two vids lol. Mr.S is very vocal with you! I wish I could figure out what he is saying to you. You need to view his house as HIS house..his safe haven if you will. Even now after nearly thirty years with Amy I'm leary of putting my hand inside his domain to remove his water/food bowls or to take out his basement papers coz there are still times he'll nail me (like the other night ) You'd think I would have learned by now lol!
He's comfortable enough with you to take nummys from your fingers.

Getting Mr Sunshine to step up will be a great accomplishment. Then you'll be able to get him away from his house and he'll have to learn to trust you. He IS a bright guy and it'll all fall in place. For a first time parront you are doing really well. Keep it up Robyn!


Jim