Our goal of potty training with Cairo isn't for it to be on command. Some birds try so hard to please, so we want to avoid him straining himself to hold it in or let it out. I know some birds have had a prolapse due to potty training on command.
For our potty training, we watched him closely the first couple of days, and whenever he did his pre-poop fluff or went into what we call "the poop squat", we'd scoop him up and put him on his tripod stand (which is his poop perch). As he went, we'd use a cue phrase (a Chinese term). We'd make such a din every time he'd go and reward him with a treat after he used the appropriate perch.
When we keep it up, he remembers to fly to the poop perch when he needs to go (but it's something we humans need to be observant and consistent about).
When he's on our shoulders, now he knows to start yabbering away when he needs to go. He's only used the phrase once (and in context too) to tell us (I think it's a lack of confidence about his pronunciation), but at least he increases the frequency and volume of his vocalisations to let us know.
When we're out and about but he's feeling shy (which means quiet), then we just have to time it. Every 10-15 minutes, we stop, put him on a horizontal 'perch' (often times a railing), give him the cue to let him know, if he needs to go, that now would be a good time. Wait and see if he wants to go. If he doesn't, that's fine, he goes back to my shoulder, and we continue on our walk. If he does, then that's fine as well, and he'll get some praise.
We're conscious of the fact that, if not done safely, it can cause health issues. So we just try to provide him structured places and opportunities, and we're hoping for an eventual verbal cue from him.
Also, so glad you managed to get your hands on an Aviator! Do take all the time you and Crippi need to get familiar with it
For some, it takes months of positive reinforcement to go near it, let alone understand the concept of putting their head through the loop.
