Target training questions

[Joshuwaaa]

Hi,

I've never tried target training before, mainly because most of my parrots have passed this stage before I have got them, so I just wondered if anyone could answer some simple q's for me on the basics.

I understand the concept but;

Should I start from inside the cage, or out of the cage?

How would I offer a treat if the bird is unwilling to accept from me?

Could I use a straw as a target? It's colourful and soft?

Any feedback is appreciated, thanks guys

Hope your all well!

 

[Anansi]

Hey, Joshuwaa. I would start inside the cage if your bird is still shy about stepping up to your hand. You want him/her to be comfortable. And first thing you want to do is to establish the stick as a conduit to treats. So first you would point the stick at a point in the air near his head. (As near as you can get without freaking him out, of course. Lol) Most parrots' natural inclination will be to investigate the stick wit their beaks. As soon as they touch it, but before they have the chance to bite it, take it away and offer a treat. After doing this a few times, they will associate following the stick with getting treats. Then you start targeting areas within the cage, slowly targeting places closer and closer to the door of the cage.

Your second question is a doozy, but my thought would be that you need to build the bird's trust in you to the point where he will be able to accept treats from your hand before starting target training. (Attempting this training between meals, when they're at their hungriest, will increase the likelihood of them going for that treat in your hand, though. There's no motivation when they're already nice and full.)

I think you mean if a straw would be good as a targeting stick, right? If so, I don't see why not. Though I personally prefer a wand like piece of wood, or a wooden pointer, so that I can tap audibly at his target. Might just be me, but it works with my bird.

Hope that helps. There are also a lot of good video demonstrations on YouTube. Good luck!

 

[Jayyj]

I use a small glockenspiel beater - perfect size and she instantly recognizes it. As long as I don't take up the glockenspiel it's ideal!

Here's a Youtube clip I got the basics from:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqtptXFyb2c]How to Target Train Your Parrot | Parrot Training - YouTube[/ame]