Training a Baby Sun

[LegendClappitao]

Hello! I have a nearly 8 month old sun named Phoebe.

I’ve been able to train her the basic step up and target, but whenever I try to train her something else, no matter how much I break it down, all she does is look at me while flapping her wings and chirping, doesn’t even acknowledge anything else.

What can I do?

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Phoebe sounds adorable! I'm no bird trainer- my budgies have no interest in learning tricks and are not motivated by any treats even though I know budgies are smart, trainable little birds.

Perhaps Phoebe needs to mature some more before she can focus better on training. At 8 months old she's still a baby. She won't be sexual mature until she's about 2 years old.

What Phoebe is learning now is to trust and to enjoy playing, both of which are essential to her future as a happy, healthy, well adjusted companion bird.

 

[LegendClappitao]

Phoebe sounds adorable! I'm no bird trainer- my budgies have no interest in learning tricks and are not motivated by any treats even though I know budgies are smart, trainable little birds.

Perhaps Phoebe needs to mature some more before she can focus better on training. At 8 months old she's still a baby. She won't be sexual mature until she's about 2 years old.

What Phoebe is learning now is to trust and to enjoy playing, both of which are essential to her future as a happy, healthy, well adjusted companion bird.

Okay! Phoebe’s DEFINITELY still a baby, I agree. She probably does need to mature

 

[rheashard2]

I agree. An adorable baby! Patience, repetition, patience, verbal praise, patience, treats rinse and repeat. Be careful. Some birds learn to train their owners. Try to reward the positive. I sympathize because my CAG will do "I am too cute to learn THAT" act.

 

[wrench13]

A good basic trick is to spin, which you start by having the bird follow the offered treat in a tight circle. 1x around then treat immediately. Training is best done at regular times and short periods. I use small pieces of pine nuts for training purposes - find out your birds foavorite and use it for that.