Clicker training my new parrotlets

[Jessie1285]

Hi,

I recently purchased two parrotlets from two different situations. The baby is the more tame of the two, and I purchased a clicker online that I hope to use with her. Neddie is food motivated and will take millet from my hand. If I can successfully use the clicker with Neddie, I'm going to use it with all my other birds, including a gcc baby that is weaning right now. Very excited about training.

 

[Biddy]

Hi, I have seen them used on utube and they seem quite successful, do let us know how you go as I have been considering buying one myself.

 

[alicat]

I want to start clicker training my cockatiel once she settles in.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Calpurnia]

My favorite resource for beginners interesting in learning about how to use clicker training with their birds is the book by Melinda Johnson: "Getting Started: Clicker Training for Birds". Though a formal read is not necessary to pick up and use clicker training I really enjoyed this book for a couple reasons.

First it explains in detail the premises behind using a clicker (for example why is the clicker considered a bridge?) as well as the science of operant conditioning. It defines the differences between positive and negative reinforcement, as well as positive and negative punishment, and why/when it is appropriate to use which. Second it goes into step-by-step detail how to teach dozens of different tricks/commands. Finally, it describes how to understand bird behavior and read bird body language so that your training/bonding can go as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

Overall I wish you luck with your training! I've found it to be a wonderful way of bonding with hand-tamed birds as well as gaining the trust of more timid ones.

 

[Jessie1285]

So I don't have my clicker yet, but with "millet training" I got Neddie to step up into my palm and she came out of the cage for a bit! Such a good girl. Proud of her!

 

[Jessie1285]

Have my clicker, have plenty of millet, and just bought the book recommended in this thread. As soon as I'm done with the book I'm going to start!

 

[Jessie1285]

Still reading my new book so have yet to start with the clicker, but Neddie is reliably stepping up with various treats (walnut, nutriberries, millet). Ash, the rescue is still cage bound but she comes to her front perch with the cage door open and chirps to me when I talk to her. The parrotlets also want to be friends which is great, but they can't be cage mates until they are both stepping up without food.

 

[mochiballs]

There's a girl on tumblr Part Of The Flock who post videos and information about how she's clicker trained her parrotlets.
Just thought it might be a worthwhile resource?

 

[Jessie1285]

Oh great thank you! I'll be checking that out for sure!

 

[Jessie1285]

So today during my millet training session, cage bond Ash decided to come out of her cage on her own to hang out with Neddie. She flew around the room once, and then went in Neddies cage and stayed. Neddie went into Ash's cage. I can tell they really want to be together, but then it's going to be impossible to tame them. I do feel bad though...

 

[Jessie1285]

So Neddie visited Ash tonight, and they were so happy, I let them stay together. It'll be harder for me, but it's better for them.

 

[Monica]

Monkey see, monkey do... it might be easier working with two birds instead of one if one ends up learning from the other.

 

[Jessie1285]

Monkey see, monkey do... it might be easier working with two birds instead of one if one ends up learning from the other.

I hope so! They are very happy together.

 

[Beth In Alaska]

My friend, who is a curator at the Anchorage Zoo and who trains all of the birds there, suggests a whistle is easier than a clicker so your hands are free.

 

[Monica]

Not everyone can whistle! A tongue click could work, too. One could also get a treat pouch to hang on their belt/pants to free up hands.

 

[Beth In Alaska]

Not everyone can whistle! A tongue click could work, too. One could also get a treat pouch to hang on their belt/pants to free up hands.

Shannon actually uses a physical whistle in her mouth!!!

 

[Jessie1285]

 

[Jessie1285]

My husband got to hold Neddie and give her head rubs. She was grinding her beak!

 

[Beth In Alaska]

View attachment 219473

oh my gosh soooo cute. tiny little terror!!!

 

[Jessie1285]

oh my gosh soooo cute. tiny little terror!!!

She is! She is so so little and cute. Such a personality though!