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First time training!

convivial

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My three month old cockatiel Cinna is real comfortable with hands, with being carried and will step up when asked. However, I wanted to start target training her with a stick or something so that I could eventually start teaching her different tricks. However, I can’t find anything that she’s interested enough in for me to reward the behavior! I tried a shiny plastic chopstick, the back end of a spoon, and just nothing seems to get her attention. She’s much more focused on her surroundings or looking at things than exploring the item I hold up in front of her. I’m not sure what to do. I don’t have a training perch, should I start there first?
 

sunnysmom

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Have you watched any target training videos? I think there are some on you tube.

@BirdGuy21 ?
 

charlieboy

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I am personally following this one
Charlie has trouble focusing too... Don't give up!
 

convivial

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Have you watched any target training videos? I think there are some on you tube.

@BirdGuy21 ?
I am personally following this one
Charlie has trouble focusing too... Don't give up!
I’ve found a few videos and she’s been responding well! She will reach out and touch the chopstick now with the command, and knows what to expect a bit better now. I used a napkin holder as a perch away from her cage, but if she’s not sat on the makeshift perch she loses all focus. I have a desk away from her cage that I started training her at, and if she’s not on the perch, her attention just goes straight out the window. I assume this is something she’ll get the hang of with time?
 

charlieboy

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That's awesome!! :) Yes I'm positive she will definitely get the hang of it!
 

sunnysmom

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I’ve found a few videos and she’s been responding well! She will reach out and touch the chopstick now with the command, and knows what to expect a bit better now. I used a napkin holder as a perch away from her cage, but if she’s not sat on the makeshift perch she loses all focus. I have a desk away from her cage that I started training her at, and if she’s not on the perch, her attention just goes straight out the window. I assume this is something she’ll get the hang of with time?[/QUOTE

.

I think she will. Also, I've always been told to keep the training sessions short and always try to end on a positive note. Also, end the session before the bird starts losing interest, etc
 

convivial

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I think she will. Also, I've always been told to keep the training sessions short and always try to end on a positive note. Also, end the session before the bird starts losing interest, etc
It’s been a bit difficult gauging when she’s getting tired of it, but usually I keep the sessions short! Ten mins or less and at least an hour apart. I tried introducing the target stick in her cage on her perch so that she could move a bit more to follow the stick.
 

Monica

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Try 3-5 minute training sessions instead, and you can try every hour or even 2-3 times a day. Even once a day is fine! May not learn it as fast but that's okay!
 
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