Positive reinforcement for unmotivated bird

[moothepoo]

Hello all,

I had been training my bird to do certain tricks, but he is so unmotivated by treats (millet, apple slices), that none of these tricks seem to stick. He is a Linnie and I cant use seeds to treat him as he doesn't like those or doesn't understand that they are delicious food.

The way I see people train either dogs or parrots to do simple command like turn around, is to use the food to turn around the animal and reward them when they did it. Then, the trainers simple phase out the food and rely on hand signals to achieve the same result. My bird is unresponsive to food, in fact, he is probably a little bit scared of it. I trained him in the morning before his breakfast and still he wont respond to food/reward.

So, how to train or how to reward birds which are unmotivated by food?

 

[iamwhoiam]

What other things does he like: is there a favorite toy that tempts him? Does he like scratches/being petted?

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Over the top praise works for Romeo-but he's a crazy cockatoo!

 

[Brandon's-Fids]

It would be great if teaching a trick to a Parrot was so easy like it is to teach dogs

 

[moothepoo]

What other things does he like: is there a favorite toy that tempts him? Does he like scratches/being petted?

Haha, I wish. He doesnt like being touched. He would step up and he loves riding on my shoulder, but the moment that I try to pet him, he would slowly move away.

 

[Lady Jane]

My linnies would kill for a bite of apple. It could be that you bird is just not interested in performing for you.

 

[moothepoo]

My linnies would kill for a bite of apple. It could be that you bird is just not interested in performing for you.

He hates me?

 

[Brandon's-Fids]

He hates me?

Not interested in performing that dosent mean hate

 

[moothepoo]

Not interested in performing that dosent mean hate

Then why? Why is my bird unmotivated? He loves riding on my shoulder, he steps up for me, and he preens me. Why would he not want to perform for me?

 

[Brandon's-Fids]

Then why? Why is my bird unmotivated? He loves riding on my shoulder, he steps up for me, and he preens me. Why would he not want to perform for me?

He probably has no interest in learning tricks

 

[moothepoo]

He probably has no interest in learning tricks

Yeah, that is what I suspect too. People say Linnies are like this.

 

[moothepoo]

He probably has no interest in learning tricks

Although he has no intention of learning, he is excellent in self learning, he can say step up, imitate my gulp and gulps when he sees a water container, imitate the microwave whenever I reach for it. He also do lunges and spin on his rope perch, and sometimes just hang upside down.

 

[karen256]

Linnies just aren't really the trick learning type.
Awhile back there was someone here who had attended a sort of 'parrot preschool' where new owners were working with their birds; they compared the GCC and Senegals to border collies, and the one linnie to a basset hound. It was cute, although of course somewhat inaccurate since they are such different species. But I have definitely found my linnie to not be interested in doing tricks or even potty training - he won't even respond to praise - while my GCC learns very quickly.
One thing with linnies is that they are just so slow to react to some things. My little guy moves in slow motion - even with a favorite treat, he has to think about it before he takes it. It makes clicker training and offering quick rewards rather difficult.

All I can suggest is finding a treat he really likes, and be willing to accept that he's probably not going to be an impressive performer. Linnies have such a calm and gentle nature, but it's kind of a trade off.
Mine does like tiny pieces of walnut - when he sees me using them when training my GCC, he will usually fly to my shoulder in the hopes he will get a piece, too.

 

[moothepoo]

Linnies just aren't really the trick learning type.
Awhile back there was someone here who had attended a sort of 'parrot preschool' where new owners were working with their birds; they compared the GCC and Senegals to border collies, and the one linnie to a basset hound. It was cute, although of course somewhat inaccurate since they are such different species. But I have definitely found my linnie to not be interested in doing tricks or even potty training - he won't even respond to praise - while my GCC learns very quickly.
One thing with linnies is that they are just so slow to react to some things. My little guy moves in slow motion - even with a favorite treat, he has to think about it before he takes it. It makes clicker training and offering quick rewards rather difficult.

All I can suggest is finding a treat he really likes, and be willing to accept that he's probably not going to be an impressive performer. Linnies have such a calm and gentle nature, but it's kind of a trade off.
Mine does like tiny pieces of walnut - when he sees me using them when training my GCC, he will usually fly to my shoulder in the hopes he will get a piece, too.

Hahahaha. That is so true. But, mine is not exactly a Basset Hound because he is actually smart on his own, he is just not motivated by what I want him to do. I may try organic peanut butter next. Just a little dab on a target stick.