Bird Training Sessions Should be Positive and Rewarding

Parrots are very smart and can be taught a huge variety of bird tricks. Well socialized parrots enjoy bird training sessions and find the interaction, itself, to be a "reward." Some birds need more coaxing to engage or trust in bird training sessions. Bird teats are an proven way to coax reluctant birds, accelerate the learning process and increase positive behavior.

Insure Bird Treats are Viewed As "Special"
Choose a bird treat that your bird has a passion for and use it exclusively for bird training. Popular bird treats are nuts and fruits, however, some birds love a particular seed.  Once you discover what treat your bird is passionate about, keep it "special" by storing it in a special container and in an area that you've designated as your Bird Training Area.  Only show it to your bird during bird training sessions. Your goal is to insure that your bird becomes passionate about bird training. The bird treats container will serve as a visual reminder of positive, fun training.  Seeing the bird treat container will create a sense of eager enthusiasm and attention.

Inspect your bird treats to make sure that they can be consumed quickly.  Bird treats should be in small size pieces that your bird can chew and swallow quickly.  Shell nuts and seeds for quick and easy feeding. Small portions are best, as they can be eaten quickly thereby maintaining focus on bird training rather than eating.  Goldenfeast Treat Petite makes an excellent bird training treat because it has a variety of flavorful bits that fit in a spoon for your bird to choose from.

Practice Quick Click and Treat
Before you start bird training, plan what specific behavior you're wishing to train. Bird tricks must be broken down into specific sequential steps.  A great resource is Clicker Training for Birds.  Once you know which specific behavior you're training, attentively watch for the specific behavior and quickly "click" and "treat."  We like to have a coiled wrist band with our clicker and a spoon attached.  A measuring spoon works well. Practice clicking and treating several times before you start your session.

Research shows that Clicker Training works! The emphasis is on quickly rewarding positive behavior and ignoring unwanted behaviors.  Please never hit, yell, or give any other type of punishment to your bird during training sessions, or any other time.  If your bird doesn't trust you, it won't learn to do bird tricks. 

A bird that trusts training sessions to be positive and pleasurable will work very hard to learn and perform tricks. In addition to bird treats, maintain a perky attitude and lavish your bird with praise. Always end your training session on a positive note when your bird has just received a reward. You'll be amazed at how quickly your bird learns to do bird tricks and look to you for expected behavior.