Secret to Success 3 of 3: Target Training Your Parrot

Summary of Target Training Your Parrot

This is a hot topic and I so excited to tell you all my secrets to make it successful. I get asked at every show experience, "How do you train Kiwi, The Skateboarding Parrot?" We have tried several styles of training and we have found the 3 key elements to successful training. In this article, I am going to share with you one of those key elements to success: target training.
NOTE: You will notice I have links to products so you can see what I'm referring to. I don't sell these items and I am not posting them to make a commission. I truly hope it's helpful to you!

What is Target Training?

Target training is teaching your parrot (or any animal) to touch a target. It's that simple! Most animals are target trained to touch the target with their nose or beak. Just about anything can be used as a target, the most popular targets for parrots are slender sticks with a "lollipop" looking ball at the end. I'll talk more about different types of targets in a little bit.

Why Target Train Your Parrot?

Target training can be useful in many applications.  I target train Kiwi, The Skateboarding Parrot to easily learn new tricks like stepping up on his skateboard. Zoos often use target training to "call" animals to a specific location to be fed. Vets recommend the use of target training to help will chronic conditions. Recently I saw a video of a macaw parrot who was target trained to hold his beak against the target while his caregiver administered eye drops into this parrot's eyes, WOW! You can accomplish so much when your target train your parrot.

What You Need to Start Target Training Your Parrot

Target

Use something you already have at your house.

target stick with clicker

As I mentioned before, you can use almost anything. The first target I used was a free chopstick I got from the Chinese cuisine around the corner from my house. You could also use a spoon for a more blunt target, or a knitting needle for a longer target.

Use a professionals target.

TARGET STICK WITH CLICKER. Now that I have more experience, I have fallen in love with the clicker target combo. It's convenient and comfortable for you to handle. It has a lollipop end to it so its easy for your parrot to touch. If you are also clicker training (click here if you missed my article on clicker training), then you need this. It solves the age-old problem of juggling a clicker and target in one hand! Click Here to read more about this clicker: Karen Pryor Clicker Training Terry Ryan Clik Stik for Pet Training

 lollipop style target stick

LOLLIPOP TARGET STICK. If your not clicker training, a basic target stick is all you need. You will want one with a telescoping handle so you can adjust it to the environment. If your parrot is on their play stand, you will need something longer than if your parrot is on your lap. Click Here to see this target stick.

BUOY TARGET STICK. Remember the macaw I mentioned before who was target trained to get his eye drops? He was target trained with a buoy target. They are more commonly found for large animal training. You can see it here.

Parrot

In addition to having a target, the other thing you need is your parrot! If you don't already have a parrot and you are reading this to learn everything you need to know BEFORE you get a parrot, good job! I'm proud of you, give yourself a pat on the back. I have a lot of resources for new and future parrot owners so stay on this blog and look around for some of those articles. 

How to Target Train Your Parrot

Question for you: I have clips of Kiwi, The Skateboarding Parrot when he started target training, Would you like to see them? Write a comment and let me know you want me to post videos.

When I target trained Kiwi, within the first day he started to understand what to do, after a few more sessions, he began targeting like a pro. So don't be nervous, it's very easy. Have fun with your parrot!

Step 1:

In a neutral training area, allow your parrot to see the target. Once your parrot is comfortable with it, you can begin moving it closer to your parrot. Your parrot may be curious and initiate touching the target to find out what it is, if so you are one step ahead and jump to Step 3. 

Step 2:

Gently touch the tip of the target to the tip of your parrot's beak. Immediately reward your parrot with a small treat or clicker.

Step 3:

Hold the target an inch away to allow your parrot to initiate touching the target. Continue to give small rewards when your parrot's beak contacts the target.

Step 4:

Each time your parrot successfully touches the target, move the target away from your parrot (less than an inch at a time). 

Conclusion

Once your parrot is successfully target trained, you should be able to stand at the opposite end of the room as your parrot, and when your parrot sees the target, it will make its way to it. Target training is very useful for training your parrot to make particular movements. Let me know what you think about target training. Leave a comment with pics of your parrot target training experience!