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!

Secret to Success 2 of 3: Clicker Training Your Parrot

Introduction: Why Do I Need to Train My Parrot?

Adding enrichment in the form of recreation and exercise is essential to your parrot's well-being. Trick training is a great way to give your parrot recreation and exercise. Adding enrichment in the form of recreation and exercise will minimize negative behaviors such as screaming, biting, aggression, and feather plucking. Plus parrots love the attention they get when they perform tricks. Kiwi, The Skateboarding Parrot was suffering from feather plucking. While his vet and I agree that there may be several factors that lead to his feather destructive behavior, one thing that has helped him recover was the addition of trick training and his skateboarding.

Why Does Clicker Training Work?

Clicker training instantly rewards a behavior so your parrot clearly understands what behavior is being rewarded. Treat training (giving a treat when your parrot performs a command) is not as effective. Your parrot may become confused about why it's getting a treat: because it turned around or because it leaned forward to get the treat. Don't get me wrong, you will still use treats but your parrot will listen for the clicker to know if it did something good and be motivated to perform because the parrot wants the treat that comes after the clicker. When I first started clicker training, I thought it was just adding an unnecessary step to reward training, but then I discovered it's one of the secret steps to successful training!

The Goal of Clicker Training.

The goal of clicker training is to teach your parrot that the sound made by a clicker means the parrot (or another animal) performed correctly. Here is what it will look like when your parrot is clicker trained.:

1. You give a command
2. Your parrot responds correctly
3. You click the clicker as a reward

Start Training With Clicker Training.

Clicker training is a great way to start training any trick. Use a clicker to reward positive approximations. (Check back to last weeks post about positive approximation if you missed it.) This can be teaching your parrot to talk, do a trick, or perform a task. 

Getting Started With Clicker Training

All You Need is a Clicker, a Treat, and a Parrot. 

Clicker: 

I really like the "Big Button" clickers. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Here's a link to this one on Amazon: PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker - Positive Behavior Reinforcer for Pets - All Ages Puppy and Adult Dogs - Use to Reward and Train - Trainer Guide Included

Treat: 

Kiwi's favorite treats are banana chips. I really like to give him banana chips because I can easily break them into small pieces so he doesn't eat too much. You never want your parrot to because full and disinterested in the treat while training. Also, keep health in mind, try to keep your parrot's diet balanced, don't give too many sugary fruits. Most of the banana chips and other dried fruit you find at the store have extra sugar and additives. To find healthy banana chips, you will need to go to a health food store or you can buy these from Amazon: Gerbs Banana Chips Unsweetened, 2 LBS – Unsulfured & Preservative Free

Parrot: 

If you don't already have a parrot, there is probably a local rescue who would love to help you become a forever home for a parrot. Contact a certified avian vet to get a referral or comment below with your location and we will try to connect you to a reputable rescue.

How to Clicker Train

1. Teach your parrot to associate the clicker with a reward. 

This is just like Pavlov's dog and Classical Conditioning [1]. Think of the clicker as being the bell. Now click the clicker and give your parrot a treat. Do this a few times until your parrot begins to expect a treat after it hears the "click" of the training clicker.

2. A Command + A Click + A Treat

Now, add an easy command such as, "turn" or "target" (subscribe to read next week's post on Target Training). Every time your parrot makes an approximation or a step towards your command, give a click, then follow with a treat. Read more about approximations in the previous blog post. You want to click the clicker instantly so your parrot knows what it did right and you don't give a click for it doing the wrong thing. Here's an example:

Your teaching your parrot to turn around. You should instantly click when your parrot moves its head in the way you want it to go. If you click too late you might unintentionally be reinforcing your parrot to return to its original position. Write me a comment if you want to make a video of dos and don'ts. 

3. A Command + A Click

Now that your parrot is getting the idea that the click means it did good, after your parrot makes an approximation toward your command, only give a click (no treat). Every other time give your parrot a treat, then go down to every 3rd time, 4th time, etc. Ultimately you should only use the clicker but it's still good to end training with a positive treat.

Conclusion

Parrots are very intelligent creatures and need lots of recreation, and exercise. Trick training can be a good way to challenge your parrot and interact with it. The easiest way to start trick training is with clicker training. Train your parrot to know it did well when it hears a "click" of the clicker. 

I would love to hear about your success! In the comments, post your videos and photos of you and your parrot practicing clicker training.

Sources

[1] Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning: Theory, Experiments & Contributions to Psychology - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. (2020). Study.Com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/ivan-pavlov-and-classical-conditioning-theory-experiments-contributions-to-psychology.html#:~:text=Pavlov%20said%20the%20dogs%20were,an%20unconditioned%20response%20(salivation).

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Secret to Success 1 of 3: Rewarding Your Parrot for Positive Approximations

Introduction To Rewarding Your Parrot for Positive Approximations

Training is an essential part of a parrot's wellbeing. When you begin training your parrot you may not know where to start. In this article is the absolute most important concept in training your parrot. This is the first secret to success that I will be sharing with you. My parrot, Kiwi, The Skateboarding Parrot has become nationally recognized for his skateboarding tricks, talking, and dance moves. While I tried different approaches, the keys in this article have proven most successful.

NOTE: Throughout this blog, you may find products with links. I am not trying to sell these products or get a big commission from you buying them. I am only including the link to help you easily find the products I find beneficial.

1. Rewards and Positive Reinforcement That Your Parrot Will Love

What is a Reinforcement for a Parrot?

Wikipedia defines reinforcement this way "In behavioral psychology, reinforcement is a consequence applied that will strengthen an organism's future behavior whenever that behavior is preceded by a specific antecedent stimulus." This definition, though a little wordy is spot on. Basically, a reinforcement is a consequence or reaction to something your parrot does. You may not have realized it but your parrot already has learned this. Every time your parrot swings it's toy, the bell at the bottom rings. Your Parrot knows that as a consequence of playing with that toy, your parrot gets to hear the annoyingly loud bell ring, this gives your parrot pleasure (whether it's your agitated reaction or it's the actual sound of the bell).

Reinforcements can be negative or positive. We are only going to talk about positive reinforcement. You will have much more success and a healthier bond with your parrot if you only use positive reinforcements when training.

The Best Types of Positive Reinforcements for Parrots.

Now let's take that same concept as the toy with the bell but in the application of training. Let's say you are teaching your parrot to turn in a circle. When your parrot turns around on cue, you want to reinforce good behavior so your parrot will repeat the action. What is the best way to positively reinforce good behavior? With a reward!

Verbal

Say "Good bird" or another affirmative response as soon as your parrot performs a command.

Treat

Give your parrot it's favorite treat in response to its good behavior. Did you read the previous article on treats? If not, click here to see why I recommend these: Gerbs Banana Chips Unsweetened, 2 LBS – Unsulfured & Preservative Free

Pet

If your parrot enjoys cuddles, give your parrot a little head scratch to let it know it did a good job.

2. Approximations Training for Parrots

Barbara Heidenreich is foremost my favorite expert on Approximation Training. To learn the full concept of approximation training you need to watch her video: Parrot Behavior and Training DVD: An Introduction to Training, vol 1 - Barbara Heidenreich. 

What is Approximation Training?

An approximation is a small step or movement toward the desired trick. When you first tell your parrot to "turn around" it won't know what that means and probably won't make a full turn. But it might make an approximation. Move your finger in the direction you want it to go if your parrot turns it's head in the correct direction, THAT'S AN APPROXIMATION!

Why are Approximations Important for My Parrot?

Just like all creatures, your parrot needs time to learn a new trick. If you expect your parrot to complete the trick the first time, both you and your parrot will become discouraged very quickly. You want your training sessions to be short and positive. Always end on a positive, even if it is a small approximation.

3. Rewarding Your Parrot for Approximations

Now it's time to discuss how the positive reinforcement and approximations work together. Every time your parrot makes an approximation, reward with your parrot's favorite treat or whatever positive reinforcement you prefer. Remember our example to "Turn Around"? After your parrot turns it's head, you can say "good bird" and give it a treat. Now you did it! You used a positive reinforcement to reward an approximation!

Conclusion of Rewarding Your Parrot for Positive Approximations

Do you want to teach your parrot to turn around or do another trick? Keep reading my next posts to learn more about teaching this trick. Write a comment letting me know you want to me to make a video of Kiwi learning "Turn Around" or another trick.

References

Wikipedia Contributors. (2020, May 29). Reinforcement. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforcement

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6 Things You Need Before You Start Training Your Parrot

6 Things You Need Before You Start Training Your Parrot

For those of you who don't know me, I spend a lot of my time training Kiwi, The Skateboarding Parrot. My work with Kiwi and experience training other animals has given me a lot of experience with training techniques and tools. I put together a list of my very favorite training tools and I'm sharing the list with you!
Do you want to know more about training techniques such as Clicker Training, Target Training, Positive Reinforcements, and Approximations? It's coming soon so subscribe to my blog so you will not miss it. Or join our mailing list HERE.

For your convenience, you will find the links to the products I talk about in this article. I post them because I like them, not for a commission.

#6 Your Parrot's Favorite Food

You want to be prepared to reward your parrot when they do what you ask. The easiest way to do this is by positively reinforcing their good behavior with food!
Kiwi (my parrot) loves these Banana Chips! You can have Gerbs Banana Chips Unsweetened, 1 LB – Unsulfured & Preservative Free shipped straight to your door from Amazon. Can You Say EASY?! Oh and they are food grade so it's okay if you snack on them as well. You don't want your parrot to get full, instead, keep them wanting more during training, so only give them a little. I break the pieces into large crumb sizes.
Some people use millet to feed their parrot as a reward. You can give one tiny grain to your parrot each time he/she performs a positive behavior.
When choosing a food to give to your parrot for training, pick something healthy, organic is always best. Look at the list of ingredients and be sure it's sugar-free. If your not sure if something is safe for a parrot to eat, ask your avian vet or check our list of safe & dangerous foods. CLICK HERE.

#5 Training Pouch

What better way to say "Yeah, I know what I'm doing" then with a training pouch. Not only will your parrot respect you for wearing it, but it will also be a great place to keep all those little pieces of treats.

I especially love the Karen Pryor Clicker Training Black Treat Pouch by Terry Ryan. The bag closes easily and has an exterior zipper pocket you can keep extra things like your clicker (keep reading to learn more about clickers).
Here's the description from Amazon: "The Terry Ryan Treat Pouch features a super strong hinge that stays open for easy access to food or toys. In addition to creating quick and easy access to treats, the pouch easily closes with a touch and stays closed, keeping dog noses out. The belt is adjustable and detachable, giving you the option to simply clip the pouch onto your belt or pocket. Storage pocket is large enough to fit your entire hand and an additional zippered pocket is the perfect size for holding money, ID or your pack of gum. Key ring keeps your clicker, whistle, or keys handy. Features water resistant lining for easy cleaning and is machine washable. Includes a Training Tips booklet by Terry Ryan."

#4 Clicker

As I mentioned in the introduction, I will be writing another post about clicker training but if you don't know anything about clicker training, here's a short explanation: Remember Pavlov and his dog? (if you don't just google it). Well, the clicker is like the bell. When your parrot does what you ask, you click the clicker, then give a treat. When you do this pattern enough, your parrot will start to recognize the clicker as a positive reinforcement and they will know they did something good.
If you are thinking of clicker training, you will want to get a good clicker. I love my big button clicker. It's easy to click and the wrist band keeps it easy to carry. You can get your Liobaba Animal Pet Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Bands Strap, Assorted Color Dog Clickers for Pet Dog Training on Amazon.
Be sure to get a good big button clicker. They are not expensive and much easier to use than some other versions.

#3 Target

If your parrot is target trained, you can teach him/her to do almost anything! This COA Target Stick makes target training easy. It has a telescoping arm so it's easy to store and you can use it short or fulling extended for larger movements. Don't forget, keep reading this blog to learn more about target training.
The bright color and design of the COA Target Stick is definitely best for training but if you have a tight budget or your want to start target training before your COA Target Stick arrives, you can use anything as a target. I started target training Kiwi with a chopstick! It worked great! Just make sure you don't use something too sharp in case your parrot luges at it.
Here's the Amazon description: The COA Target Stick is a key accessory for clicker training. A soft rubber bulb provides a visual target to guide the dog. Also retracts to a convenient size for transport in your pocket or treat bag. COA training products are used every day at Dr. Roger Mugford’s Training and Behavior Centre and, through this environment, we have created a comprehensive training range that enables owners and trainers to teach a dog anything from a simple sit, through to advanced tricks.

#2 Target with Clicker

And we are now at the runner up of my favorite parrot training tools, The Karen Pryor Clicker Training Terry Ryan Clik Stik for Pet Training. This is a phenomenal combo with both the target stick and the clicker. It's easy to hold and handle at the same time as handling your parrot. If you are target training and clicker training, you want to use this combo. The target has a telescoping arm and the clicker has a big button for easy and precise use. As a bonus, it even has a clip on the back to attach it to your pocket, or the treat bag.  Here's the description from Amazon:
"The Clik Stik is an all-in-one clicker and retractable target stick —perfect for trick and target training. Terry Ryan says "The Clik Stik combination frees up one of the trainer's hands. This combination means there's one less piece of equipment to drop, juggle or lose." A wonderful tool for teaching targeting, contacts and weave poles, send-away or go-outs, heeling and lots more. Target extends from 6- 23 Inch and handle includes a belt clip for easy carrying."

1# Training Stand

And we are now at my number one favorite training tool, the Xerch Perch Parrot Play Stand T-Perch. When you're picking a training perch, the most important feature is it needs to be stable. You want your parrot to feel confidant and safe on their training stand and this stand is super sturdy. It is designed to support a parrot as large as a hyacinth but comfortable enough for smaller parrots such as conures. 

Not only is the Xerch Perch Parrot Play Stand T-Perch sturdy, but it's also versatile and easy to clean. For versatility, you can move and add perch limbs to make it a full jungle gym play stand. For easy cleaning, it has an extra-large drop tray. Also, since the perch limbs come off, you can easily soak them and bake them for cleaning. Join our mailing list to see our future article about cleaning your parrot toys and perches.

A Note About Location

The location of your training is also important, you want to train your parrot in a neutral location (what is a neutral location you ask? Basically it's a place that your parrot won't feel overly comfortable in and end up distracted wanting to play, and its also not a place that your parrot will feel intimidated. The goal of a neutral area is to have a confident and focused parrot. We will talk about this more in the training techniques post coming soon). The Xerch Perch Parrot Play Stand T-Perch is designed to easily add casters so you can wheel it around from your parrot's play area to your neutral training location.

Share Your Favorites

So now you know my favorite training tools. What are your favorites? Comment and let me know what products you like. Do you make your own or do you buy them? Include links and pictures. I would love to see what works for you!

Top 10 Reasons Our Customers LOVE Their Xerch Perch

#1. Sustainable

#2. Customizable Trunk

#3. Stays Clean
#4. We Use The Correct Materials

#5. You Can Easily Add Fun Accessories

#6. It's Easy to Clean

#7. Low Shipping Cost

#8. Tray Catches All Droppings

#9. Easy to Move

#10.  Useable In Cage

Get your Xerch Perch at www.theparrotmom.com

* Xerch Perch Tray Assembly

Congratulations on owning your new Xerch Perch! To get the most enjoyment out of your Xerch Perch, please contact us as soon as you have a question or comment. We would love to see pictures of your Xerch Perch, take pictures and videos while assembling it, introducing your parrot to it, and customizing it for your parrot.

Call/Text: 929-2SQUAWK or E-mail: KiwiandTora@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Tora, The Parrot Mom

Gather

Tray Panels

• 2 Shorter (A and D)
• 2 Longer (B and C)

Tray Base

• 3 Tray Base (1, 2, 3), Newer Trays may have more base boards.

Other

• 1 Tray Base Support (Smaller than Tray Base), Newer Trays may not have a Tray Base Support.
• 12 Screws

Not Included

• Philips Screw Driver (DO NOT USE A DRILL)
• A friend to help (optional)
• Your favorite Parrot (optional):

Tip for timid parrots: let them watch you as you assemble their new Xerch Perch. When they see how it’s built and watch you interact with it, they will be more trusting of their new Xerch Perch.

Go

Step 1. Lay Tray Panel A on the floor in front of you.

The groove should be facing the ceiling.
The Circle should be on the Right and the Diamond on the Left.

Step 2. Fit Tray Base 1 in the groove of Tray Panel A.

Step 3. Place Tray Panel B on the left.

Match the Diamonds.

Step 4. Screw Stainless Steel Screws in Tray Panel B to Tray Panel A.

Gently screw 1 Stainless Steel Screw into each of the holes.

Step 5. Place Tray Panel C on the right.

Match the Circles.

Step 6. Screw Stainless Steel Screws in Tray Panel C to Tray Panel A.

Gently screw 1 Stainless Steel Screw into each of the holes.
Tip: If you don’t have a helper, use a wall, stool or something to support Tray Panel A.

Step 7. Fit Tray Base 2 in the grooves of Tray Panel B and C.

Step 8. Fit Tray Base 3 in the groove of Tray Panel B and C.

Step 9. Place Tray Panel D on top. Continue to add base pieces in alphabetical order. 

Step 10. Screw Stainless Steel Screws in Tray Panel B to Tray Panel D.

Gently screw 1 Stainless Steel Screw into each of the holes.

Step 11. Screw Stainless Steel Screws in Tray Panel C to Tray Panel D.

Gently screw 1 Stainless Steel Screw into each of the holes.

Step 12. Lie the tray on the floor with the markings up toward the ceiling.

NOTE: Some newer trays may not require a support board. If your tray does not have the outline and does not have the support, skip Step 13 & 14.

Step 13. Place the Tray Base Support in the outlined area on the three Tray Bases so that the arrows point to each other.

Step 14. Use the Stainless Steel Screws to anchor the Tray Base Support to the Tray Bases.

Tip: Turn the screw so it barely peaks out the other side, and then look closely to match it to the hole. Gently turn a few more times so it connects the Tray Base Support but is not fully tightened. Do this to each of the corners, then tighten them

Step 15. Now add your trunk, arrange your Xerches, and send us pictures of your Favorite Parrot on your new Xerch Perch.