amazon beginner training

[feathered]

So I want to train my amazon. Hes about 15 or 16 years old. I want something more fun for him then anything else. He already knows "step up" and "no" and if you wave he will say hello but he decided there is a two hand wave limit. Otherthen that we have just kind of let him be him and his smart butt self but im beging to feel he needs more stimulation. So I was curious if there was something to work with him on stuff that more for him that exercises his brain then actual training itself. Some tips and info on how to would be great since iv never trained a bird before.

 

[Kiwibird]

If you are more interested in mental stimulation for him, I might suggest starting with foraging activities each day. Foraging is basically simulating the natural behavior of seeking out food. It is mentally stimulating, fun and self-rewarding for them. Here is a REALLY comprehensive website dedicated entirely to foraging (why it should be provided, how to make toys, how to teach ext...)-http://foragingforparrots.com

If you are looking to increase your physical interaction with him while giving him more mental stimulation, then trick-training is a good option. Keep in mind though, trick training is a slower process in older birds, but it can be done. Here is a good introduction to trick training- Trick Training Preparation

Good luck with him!

 

[Mishcka]

I tought my mom's amazom "Jake" to play hide and seek . He loved it we played it every day. I would tell him to go hide and would go hide in the cupboard LOL or i would leave a box on the floor for him to get him. Then he would yell come find me ! I would go around yelling WHERE ARE YOU ?? and when i found him he would pop out and yell "here i is " I started out hideing him in a box with a treat, and we expanding the game from there. Im going to teach My cockatoo when she is alittle older.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Mishka, that sounds fantastic! How did you teach him that?