Newly adopted CAG- when and where to start?

[Doctress]

I apologize if this has been addressed previously, but I couldn't find a thread with this specific question.

I adopted a 3 yr old CAG from a bird rescue on 4/24. So far, we are establishing trust well (his prior owners stated he was very scared of people, doesn't like to be pet, and "freaked out")... he steps up for me and my mother (whom lives with me), talks/chats with us and our 25 yr old Amazon flockmate, and loves to cuddle in my arm for head scratches every night. I have brought him outside in a cage, taken him on tours of the house, and we play with foot toys together.

Qsn: How will I know if he is ready to start training? I am starting with simple stuff (going in the cage, coming over when called). Would like to get to harness training (very difficult I know). Are there signs that he wants more intellectual stimulation? I don't want to overwhelm him too soon. I also don't want to bore him by not engaging him mentally, which can lead to plucking.

 

[wrench13]

Trick training isa great way to further your bond with him. Start with simple tricks,like tourning in a circle.
First, establish a set time and place to do your training.We use our coffee table andits always done at the same time every day.Parrots like schedules! So, take his favorite treat and lead him around in a circle ,while giving him the command 'Turn'. Start with one turn and give himehis reward. next time 2 turns.you get the idea. Try hand tricks too, Shake hands, give High Five, Wave Hello, which are all variations ofthe same action. Always give him reward assoon as he completes the action so he associates the reward wtih the action. Always be consisten in your commans and how you do the trick. Try stacked baby cups, with a bit of treat in each cup. He willqucikly learn to take them apart and hand you the cups. Greys are super smart so he should learn tricks quickly.

 

[Doctress]

We tried the "going in a circle" trick...he's not too interested.
However, he let me know he's ready for flight/target training. So we're starting with that!

 

[MonicaMc]

Honestly, you've already started with training and you're asking when to start training? Well, you already have! And it sounds like you're doing just great! Don't sweat it!


Figure out what his favorite rewards are and use that to help train new behaviors!

 

[LordTriggs]

sounds like all is going well like monica said, every little baby step is training. I would hold off harness training for now, even the best people can struggle with it, you really need your CAG to be happy with being touched all over otherwise the harness training is just going to leave a sour mood

 

[SassiBird]

I can't remember the source, but "every interaction IS training"