Old bird, new tricks?

[Littlebird2]

IPO is 17. I know he knows a few words, and steps up but that is about all. Is he too old to learn new things? Words? Maybe potty train? I would appreciate any help or info anyone would have. I do not want to stress him. it would be fun but not. Necessary.

 

[MikeyTN]

Absolutely not, they're never too old to learn new things! I really have no idea how old my ekkies are when I got them, they give me maybe type of deal....Which they might be 8 years old or so now I have no idea. And my Dixie is over 20 years old and I can teach them all new stuffs all the time, they catch on quickly.

 

[antoinette]

They are never too old to learn
How long have you had IPO for?
Spend time talking and playing with him
The more you interact with your bird, your bonding will grow and there will be results.
Make sure the time together is fun and stimulating

 

[Hayden1987]

There is definitely no issues with age and learning capabilities... i spent months training a 47yo sulphur crested too to do free flight for a live show.. and this bird had never flown in his life until then...
Just take your time, dont push to hard and always be positive
The more fun you make things the more interested they are in learning.

Goodluck

 

[Littlebird2]

Thank you. I have had Ipo for about 6 mos, he has been at the rescue as I knew I was going to Alaska for a few months and didn't want to take him home and take him back. One of his issues was the number of homes he has had,. I did see him everyday before I left and interacted with him. He did get out of his cageone day and found me in the kitchen
Washing water bowls for the birds. He can't fly because of his bad wing, so
He just sort of waddled in and squawked until I noticed him.i do love that little guy.

 

[maillet]

Eclectus & Senegal & Amazon are the only breeds without a Learning Index. (namely a time in their life where they learn nearly everything then cease the learning effort)

Eclectus are also easily motivated by their stomach. Find their favourite food that can be rewarded in small pieces then remove it from their dish entirely for 2-Weeks.

Then simply award the "treat" when they do desired behavior. A trick to a parrot is merely a pattern of motions that result in food. Who would not want to do that?!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Eclectus & Senegal & Amazon are the only breeds without a Learning Index. (namely a time in their life where they learn nearly everything then cease the learning effort)

Eclectus are also easily motivated by their stomach. Find their favourite food that can be rewarded in small pieces then remove it from their dish entirely for 2-Weeks.

Then simply award the "treat" when they do desired behavior. A trick to a parrot is merely a pattern of motions that result in food. Who would not want to do that?!

Do you have a source for that learning information? I've met very few older birds who are not excited about learning.

 

[BillsBirds]

I agree. I have taught & trained & tamed many older birds. Most of whom I had no idea how old they were, or their previous experiences. They are never too old to learn things, if you make them interested in learning, and make it fun & rewarding for them. I, too, wonder where those "learning index facts" are from.

 

[maillet]

You can read about them on most Major Avian Research Journals. These are more of a guideline for when is best to teach certain birds behaviours and manners for life.

Eclectus & African Greys & Senegal & Amazon do not have this period. They learn at the relative same rate throughout their entire lives (allowing for high mimicry in time), you could compare this to how humans learn vs. a prolonged "Fledging" type of time.

Most other Parrot Species (e.g. Cockatiels, Conures, Love Birds, and Macaws) have a window (Between 6 Months to 5 Years) where they learn MUCH more rapidly. After its past they can still learn although it is much slower and they often return to old habit.

 

[Littlebird2]

I don't know. I would do a lot for an M&M! Thanks. I didn't know about the learning index. Corn is by far his favorite food and he gets it as a treat now. If I put out in with his food he just tosses everything out to get to the corn. So could I use that?

 

[Featheredsamurai]

You can read about them on most Major Avian Research Journals. These are more of a guideline for when is best to teach certain birds behaviours and manners for life.

Eclectus & African Greys & Senegal & Amazon do not have this period. They learn at the relative same rate throughout their entire lives (allowing for high mimicry in time), you could compare this to how humans learn vs. a prolonged "Fledging" type of time.

Most other Parrot Species (e.g. Cockatiels, Conures, Love Birds, and Macaws) have a window (Between 6 Months to 5 Years) where they learn MUCH more rapidly. After its past they can still learn although it is much slower and they often return to old habit.

Thanks for explaining, that's really interesting