scared of clicker?

[XxangelxX]

I recently bought two love-birds. They are not afraid of when I come near the cage, but are afraid when I use a clicker and they start freaking out when they hear it. I offered millet this morning and the female accepted it. 30 minutes later I clicked with the clicker and they started freaking out. Do I have to use a clicker?

 

[Teddscau]

I definitely like using a clicker for training. The trick is to muffle the sound when you're first teaching them that "click" = treat. Parrots have very sensitive hearing, and any sudden sounds can be frightening for them.

When I first started clicker training Noah, I'd have the clicker in my hand between my thighs to muffle the noise. The trick is to click and immediately give them a treat. Do this half a dozen times per session, at least half a dozen times a day. Once they've got the association down, you can click, then wait a few seconds before giving them the treat.

Certain species (African greys I think? Or maybe it was cockatoos) have to be trained using a whistle because clicking means aggression or something like that in their language.

I found the Parrot Wizard to be quite informative when it came to teaching Noah.

 

[Scott]

Modern technology can replace the old-school clicker! There are "Dog Clicker" smartphone apps that can register more than one tone, and equally importantly adjust sound.

I have one for a wicked and sinister workplace purpose. Those of you who are union members would likely understand! I have never, and won't likely use it, but it is fun to know it exists!!

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Try putting the clicker in your pocket. It takes away the harsh high tones of the click that some parrots don't like.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Ive never used a "clicker". I understand some people do, but ALL the birds I have ever had respond just fine to just plain ole English... plus Ive never seen a bird in the wild with a "clicker" in his pocket. Me.. I just use words/gestures/touch to train mine... that's what they do with each other in the wild so..........Key is consistency with simple words/ phrases/ gestures etc... They quickly learn what I am asking/telling them. Just this ole farts 2 cents.. good luck.

 

[Scottj]

I would think introducing a clicker to 2 birds at the same time would be very difficult if not next to impossible. Unless the only thing you wanted to teach is click equals reward. Even then one bird might understand click=reward and the other learns click=reward for him not me=kill him and steal reward, or some such thing. For good results you would need to work with the birds
individually away from each other. The idea with the clicker ultimately is to "capture" a good behavior and reward your bird for it. 2 birds at once they will never get it and it would be more confusing than anything. Once each bird is clicker trained you could likely work with one in proximity of the other as long as you were clearly addressing one bird.

I am a new bird owner and am having great results with clicker training but exact timing of the click is critical.