target training: the first few days.

[azelea]

I am in the beginning steps of target training my Red Belly Parrot. She really seems enthusiastic about it , and REALLY enjoys the treats! I am still conditioning with the target stick and the clicker. She seems to get the point of the target stick, but is not yet ready to move around to get to the target for a treat, she'd rather sit still. Any insight? what are your stories of your first few days? How far along are you with your training methods?

 

[Aussie Ben]

Once they figure out that they have to nip the stick, I just start moving it either side of their head. Until she gets used to it, just stick within the area she can reach. Once she is doing it like clockwork, I found the best way to get them to move for it is to put the stick JUST out of reach so they have to take a step. I mean literally JUST out of reach by like 5mm, so they cant even reach it while stretching every muscle and are forced to take a step. This worked with my tiel when I tried to get her to climb the cage wall and now she is a pro. My Ekkie occasionally does what your bird does and just stares at the stick, but he is getting more consistent with success now.

Something else that may help, another member (boab95) tried splitting a chopstick and placing the treat in the end. This way the treat is combine with target and gives them more motivation to move.

 

[azelea]

ahh.. yeah she might go for the treat on the end of the stick.