Training Advice

[stephend]

I would like to train Bob to do some tricks, sing and/or whistle interesting tunes. I have a problem in that he does not seem interested in treats or toys. He enjoys sitting on my shoulder, and sometimes his baths, but he seems disdainful of toys and less than thrilled with treats. I may be lacking imagination on both.

The only food treat I have tried with his is sun flower seeds. If I offer him one he will take it, crack it open and then drop every bit of it on the floor. It seems as though he only does that much to be polite.

Any advice?

 

[kitt]

Are you sure he is dropping all of it on the floor. He may be getting the very middle of it which is the treat itself and then getting rid of the shell.
I have never owned a teil so I am not a big help here. Does he have a favorite fruit or something like that....I hope someone can offer some good advice on this...good luck.

 

[stephend]

Teils are supposed to love sun flower seeds, but he just drops them after opening them. I have checked what he drops and the seeds are in there, often times still whole sticking halfway out the shell.

 

[Allen Max]

I have heard that the early morning time is the best time for learning even in birds.Take your pet parrot with you to walk and in park try to teach your birds skills,how to sing and what ever you want.I think he will understand better in nature.

 

[stephend]

No trips outside till he will wear his harness. He is currently clipped, but I have seen him fly from the ground at one end of my apartment to the top of a door at the other end. He seems to be getting more comfortable with the harness, but he still won't let me put it all the way on.

 

[Adams]

I do like this .The early morning time is really best for learning and to teach as well.

 

[IcyWolf]

Have you tried using little bits of millet as a training treat? Most 'tiels go nuts for that.

 

[stephend]

He likes millet, and I have tried offering it to him as I hold him with the neck loop on. He will take a seed and then continnue to fight. From what I have observed of his personality once I get it on him and take him for a walk he will stop fighting and look forawrd to the harness. It's just getting him to realize that the harness is not evil that is the hard part.