Training Chili.

[getwozzy]

Ok, so I've been procrastinating training Chili because I've been busy with other things. But I think it's time to finally start. I have clickers, I just need to figure out a game plan. Her wings are clipped, but that doesn't stop her from trying to fly where she thinks she needs to go...and she's getting better at it. The other day she flew from her cage to my shoulder about 4 ft away. And I've seen her take off from hanging upside down on her boing and then fly to the floor. So I think I might work on some indoor flight training to get her trained and coordinated for when her flight feathers grow back in. So, any tips, suggestions, articles, websites, videos, etc you think might be helpful -please feel free to share!!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I could never do this with Rosie since she can't jump, but everyone I've talk to (parrots and raptors) says to start flight training by having them jump to your hand. Slowly extend the distance.

Try not to save Chilli all the time, only if she's in danger. If she lands somewhere in the house and is nervous about getting off just leave her there. Maybe try leaving for a moment as motivation to come when you call her. The reason why you don't want to always run over and pick them up is very important. A bird who is always rescued will expect the same treatment after landing in a 20'-60' tall tree.

Another useful thing is to play hide and go seek. Be out of sight and call your bird, try various locations some being harder to find than others. This is another useful training method to help with the retrieval of a lost bird. It's much easier to find a bird who's actively searching for you as you call their name.

 

[getwozzy]

I could never do this with Rosie since she can't jump, but everyone I've talk to (parrots and raptors) says to start flight training by having them jump to your hand. Slowly extend the distance.

Try not to save Chilli all the time, only if she's in danger. If she lands somewhere in the house and is nervous about getting off just leave her there. Maybe try leaving for a moment as motivation to come when you call her. The reason why you don't want to always run over and pick them up is very important. A bird who is always rescued will expect the same treatment after landing in a 20'-60' tall tree.

Another useful thing is to play hide and go seek. Be out of sight and call your bird, try various locations some being harder to find than others. This is another useful training method to help with the retrieval of a lost bird. It's much easier to find a bird who's actively searching for you as you call their name.

Thanks for the tips!
I'll start working on getting short hops and then extending distance...how often should I have sessions? Once a day, every day? Multiple sessions a day?

When she flies and ends up on the floor or wherever, I usually let her try to figure it out for herself and if she needs me she walks over and gets on my foot lol but! if the kid is close I have to be careful because he whacks things and I don't want Chili that close to a potentially hazardous situation. so it's about 50/50 between saving her and letting her roam. She knows her name and also comes when I call her "come here chili!" and she scuttles over lol "what?!"

I really like the hide and seek idea! I'll have to start doing that with her!

Thanks for the great ideas Ashley!

 

[getwozzy]

Ok, so I've been working with Chili for about a week now....I've been using her table top stand since that's where she seems the most comfortable with her take-offs without too many distractions.

I've been having her go from the stand to my arm, and over time gradually increasing the distance- so far we're at two feet, which requires a big hop and a couple flaps lol but she's starting to do it without me giving a verbal que, and will happily "come" if I simply put my arm up.
So, things are progressing very well and she's eager to learn...and no doubt that she enjoys her pine nuts and praises for a job well done

 

[MonicaMc]

You need to get this on video for us!

How cool is that???? Way to go Chili!!!!!

 

[getwozzy]

Here's a quick video I took with my phone- hopefully the quality isn't too horrible lol but in this one she "comes" without a verbal que

http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums...97F027-12374-0000084AB05BD6A8_zps5fe0cb30.mp4

 

[getwozzy]

We're up to a span of 3 feet now!

 

[MonicaMc]

Awesome!!!! Chili is no doubt going to be an amazing companion! You are doing so well with her!

 

[getwozzy]

Awesome!!!! Chili is no doubt going to be an amazing companion! You are doing so well with her!

She has been just awesome. I wish I could get pictures of her snuggling with my husband cause she is too cute lol she poofs her face feathers up and looks like a little pink lion, and she rubs her head all over his chin and gives him kisses...and then he's baby talking her the whole time.

I'm so proud of her with this whole flying thing. She is a very determined girl, and her wings being clipped isn't stopping her one bit. Even if I have my back turned and 4 ft away, I'll end up with her on my shoulder if I have the right motivator in my hand.

 

[MonicaMc]

I *LOVE* galah poofy face!!!!!! One of the most adorable things ever!!!!!! (don't tell that to my conures though! lol)

I do look forward to someday having a galah, but first I gotta fill my house up with red heads!

 

[getwozzy]

I *LOVE* galah poofy face!!!!!! One of the most adorable things ever!!!!!! (don't tell that to my conures though! lol)

I do look forward to someday having a galah, but first I gotta fill my house up with red heads!

Isn't it the CUTEST thing ever?!?? The first time I saw her poof up like that, I almost died from cuteness overload. Lol.

Lol! How many red heads do you have now, and how many do you want??

 

[MonicaMc]

If you can consider a red throat as a red head, then I have two! And I need at least three! (three different species). Might make it four or five if I had the space and I could get the other species (one yet again not really being a red head, but of similar species). For now though, two conures is definitely enough! LOL

 

[getwozzy]

Ohmygoodness two conures! They must keep you busy! Haha

I know Chili keeps me plenty busy, yet I still think of getting another bird down the road lol I know when we get into the house I want to get a flight cage for our budgie and get her a friend.

 

[Jayyj]

I *LOVE* galah poofy face!!!!!! One of the most adorable things ever!!!!!! (don't tell that to my conures though! lol)

I do look forward to someday having a galah, but first I gotta fill my house up with red heads!

Likewise, one of many things to love about galahs...

 

[getwozzy]

Awwww!!! Look at Alice! Such a sweet poofy face!!

 

[MonicaMc]

LOL Jay!!!

My phone is full of photos.... seriously need to clean it off!


And I have a poofy red throat that's pretty cute! Well, I actually have three poofy headed birds!

 

[Betrisher]

LOL! When Dominic does it, he's blowing himself up like a puffer fish to frighten the Beaks off. If they get too close, he extends his wings and puffs out all his feathers so that he's twice his normal size. He opens his beak and lunges at them (but they're usually well gone by then - they're terrified of the Monster Dommie). Now, he's decided that the whole cage-top area belongs to him alone. If a miserable Beak should step foot on it, they better look out. He'll come waddling from wherever he is to do his big display and get rid of the invading Beak.

I don't mind this one bit. It makes Dommie feel good and keeps the Beaks in line (they do tend to be a bit naughty). It's *so* funny, though, watching Dom puff himself up like a school headmaster with crest raised and beak at the ready. If he had a cane, I'm sure he'd be swishing it at his side.

 

[MonicaMc]

Ok, here's my pic of a poofy galah!!!!!! Except she's not mine! (years ago, and yup! she's a cutie alright!)

 

[getwozzy]

Ok! Now I HAVE to get a picture of Chili's poofiness lol

 

[MonicaMc]

Well, you do have the one of her in your avatar!!!! That counts, right?