Training for baby alexandrine

[dantes_beak]

Hi all

I am excited to join the community and learn as much as I can. I have had my 4 month old alexandrine for two weeks now and already love him to bits. I got him from a fantastic breeder who hand-raised him and gave him a very loving start to life.

At this stage, he knows how to step up and is very gentle with hands - he loves being fed treats and I have not yet been bitten. I want to continue gaining his trust and engaging him in activities that will encourage him to be a happy and confident companion. The problem is, I don't really know where to start with his "training". I've been introducing him to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and ensuring that he has access to freshly sprouted seeds. I've gotten him into a routine where he has his breakfast then we have dedicated play time after which he is usually happy to nap. He loves baths and is very cuddly. I work from home so he has a lot of time out the cage.

I have noticed that he is very eager to learn and interact with people. As I have no experience with larger birds (always had cockatiels), I would love to know how to proceed. I have been watching videos on YouTube but would greatly appreciate some input from owners who have gone through this process. Is harness training beneficial? What are the basics that he should know? Additionally, I have been told that he shouldn't be allowed on my shoulder - is this warranted advice?

Any feedback would be amazing! Thanks in advance

 

[LordTriggs]

Sounds like you had one of the few good breeders!

I would say for now to just keep working at stepping up and basic things. If you want you can start going towards recall training, essentially the same as step up training but you move further away each time.

As for harness training I would save that for when he is okay with being touched all over his body under the wings and all and doesn't mind something on his back. you can work at desensitizing to a harness but that can be a back burner for the moment, don't want to overload him.

As for the shoulder it's best to keep it as a reward for a good parrot. If they're behaving and being nice then they get to be on the shoulder, but the moment they are naughty the shoulder becomes off limits until they're behaving again.

Like I say for now work on little things, keep the step up training going and very importantly, play with him! Enjoy him and have fun, IMO more important to have fun with a pet than to have a trick trained pet

 

[dantes_beak]

Thank you for your response, LordTriggs. I appreciate how you broke each element down - it makes sense to start with the basics and to build from there. I agree with your sentiment re enjoying spending time with him. Ultimately, he is my companion and will be loved regardless if he talks or can do tricks.

And I've definitely been fortunate with breeders - it took six months to find one I was comfortable with. She is lovely and continues to give me advice which shows she is truly passionate about the welfare of her birds.

Thanks again!

 

[Ashfaque]

Hi Dantes congratulations on bringing the alex home...he will soon bond with you as far as you keep giving him attention. I bought Yusuf when he was 2 months old...in the beginning he would just come and play around me but wont step up or whatever...but as he grew he developed the bond with everyone in the family except my wife who doesnt go close to him lol....he has bonded with me so much that when i am in the room he is very happy swinging in his cage and talks like crazy...as soon as i leave the room he starts quacking screaming lol...he is now 10 months old...why i said that is eventually he will bond with you as far as you spend time with him/her...welcome onboard...and good luck...


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