Training questions!

[fallensheep]

I have a one year old jenday conure.
He is very sweet and no nipping problems BUT
How do I train him to stay away from my shoulders when I want him to?

Also putting him back in his cage is almost impossible!

I love him to death but I don't think he respects me.

So how do I start training him to respect and somewhat obey?

 

[MaiTai]

With Mai Tai I angle my elbow up making it hard for him to get to my shoulder.

 

[fallensheep]

I do that but he just flies to my shoulder....
XD
Are your bird's wings clipped?

 

[Mel]

My birds wings are clipped so she doesn't fly up but we have our "power struggles" quite regularly where she desperately tries to climb up my shirt or arm and onto my shoulder. I keep taking her off & putting her back onto my lap or forearm, some days as soon as she's back down she tries to climb up again and it can go on and on for ages until she finally gives up. Fortunately the battles are getting fewer and don't last as long.

 

[DustyDusky]

My birds wings are clipped so she doesn't fly up but we have our "power struggles" quite regularly where she desperately tries to climb up my shirt or arm and onto my shoulder. I keep taking her off & putting her back onto my lap or forearm, some days as soon as she's back down she tries to climb up again and it can go on and on for ages until she finally gives up. Fortunately the battles are getting fewer and don't last as long.

Just be persistent. Keep moving your bird off of your shoulder, much like Mel has said. Sooner or later your bird will catch on that you dont want him there.

Dusty's wings are also clipped. Though I do know a few people who do not clip their birds wings and by being persistent and moving the bird when they go somewhere they shouldn't, does eventually stop them.

 

[Spiritbird]

What do you mean when your write "my bird does not respect me?" It is difficult to train a bird if they do not trust you. A human shoulder is a place they can be close to their flock member provided there is no biting. You cannot train a bird to respect you. Over time you will gain their trust. Do you have experience with other birds?

As far as getting bird back in the cage. Is the cage attractive to the bird? Suggest you make it comfortable to the bird with nice toys, food, water, perches and so on. Move slowly and perhaps get the bird on a perch and try to put back in the cage that way. Remember birds can feel your emotions and if you are stressed or angry the bird will be that way too. Good Luck.

 

[DustyDusky]

A trick i used to use to get Dusty in his cage when i first got him was to place a short perch on the door of the cage. (when i first got Dusty he was more interested in being with people than he was to be in his cage.) If Dusty thought he was going into the cage he would flip out, though he did like to hang on the outside of his cage. This is where the perch came in. I would leave the cage door open, place him on his perch, play with him a bit, then slowly close the cage door. Ta-Da Dusty was in his cage!

 

[MaiTai]

I do that but he just flies to my shoulder....
XD
Are your bird's wings clipped?

Yes his wings are clipped.

 

[Spiritbird]

Hi Fallen: Here is a good way to get a bird in or out of a cage. Put a perch on the inside of the door. When ready to put bird back into cage have the door open and just put the bird on that perch and close the door. Wa Lah bird is inside the cage with no fuss.

 

[Ecclipse]

SB is right...Fallen, go throught the forum and check that you have made sure that his cage is stimulating, toys to his liking etc. How long are you spending time with him? I might be having a dorf moment but why wouldnt you want your parrot on your shoulder? Does everyone else know something I dont know? When I have Hugo on my shoulder and I sit on the couch he ventures down onto my lap and I can stroke him and give him attention but mainly scratch him and talk to him when he is on my shoulder. Should I be doing something differently? Hugo doesnt like to get on and off my hand so I use my arm and when putting him back on the cage I place my shoulder against the cage. Are you struggling to get him off your shoulder or that he keeps on climbing back out before you have had time to shut the cage? I see Hugo like a child where he deserves to be treated with respect but there are certain areas that are not up for discussion. I know that he has enough toys, time with me and correct food so when its time to sleep he sleeps, when its time to be back in the cage he goes. Im not a bully but I balance his routine which has space for change but allows him to enjoy playing, interacting and having his own time alone to play by himself. Bonding is the only way forward...the more hours you put in the more you will get out of your feathered friend. It might be different for me because Hugo has never ever been in a closed cage since he has been with me...his cage is always open and he has learnt to stay in his area where he has a playgym and area above the cage to explore.

 

[Spiritbird]

Good posting Jess.

 

[fallensheep]

What I meant by respect is basically follow my guidance, like when I try and put him on my arm instead of my shoulder he does not go there. XD
I realize birds kind of do what they want.
I don't want him on my shoulder because a lot of what I have read has said not to let him on my shoulder.
The problem has kind of resolved itself because Dante has his days where he does not want to be on my shoulder but my lap, etc. instead.
I have only had him for a week now.
I guess I am just rushing with him and I realize the error in my ways.

Thank you everyone for your input etc.
<3

 

[Winston1Smith2]

I used to have trouble getting Cracker back in his cage. What I did is I let him see me change his food and water before I put him back in his cage. I worked like a charm for me, but Cracker is a big chow hound. I do not know how such a small bird can eat so much food!

 

[Ecclipse]

Your doing great!!!! you have joined the right forum and I learnt so much here...keep us posted on how things are going. I have made some really big mistakes but luckily I was supported and guided by the members on this forum...the fact that your seeking out info and wanting to find out other peoples points of views shows that your a great gaurdian!