Training with the visually impaired?

[dystopias]

My wife and I adopted two conures from a rescue, they're probably about 2 years old now. I've been having good luck clicker training them (they now step up onto my finger instead of biting it). My wife, on the other hand, is visually impaired and cannot read their body language - so she can't tell if they've got that "I'm about to bite you" look about them. I've tried working with her using the same method I did but it ends up being a bloody proposition.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas on how to get them to stop biting my wife? all she wants is to be able to pet them like our old bird - which may be a while off, but stepping up would be a great start!

thanks!

 

[Aquila]

I think the clicker training is a great start. I'd also possibly introduce colored gloves (like bright blue) and wear those when teaching not to bite. Have your wife wear the gloves when interacting with the birds. If she wants to change the food or water bowls in the cages, she can wear the gloves and do so, to help them also recognize what's going on.

Maybe use purple for "Okay to perch here" color, etc. Something that both your wife and the birds can recognize for different actions.

 

[dystopias]

thanks for the suggestion! do you think it would be easier to transition from perching on glove to perching on skin? would really prefer for her not to be in a position where she has to put on a glove ever time she wants to interact with the feathered friends.

 

[Aquila]

I would just use it for training, work with your bird for short bursts throughout the day and then try without the glove. If they get nippy, put the glove back on.