Treat Choices

[SilverSage]

I have never trained birds before. I have had them as pets and they have been tame and friendly, but I have never tried to teach any of them to follow commands. In a few weeks I will be bringing home my first Green Cheek Conure baby, and I want to train him, especially since I have a lot of people over at my house a lot of the time and I really need to be able to communicate with my bird about what behavior is ok and what is not, etc. The bird I am getting is on a pellet diet right now, and I will keep him on it because I believe it is healthiest. That said, what kind of easy to feed and not messy treats have you tried? I am not sure what is really healthy and what is not, other than that sunflower seeds are not, so I am told. So what do you use? I know it depends on the bird, but I would like some ideas to start out with. Also, any tips? I plan on clicker training. Thanks!

 

[MonicaMc]

Sunflower seeds cut into 1/4's or 1/6's. Safflower seeds. Millet. Dried fruit.


It is ultimately up to the bird what they find rewarding, but if you can find several treats your new bird likes, all the merrier!

 

[Julianna]

Like MonicaMc said, you have to figure out what your bird likes best; every bird has preferences, so I can't tell you the "best" food for treats. Basically any small, dry treat works, such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, but make sure that whatever you use is broken into very small pieces. I usually use cashew and peanuts for Pippi, as they're her favorite food, and I can get a whole training session out of one cashew because I use such small pieces. Birds are willing to work for very small amounts, and I think it's just as rewarding for them if they get a small piece. It also keeps the flow of training going because you don't have to stop and wait for your bird to eat. To figure out what your bird likes best, just give him a choice of several foods all mixed together in a bowl and watch to see what he picks out first. Clicker training is a great way to start, too. Good luck with your new baby and your training!