Treats and training

[johnandalfred]

Hello everyone,
I am trying to train my GCC to improve his behavioral responses ( no biting, get off my shoulder when I need him to get down, etc). My vet suggested that I use a treat as a positive reinforcement when training him. The problem that I am having is that I can not seem to find a food item that he loves. I have tried all sorts of fruits and seeds, but he will either turn them down or treat them as though he would rather have something else.

What are some of the food treats that you use to train your GCC?

I figure I'll find the right thing eventually, but the guessing game is a tad frustrating.

Thanks,
John

 

[SilverSage]

I use almond slices, sunflower seeds, grape pieces, peanuts, and flick's favorite; anything I am drinking or eating, but especially drinking. Also the problem could be a simple matter of training when your bird is not hungry.

 

[JessieRosie]

Rosie's favourites are sunflower seeds, pine nuts, little bits of dried dates or little bits of walnuts.

I read on this forum somewhere to make a little plate of all the different treats in little individual piles. Whichever he goes for first will be his favourite!

hope that helps!

 

[johnandalfred]

Thanks to both of you
I'll give your suggestions a try. I never considered the possibility that he could just be full when I need to work with him.

Any tips on getting a stubborn parrot off your shoulder? I'm trying to work with him on this, but sometimes I have to leave the house and he'll crawl down my back like a ninja and hide there.

 

[Katyo91]

i use applesauce! its quick for them to eat with training so you can really capture that behavior and not have to wait for them to chew up the treat before trying again.

 

[Phlox]

Even a little bird shouldn't have shoulder privileges until he/she can be reliably removed. Sometimes Phlox doesn't like it and will squeak at me, but she will always listen and get off. If she did not, she wouldn't get to go there until she learned to be consistent. I expect as she gets older, she'll have points where she doesn't get shoulder rides.

 

[SilverSage]

I agree. Until a bird steps up EVERY time it is asked, it doesnt belong on the shoulder. My birds only get shoulder privileges when I can trust them. There is only one exception to this rule in my house, and I never try to remove her myself (we are working on a totally different issue with her), but have someone come and remove her because I need to make sure she learns that she MUST get down when asked, and I know she will try to evade my hand. So don't let the bird up there until you know yuo can get him down (I know, I know, easier said than done!)