We keep the birds on 2 feedings á day, pellet breakfast and veggie/fruit dinner, and both parrots are now supermotivated at every training session, and are maintaining a stable and well established weight (with more than two years of weight data).
In fact, they are almost TOO motivated, but I think this is what has made a difference.
I have been at teaching Leroy to be grabbed and lifted for the better part of a year, with more intense training on and off but limited success.
Here's where we are now:
He doesnt mind a hand on his back, but no matter what, he leans away from it and it doesnt matter how motivated he is or how slowly I try to progress (see above). I've therefore decided just try to lift him , and successfully done this about 4 times the past week (only did it every other day to slowly make him used to it, to avoid flooding), in addition to taking a few steps back and holding the hand slowly, then gradually moving it closer etc - just the way I've taught Stitch to be lifted (and by the reccommendations in Michael's blog and book).
I want to stress here that he isnt reacting negatively towards being lifted, other than leaning away. He doesnt bite nor does he fly off.
I am however afraid that I might make him afraid of my hands - what do you reckon, is this a risk? As it is, he isnt afraid of them at all, he steps up, lets me scratch him on his head (when it suits him
), does flight recalls etc.Should I back off again?
The rest of his training is going so well, he's learnt a new trick in only a week or so which I told you guys about in another thread, he now knows fetch again
. He's my champ, but lifting is a training area in which we are struggling!Would love some input on this.
