Potty training questions?

[thelonelysnake]

I understand that potty training birds can lead to them holding it in but is it possible to train them WHERE to go rather than when to go?

If so, how would I go about doing this?

[Harpmaker]

Try this thread http://theparrotforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1758.

In essence, you take advantage of the fact that parrots hold it in all night. Get to them when they first wake up, and put them where you want them to go. When they do, say your training phrase (like "go potty") and praise them. Do NOT treat them for this, because some parrots will hold it long enough to affect their health just to get the treat.

Also, don't expect them to ever be perfect at it. Still, any improvement can be good.

[Pajarita]

And what happens when, one day, the owner is out on vacation or in the hospital or wherever and cannot take the bird out of the cage for him to 'go'?

[Harpmaker]

That's why you don't give them treats for it, Pajarita. But it is certainly something to take into account before you get them "too" well trained .

It is also true that it can be more difficult to find a good "parrot sitter" than a good "dog sitter", and stuff happens that you didn't plan for. Maybe you want to train them to go in more than one place? with one being inside the cage? I'm not sure how to do that.

[Wolf]

That's why you don't give them treats for it, Pajarita. But it is certainly something to take into account before you get them "too" well trained .

It is also true that it can be more difficult to find a good "parrot sitter" than a good "dog sitter", and stuff happens that you didn't plan for. Maybe you want to train them to go in more than one place? with one being inside the cage? I'm not sure how to do that.

Simple! Make the place you encourage them to go is their cage. Just put them on their cage for a few minutes every 15 minutes or so and they will make the association all by themselves over time, mine did.

[Pajarita]

Well, the not giving them a treat for it doesn't really mean anything. I've never trained a single parrot with a target stick, a clicker or a treat. All I do is repeat the 'command' and, when they do it right, I praise them - that's all! And it has always worked like a charm although I'd assume you get faster results if you do give them a treat .