Beginning clicker training. Help!!!

[Michael]

First of all, welcome to the parrot forum. I think you will find many useful topics, knowledgeable members, and courteous staff.

The fact that your parrot enjoys attention/praise is very good and you should cherish that because some people's parrots couldn't give a hoot. Food based treats are best for formal trick training. For informal good behavior and playtime, attention is often the best reward.

To establish food treats there are two necessary things. First off, the bird has to be hungry to some extent. If it just had a complete meal (think of having a big big dinner and then being offered something yummy but you just can't eat any more) it is less likely to accept, desire, or work for food. The second part to it is establishing a treat. You have to find out what your bird likes and just because other birds like sunflower seeds is no guarantee that yours does. Offer yours a parrot mix and see which seeds it chooses and keep those in mind. Never again feed those seeds to it except as treats. Also try fruits, seeds, nuts, and pasta as treats and see if it likes those. Good luck.

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