target training age...is it too soon

[Anneke]

Hi I've just started target training with my budgie Lichee and she seems to be responding correctly.
I'm just worried I've started all this training stuff to soon - I've only had her for 4 weeks and she is still a baby. Are there any 'boundaries' on training age?

[Michael]

Actually sounds like you've waited a bit too long if anything. There are no specific boundaries, but the important thing is not to hold back food for such a young bird to do training. They are constantly hungry and very quick learners so there is no need to withhold food (ok, maybe taking the dish away for an hour so they wouldn't have eaten immediately before you train, but no 6-12 hour withholding). As long as the bird is fully weaned, desires the treats you give, and will walk over to get the treats from you, you're all set to begin training.

[Roger P]

I agree with Michael, if your bird is showing interest and is weaned, then I see no reason to wait. The sooner you can set the expectations for training, the faster your bird will likely pick up the tricks. I have yet to hold back any food from Merlin prior to training. I just identified that he was crazy about almonds, and I keep that treat for training purposes only. That way he knows when he is supposed to focus on training.

[Anneke]

Thanks, that's mint! Just one more : Do you need specific training hours, or can you train whenever you have time during the day? I Don't take her food away and she's usually still interested in touching the stick for a treat. Cheers!

[Michael]

You can train whenever you want but generally they prefer an established routine. They are most active and thus most hungry in the morning and evening time. They often just rest midday so you may find your training sessions ineffective.

[michellet]

so what is the reccomended age to start target training and trick training? My GCC is 14weeks old, and I've had her for a week. She was hand reared by the breeder, so very tame, and has settled in well and is very cuddly. She knows how to step-up, but not always reliably....if she's comfortably cuddled up to my neck NOTHING (except picking her up) will make her budge!

[Roger P]

Merlin was 16 weeks old when I got him from a similar situation, and we began working on turning around within a week of him coming home with me. Shortly after that I started noticing some behaviours he had that I wanted to capture, and within a span of about 3 weeks he picked up Nod, Shake, Bat, a version of Fetch and Wings. They learn very quickly and I think that if your bird is showing interest and aptitude, age is not the issue. Whenever they are ready is the right age

[Shani]

I brought Barney home yesterday (10 week old cockatiel), and I've started target training a little already. He was out this morning and a little bundle of energy, so I stuck him on his T stand and we had a bit of a go. Went really, really well (he was following the stick around the perch), but I suspect he was more motivated by "zomg, something to chew" than obeying the 'target' command We'll see if I can get a repeat performance this evening (it's midday and he seems to be snoozing - it's normal for young cockatiels to snooze at midday right? Right? /paranoid).

Anyway, I agree with starting training as soon as the bird seems ready. It seems like a positive experience for both bird and owner. Barney had almost as much fun as I did.