Trick training treats, Safflower seeds

[Cage Cleaner]

I've been feeding my conures hulled sunflower seeds cut up into thirds, but the cutting up part is getting to be annoying. I also know that it's not the healthiest thing I could be using to train, but it's already an improvement (fiscally, too) from what the previous owner used to feed him years ago: pine nuts.

What do you guys feed when trick training? I was thinking about switching over to safflower seeds, which would be MESSY, and also kind of time consuming when they eat it. Wanted to get some ideas.

[Michael]

Just get a classic parrot seed mix (what most people feed their parrots but shouldn't). Put a mix of it in a bowl and give to your parrot a few days. Within a few days it will develop a preference and you'll be able to see which it eats first, second, and not at all. Use the top favorite treats only for best behavior in training, difficult tasks, or breakthroughs. You can use the less favorite seeds in the beginning of training and work your way toward more favorite ones as you keep going to maintain motivation.

Nuts, fruits, and table foods can also make great treats. It's all about what your parrot likes or learns to like. I sometimes use pellets straight from the cage as treats cause the parrots really like them.