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Target Stick?

Discuss the methods and techniques of clicker training, target training and bonding. These are usually the first steps in training a young parrot.

Target Stick?

Postby Pomlover2586 » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:00 pm

What do you use for a target stick? Chopsticks? i know not to let the bird chew on it....but what else can you use or do you recommend?
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby GlassOnion » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:46 pm

Chopstick!
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby Michael » Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:54 pm

You can use anything. Heck you can use your finger but I think you'd quickly regret it! The reason a chopstick is ideal is because it's non-toxic and it narrows out at the point. This allows for finer targeting later on when you want to teach the bird to touch an object it is scared of for instance. At the same time it is unique looking and won't interfere with the concepts of other objects. Don't use pens, pencils, and anything that could be toxic/dangerous if chewed up. A thin wooden dowel may be ok as well but not as ideal.

Using a clicker in addition to a target stick is a very good idea because you can click just as the beak is about to touch the tip and distract from biting to provide the reward. Without a clicker stopping the action may be more difficult and the parrot may learn to bite down hard or chew up the stick. The clicker allows you to train a gentle touch without any destruction. I've never had my parrots so much as dent a single target stick I've ever used!
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby Pomlover2586 » Fri Apr 20, 2012 12:12 am

Thanks guys! I already have the clicker, now I just need the chop stick.....may sound strange but where would I find one? Would places like target, Walmart, or Bed bath and beyond carry them?
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby GlassOnion » Fri Apr 20, 2012 12:13 am

Get sushi takeout! :lol:
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby laducockatiel » Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:54 am

GlassOnion wrote:Get sushi takeout! :lol:


I hate sushi :( it's one of one things that I wish I liked :lol:
My blog: http://the-buzz-online.weebly.com


"If we don't stand for something, we may fall for anything."
- Malcolm X"
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby cml » Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:26 am

laducockatiel wrote:
GlassOnion wrote:Get sushi takeout! :lol:


I hate sushi :( it's one of one things that I wish I liked :lol:

Eat it a few times more and you will start to like it.
Its like with a few other things, like coffee, it takes some time getting used to, but when you start to like it, you dont want to be without it ^^!
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby Wayne361 » Fri Apr 20, 2012 1:06 pm

I dont know where you live but most major grocery stores where I am have an Asian Section. Lots of chop sticks along with sushi making ingredients etc. Hope this helps.

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Re: Target Stick?

Postby Pomlover2586 » Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:39 pm

Thanks guys! I would kill for a sushi delivery place in my area but alas I have to go to sit down places. My local grocery store does have a sushi counter so i'll check there for chopsticks!
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Re: Target Stick?

Postby Michael » Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:10 pm

If you can't find one locally or an alternative, I can send you one for like a dollar. I stock them for my parrot training perch kits. Or for a little more, target stick+clicker. Contact me if you're interested.
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