Pls help. Jealousy is hindering training of the other parrot

[CheroneseGirl]

Recently, I started training my parrots to target and recall. Training takes place in the living room, which is where their cages are located. For a couple of weeks, I've been training one at a time while the other watches. Now, Bijoux (conure) has started raising hell when it's MissChief's (cockatoo) turn to train & though, I attempt to resume without missing a beat it's distracting MissChief.

I thought training MissChief in another room was a good idea. lol Yeah, right?! That seems to make Bijoux angrier; neighbor across the street sent me a text "what are you doing to that little parrot? I kind of like hearing them but this time it sounds like your trying to kill it lol"
So, not only is Bijoux's screaming hindering training sessions with MissChief, it's embarrassing.

I'm not fond of the "cover cage to quiet" technique and only cover at night during bed time.

Please provide me with suggestions

[friend2parrots]

this is a really important issue youve raised - one I am sure many people run into while getting their birds used to a training routine.

from what you've written, i would think it might be better that you train both birds in the same room, because that is likely to help with the screaming issue. perhaps try putting each one on his or her training perch, and alternate training between the two. for instance, first give a command to Bijoux while MissChief waits, then make Bijoux wait while you give a command to MissChief, etc, etc, back and forth. this way, youre training both at the same time, and rewarding both birds during the alternation for "waiting" correctly, which should include not interrupting your training with the other bird and not vocalizing excessively.

this is just my guess - it would be great to hear what others think about this issue?

P.S. like you, I would be extremely interested in what others on the forum thought b/c I have a similar issue of jealousy in my household - my Ringo (GCC) doesnt mind hanging out with Toby (Bourke), and the two of them do alright when out of the cage at the same time, but Ringo is very jealous and possessive of my attention, and doesnt like to see me giving treats (i.e. training) to Toby, or giving Toby any kind of peronalized attention. The way I've been handling things so far is training/having one-on-one time with Toby in a separate room away from Ringo's gaze. I have not tried the method I outlined above - its something I've just thought about doing, but have held off on until Ringo's overall mood improves.

[marie83]

Its when I read things like this that I realise exactly how inexperienced I am with the situations i have been in with my own birds, i think I have had alot of good luck also.
I do think Friend2parrots approach may help you though by taking turns. I would certainly try it if in your shoes, just be wary of misplaced aggression if your in close proximity of both birds.

[CheroneseGirl]

That does sound like a good idea! Thanks! I'll try that during a "fetch" session, which I hope I can do easily with one on each training perch. I'll post results

I'm still in a crunch. I've got only 1 set of training perches & not in a position to get another set right now. I <think I> need to use both training perches re: a particular issue I'm having with MissChief, who prefers to walk to her destination. I can't get her to flap her wings when recalling! I will post this issue separately

Bijoux's jealousy is getting out of control as the little booger has learned acting up distracts MissChief or anyone else around at any given time, not just training time. Now, he's causing a scene any time I'm doing something in MissChief's cage. I've asked friends/family not to react to Bijoux but can't convince MissChief; the loud, alarming, dramatic conure screetching puts her on alert.

Spoiled rotten? Both birds are socialized but very few are comfy holding MissChief because of her size. I believe I give them both the same amount of attention.

[friend2parrots]

Bijoux does sound like quite the character!

i wonder how Michael has handled the jealousy during training situation, because I see in several of the blog videos, Kili and Truman are both out at the same time, and each looks quite well behaved and quiet - Michael, if you have a chance to read this thread, it would be great to get your feedback on this!

[CheroneseGirl]

The upside to training a jealous parrot, at least, this one, is it's motivation to keep going and going in order to be the center of attention.

I don't want MissChief catching onto Bijoux's gig and making it her own! Parrot see parrot do, good and bad.

[CheroneseGirl]

My attempt to train both parrots at the same time wasn't successful. Bijoux has become pretty good at recall and insists on flying to me rather than stay on a training perch when MissChief is on another one.

However, the morning sessions have improved with some food management because Bijoux is more focused on eating than acting up when I'm busy with MissChief!

As mentioned before in another post, I've been apprehensive about food management vs free feeding pellets because I'm not experienced in this but I've taken a baby step in (hopefully) the right direction.

Changes I've made:
No food in cage overnight and earlier morning training session. Though, I'm confident food management works, right now, I'm still too afraid to take it further. Doh!