Teaching a bird to Fetch a ball or something?

[Michael]

BTW, does Manzi ever play with loose toys? Like a wicker ball, chewers strips, etc. Any toys that he will pick up with his beak and then maybe hold in his foot while chewing with beak?

[Manziboy]

I have seen African Grey's learn "fetch" in one day (through videos) and do realize it can be done. I was just throwing out the fact that Greys are scavengers to try and figure out why I am having so much difficulties.

Anyway, last night I tried again with an orange block that Manzi has chewed on before. Finally we made some progress because Manzi held this block in his beak for a second before dropping it (not flinging it). Since he did this, I was able to "catch" the block in the bowl much more effectively, although he still flung it about 1/2 the time. This morning the same thing happened, although this morning Manzi was not good at all about dropping it into the bowl, but he did hold it in his beak for a second or so. I think you're right MIchael. I needed to find an object that Manzi would hold. I tried many objects before, and for some reason it is finally working with this orange block. The small block does have chew marks from before, so I guess Manzi does favor this one. Anyway, I am very happy that there is finally some progress. I will work on this for a while and keep you updated on how it is going. When should I start using other objects?

[skeetersunconure]

thats good im so happy for you i remember how happy i was when skeeter finally learns a trick. so when should you start using other objects? when manzi learns to fetch the oarnge block consistently. then start using a ball or something.

[Michael]

Immediately. As soon as you have any progress you want to accustom the parrot to the universal "fetch" command and teach it that it applies to any object you give and say fetch. If you focus on one object too long, it will learn to fetch that and nothing else because the object will become the cue rather than the word or bowl. Likewise, use the bowl until the parrot gets it, but then start having it fetch to other cups, plates, your hand, or anywhere you point to drop it. Your goal is to teach the concept rather than the specific behavior because then you can easily adapt it to piggy bank, basketball, puzzle, etc.

[oranzok]

I taught my budgie Cray to fetch coins, kind of accidentally. I just played on the fact that he liked to grab them, reinforced it. Now he'll fetch until he tires out. It's awesome. Side effect is he also steals from my change jar.