Very stubborn bird.

[Azure Hanyo]

I have started trick-training with Galileo, since she has finally decided I am worthy of her time and doesn't bite me for blood anymore, woo! She steps up when she feels like it, even with clicker and food reinforcement, and when she doesn't want to work on training she will wander off and nip at me when I "make" her step-up (since she won't do it voluntarily) by gently pressing up on her breast with my finger. I rotate her favorite foods as treats (crushed peanuts, flax seeds, chopped-up veggies and banana).

Does anyone have any advice for me on how to get my stubborn girl to pay attention to training? I know I should be patient, and believe me I am, I am just looking for any tips. I don't want to deprive her of food to make her hungry, but I am thinking that is just about going to be the only way to get her motivated enough. I am thinking those who know caiques know of the stubborness of which I speak, bahahaha...it seems to be inherent!

[HyperD]

The most common step to take is to withdraw her access to food.

If you notice specific times that she eats (usually in the morning and evening), then withdraw the food before then and then see if she is more willing...

If that doesnt work then increase the time between withdrawing her food and when she eats... Obviously I dont need to mention to not starve her...

[Azure Hanyo]

Obviously I dont need to mention to not starve her...

Now...are you SURE?

I thought taking her food away for a bit was going to be my only option... Sigh. Oh well. Thank you.

[skeetersunconure]

skeeter is sorta the same way with stepping up...

[Michael]

Take away the food to train the initial behavior. Once it is learned you can use Variable Ratio Reinforcement to maintain it and much less hunger/deprivation is required.

[Azure Hanyo]

Well she knows a couple tricks already- she does turn-around and whistles pretty much on cue, but only when she feels like it. If she doesn't she just wanders off and gets into trouble.

Thanks for the suggestion Michael. I will start that after she is back to her normal, non-molty self.

[rashed liswi]

hi..i have a new senegal that i got in my home..know this bird is so stubborn when i want to feed him by hand he wants to grab it by his leg,,,,and when i want him to step on my hand he puts out one leg and as if he is a bit scared!!!
i beg you people plz tell me what i should do im really in a bad condition with my senegal i will appriciate any help from anyone

[Jenny]

take a look thru the Taming & Basic Training threads. You'll find plenty of info there. Also, look into some Barbara Heidenreich products. You just need to learn some basics.

http://www.goodbirdinc.com/parrot-store-dvds.html

[coolhady13]

as everybody said take her food out ,few hours before training . because simply why would she want a treat if she already have food and not hungry

http://trainedparrot.com/taming/