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Training more then one parrot

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Training more then one parrot

Postby Komodeno » Mon Jan 30, 2012 2:12 am

I wish to know more about training multiple birds at the same time.
I have a Macaw, CAG and Goffin Cockatoo. All of them are tamed well and I can handle theme easily. They can step up and down and are target trained but in a simple form-following the target on a perch only. Now my question is can I target and trick train them at the same time? I'm working and wish to train them in the evening but will be very difficult to have 3 different sessions every day.
What can you suggest me?
Komodeno
Lovebird
 
Gender: This parrot forum member is male
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Location: Dubai, U.A.E
Number of Birds Owned: 3
Types of Birds Owned: African Gray
Macaw
Goffin Cockatoo
Flight: Yes

Re: Training more then one parrot

Postby Polarn » Mon Jan 30, 2012 5:42 am

personally i think you will have to train them separately, even if some tricks can be rehersed in flock... but as for learning them something I think you need to train one at the time. I only have one bird but i try and fit 3 sessions in with him each day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one at night. perhaps you can manage to get 3 sessions spread throughout the day and spend one for each bird? But as a single bird home I am not too involved in training multiple birds so someone living with more than one might be able to help you out more, but i think targeting 3 birds at once would be a hassle, also for example teaching them to turn around having todo the loop around all three of them without them moving sideways while turning...
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Polarn
Amazon
 
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Re: Training more then one parrot

Postby Michael » Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:32 am

You have to train them separately to get them to learn the initial behavior but once they all know it, it's possible to have them out and train them simultaneously (whether it's having all do the same behavior together or shifting attention from one to the others). You will be able to train all 3 separately quicker than 3 people training 3 birds separately though. First of all, train one in sight of the others and they will watch. They'll pick up on it a little quicker. Also, you'll get better at training on the first and know how to proceed better on the rest. If one is more apt to learning, train that one first and let the other's watch and learn more quickly.
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Michael
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Re: Training more then one parrot

Postby Komodeno » Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:32 am

Thank you, Michael. I appreciate your kind advice. I need to ask you some more things. When I watch you videos you was training Truman with Kili. Now what the birds need to know so I can start training them simultaneously.
My gray-Casco is target trained but if i ask him to come to my hand he will not. I believe he don't understand that he needs to fly to me. How can I make him target my hand so he can fly to me? I have noticed that Casco learn easily and is ready to start the wave and turn around. He steps every time I ask him to do so. He has a very pleasant personality and I think he can be the model of the other two.
Now my Blue and Gold - Jack is highly intelligent but have a mind of his one and respond to training but sometimes he is a bit stubborn. He can step up on my arm but not with 100 % success. He have a problem if I ask him to step on my hand in the way that I can catch his toes he will try to byte my big finger but he will step on my arm. What to do to make him step on my hand so I can control him?
And last: My new addition the Goffin - Goofy. He is very active bird and he can learn fast but when on top of is cage or inside he will not step up. He will step only if he want to. If he is any other place he will step with ease and will follow the target stick.
I need to know: what are the basics, which my parrots should know, before starting trick training. I wish to be able to teach them the re-call as you do in your videos.
I can handle all of them and they enjoy being pet everywhere.
Please advice
Thank you.
Komodeno
Lovebird
 
Gender: This parrot forum member is male
Posts: 25
Location: Dubai, U.A.E
Number of Birds Owned: 3
Types of Birds Owned: African Gray
Macaw
Goffin Cockatoo
Flight: Yes


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