Including some simple positive reinforcement training
strategies early in life can better prepare young parrots to be successful in their new home. Beni the blue throated macaw andWrigley the double yellow headed Amazon parrot featured in the video clip are parrot ambassadors at the Kaytee Learning Center. Both of these birds were for- tunate to be raised by a breeder who knows the benefits of training young birds with positive reinforcement.These two birds continue to be confident, interactive, well be- haved representatives for the parrot community.
CUTE, CRITICAL AND CORE BEHAVIORS Once a parrot has left the breeder, learning is not over.
In fact learningwill be ongoing for the life of the bird.That is why it is important to remember the mantra “You get what you reinforce.” Make it a goal to reinforce EVERY- TIME your bird does something you like. This includes stepping onto your hand, onto a perch, going back in the cage, recalling, etc. Behaviors you would like to see your bird present need to be reinforced or they will go away. Throwaway the notion that a bird should just be expected to behave. Plan on guaranteeing it by reinforcing desired behavior.
A well behaved parrot is the result of this commitment
to reinforcement.Thismeans decidingwhat behaviors you want, spending a little time training those behaviors, and then maintaining them throughout you and your parrot’s life together. Some behaviors may be more essential than others. I have categorized them into Cute, Critical and Core behaviors.
Core behaviors can be essential to a well behaved companion parrot. Photo credit: Les Tension
Cute behaviors include simple tricks like a retrieve. Photo credit: Barbara Heidenreich
12 Good Bird Magazine
Critical behaviors are important for the health and welfare of your parrot. Photo credit: Barbara Heidenreich
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