Monday, April 11, 2011

(Not) following directions

Thomas was trying to communicate something to the greys.  Probably telling them to get off of the counter.  Not surprisingly, they didn't listen.  Sometimes they listen, but that doesn't make for interesting blog entries.

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5 comments:

Elphie said...

Hi Mary,
I asked you a while back if clicker training worked with lovebirds and you said it did (or at least it could). Turns out you're right :)
It took me about a week to teach my lovebird to eat a treat from my hand without biting my fingers. I started by feeding him through the cage bars, and now he'll stand on top of his cage and eat his treat. He has even stopped threatening me when I get close to his cage or change his food.
He still freaks out at the sight of fingers if there is no treat, but it's certainly progress.
Thanks for the inspiration.
:)

April 11, 2011 at 6:41 PM
Mary said...

Elphie,

That is FANTASTIC news! I recently read a book called "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor that talks about using clicker training and positive reinforcement with all kinds of animals. It's really an amazing tool and I'm so happy you could use it to help strengthen your relationship with your lovebird. Yay!!!

April 11, 2011 at 6:47 PM
Best in Flock parrot blog said...

Yay, Elphie! That's great news! You're on your way to having a lot of fun with interesting behaviors in no time!

April 12, 2011 at 5:35 AM
Meg said...

Congrats on the lovie clicker training Elphie! Little birds are every bit as good as big ones!

And Mary, that picture is soo cute! I love how relaxed Max looks (just like someone that nods without listening) and how Stella's eyes are closed (WILL he ever finish!)

April 12, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Elphie said...

Wow...so much encouragement! Thanks everyone. I'll let you know when we make some more progress.
:)

April 13, 2011 at 7:02 PM

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