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Question:

February 25, 2022

What to do after Target Training?


Hi,
This question is about my Alexandrine Parrot. He doesn’t let me touch him, only his beak, so I cannot even think of making him step up. I have target trained him really well. What next?


Answer:

Hi,

As I have mentioned before, stick training is the best thing for a bird that isn’t tame or is more prone to biting. Our taming and training page is very detailed, so that is going to be your best resource. There are countless articles and videos online that describe and demonstrate various training techniques. You have to find what works best for your bird. You have to be consistent, and understand that there are no guarantees with any parrot, and there is no set time frame. Some owners spend months teaching one simple behavior. Some parrots have their own ideas and aren’t very trainable. Some trainers will tell you any parrot can be trained. But the point of any training should be to build trust, and to provide enrichment for your bird. If your bird isn’t enjoying the activity, you shouldn’t force it. Not all birds want to interact with humans, and Alexandrines and all of the members of that genus have the tendency to be aloof and are not big on being handled. There are exceptions, and those birds can be fantastic, social pets. But for whatever reason, most of them are much happier doing their own thing with minimal human interaction, whether or not they were hand fed and socialized as young birds.

Teaching Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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