Keas using stick tools & learning by observing each other

The use of tools by parrots and other birds has been observed for a while. A new study conducted by Dr. Alice Auersperg shows this also in Keas. What is particularly remarkable about this study is that Keas who were not able to retrieve a treat with a stick tool . . . more

Parrot Care | Egg Laying & Breediness Problems

One issue in parrot care is that in spring time many pet parrots become breedy. Days are longer and the diet is often richer and more varied than during the winter season, as fresh greens, herbs, fuits and vegetables become abundantly available. All this signals to our birds: perfect time . . . more

The "Come" Command

The bird school | 6. The "up" & "down" commands

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw Lizzie is trained to “come” to me when called. This is another basic obedience lesson that all parrot trainers should teach their students.

For more details please refer to my book: The Bird School. Clicker Training for Parrots and Other Birds.

Enjoy and have . . . more

The "Up" & "Down" Commands

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw Lizzie trains her first basic obedience exercises: The “Up” and “Down” commands. Any parrot trainer ought to know how to teach his feathered students at least some basic well-behaved-parrot exercises, such as these.

For more details please refer to my book: The Bird School. . . . more

The Obstacle Course

Clicker training | parrot | 5. The training parcours

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw Lizzie is taught to run through an obstacle course. This is an important lesson for parrot trainers who are training with birds that are easily scared. It allows especially the more sensitive parrot types such as Budgerigars and African Greys to lose their fear . . . more

First Obstacle

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw Lizzie is taught to follow the target stick and conquer her first obstacle. This is preparatory training for other exercises a parrot trainer will teach his students.

For more details please refer to my book: The Bird School. Clicker Training for Parrots and Other . . . more

The Target Stick

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw Lizzie is trained to follow the target stick. This is the most important training tool for the parrot trainer.

For more details please refer to my book: The Bird School. Clicker Training for Parrots and Other Birds.

Enjoy and have fun training,

Ann.

. . . more

Clicker Conditioning

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw Lizzie is conditioned for the clicker. This is the first exercise a parrot trainer teaches his pupil.

For more details please refer to my book: The Bird School. Clicker Training for Parrots and Other Birds.

Enjoy and have fun training,

Ann.

. . . more

Treat Testing for Clicker Training

The bird school | Clicker training | Treat testing

In this video, my Greenwing Macaw hen Ms. Lizzie shows the treat testing exercise. This is an important prerequisite to clicker training. All parrot trainers should take this step before starting with the actual training.

Lizzie joined out flock in late November, 2010. Being busy, I have not had the . . . more

Pellets - food for thought

I am no fan of pellets. The reasons for my critical view of this very common dietary staple for parrots are outlined, below. Of course, there are some exceptions in which pellet feeding does make sense in my opinion. These I have also outlined below.

Contra 1. Ingredients

Pellets generally . . . more