Desensitization : The ESSENTIAL Parrot Training Technique | TheParrotTeacher

[@tomferrier6143]

It's great desensitizing to the point that they have no issues being in the same room or area as a scary object (for example, a stuffed/plush snake), but where they still don't trust it and avoid actually being right next to it. Makes a very effective deterrent for going on a TV or somewhere else they could damage or hurt themselves. Putting a tiny plush by the boiling kettle for coffee is a good one for me. They'll happily ride around on my head in the kitchen while I make coffee or tea but not get close enough to be hurt.

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Hey Tom, It sounds like you have a really sensible approach with regards to desense work. It makes total sense to get them to the point of "mmm it's ok" and then stop so they still have some hesitation to avoid dangers!

[@mariyant3607]

Update for my cockatiel brokdn leg. He got surgery and my brave baby is fine but little limping but he is so much better and happy for walking again. And I love all the painting behind you. And tnx for your advice from last video. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Hey there, Really glad he's doing well! Also no problems and thank you :)

[@conniecruz880]

Thank you for doing these videos

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Glad you like them!

[@ornithologydude8649]

very interesting video! desensitization is one of the most important techniques with birds, especially with falcons as they tend to be skittish!

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Definitely very useful and as you say useful for all kinds of birds and animals!

[@JUMALATION1]

My cockatiels Pico and Lili hang pretty much upside down from their perches being all skinny and cautious if I wear makeup and walk up close. During the pandemic I have been "bare-faced" most of the time, so now that I have had to put on heavy eye makeup like liquid eyeliner for online job interviews, they flinch if I get close. I recently got Lili to slightly nibble my nose again while I was wearing pretty dark eye makeup. Improvement, I guess

[@TheParrotTeacher]

lol alert alert, make up alert! You can get them used to being made up. We sometimes take Sophie's glasses off and they are like "EH?!" but we do it more often now so they are used to the change. Parrots being worried about make up is pretty common, especially with the pandemic!

[@PegMet1007]

How do you desensitize a cockatiel to new food?

[@TheParrotTeacher]

It’d be the same method as any other form! Introduce them to it slowly, show them you interacting with it, give them reinforcement for interacting with it themselves!

[@Monyartz]

What do you do if you don't have anything to reward them with? My cockatiel doesn't even want to touch anything that isn't his bird seed. He doesn't care about millet or sunflower seeds. I even notice he picks out the small round seeds in the bird seed whenever he eats, as opposed to the long ones. The small round seeds are too tiny for me to offer him as a treat/reward, i can't hold on to them with my fingers. The only thing I've managed to do is get him to perch on the palm of my hand to eat his seed from (he'll still avoid the sunflower or millet if i put it there tho), he takes a while to decide to move to it so he's still wary, and he's scared of any other movement by my hands. 😔

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Hey Mony, There’s a fair bit to unpick here so I’ll try to bullet point it or it’ll be too big for a comment! - it may be worth looking at his diet and adjusting it slightly, all seed diets aren’t the best for our little ones! - it could also be worth finding out what those little seeds are so you can use pinches of them for treats! - you could work on contact training with him regards to hands (it’s in how to pet and cuddle your bird video) - treat motivation is likely a big issue with him so a treat hierarchy test may be worth doing! I have lots of videos on cockatiels and parrot training, if you get some time check out my back catalogue!

[@Monyartz]

@@TheParrotTeacher Thank you so much for replying! -I actually do put pellets in his food dish, I grind them a bit bc he doesn't touch them whole and I figured if they were smaller he'd at least end up eating some of it when he goes for the seeds. I'm not sure how much he actually does eat though. I also give him shredded carrot and broccoli, but he leaves quite a bit alone of that too. -I'm not sure how to do the treat hierarchy when he won't touch anything but his seeds. -I'd like to start training him but without knowing what treat'll motivate him to get over his fears enough I'm not sure what to do. I'll definitely check out your catalogue, thank you again for the help!

[@TheParrotTeacher]

@@Monyartz Lots of those questions will hopefully be covered in my videos! I have videos on diet, training and treat heirarchy!

[@TeddyCrochet]

My conure is 10 weeks old, is there a certain age you would say is good to start traveling? Or just OK once we have a solid bond? My dad lives 2 hours away so eventually i'd like to take my bird with me.

[@TheParrotTeacher]

I’d say it’s good to start training with being in a travel carrier and harness at a young age! It’s lots easier to get them used to it!

[@xdave4277]

Hey wargaming Do you still use the levoit 400? And do you think I should buy it I'm in need of a air purifier would appreciate a response

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Hey Dave, We do yes. So far we've found it to be a really good purifier especially for a medium sized living room.

[@xdave4277]

@@TheParrotTeacher perfect I appreciate the reply since my parrot lives n sleeps in my room it's a bit tough with dust and it's a cockatiel so alot of dust so I think I'll be coping the levoit core 400s😁😎

[@TheParrotTeacher]

@@xdave4277 No problems! yeah for cockatiels they are kinda essential lol. If it's a smaller room you could get a smaller purifier to save on money. Also if you're in the UK use my amazon store link as it'll help me out too!

[@morganantoinettephoenix1107]

Also known as gradient exposure

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Yup, there is tons of jargon and terminology out there for these techniques!

[@morganantoinettephoenix1107]

@TheParrotTeacher I found your channel yesterday. I think its fantastic. Been binge watching. I'm planning on becoming a cockatial mum and wanted to get clued up. I had one as a child I called him cameo. Of course being a child I was not the primary care giver. Every morning he would sit with me and we ate our breakfast together. I loved him dearly. Thank you very much for your invaluable videos.

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Very kind of you to say, thanks! Cockatiels are my favourite parrot (don’t tell the conures) they are just so full of personality and expression! So good choice! Also it’s awesome you are doing lots of research first, so helpful to prepare! If you don’t want my partners channel it’s worth peeking at too @birdnerdsophie

[@morganantoinettephoenix1107]

@TheParrotTeacher wonderful I will also sub to your partners channel. Wish you, your partner and the flock a nice weekend