What age do you start training?

[Christina]

At what age do you start training your grey? Finni is 5 months old but I haven't noticed anything imparticular that he does that I would use to begin an easy trick. For example, our B&G always lifts his foot to you. So, we started his training with the wave. It was already an established motion he did, so it was just re-enforcing it with a verbal command. I use the word "command" lightly, as we all know you rarely "command" your bird, its usually the other way around!:laugh:

[lovemyGreys]

Christina, i trained my birds from day one.If it's basic training such as the " Step up " command or trick training i think the earlier you start with your bird the more familiar he will become with what you want him to do, repetition & reward is what i do, only in short periods about 10 minutes, rewards can be a treat or alot of verbal praise.Keep training sessions short, but regular so your bird doesnt lose interest but sees it as fun time.

[BMustee]

I started training mine the basics like stepping up as soon as he could perch. I just started trick training him...he learned waving hi in 15-20 minutes...it's not a flawless wave but he doesn’t need the "provocation" to get that foot up anymore. It's not hard to teach the wave to a bird that has already learned stepping up, and you could start that trick as soon or as late in life as you want.

[Hannah_Rae]

Remember, training is just getting them to duplicate wanted behaviors, so starting young is just fine. Make it as fun as possible, and a bonding time b/w you and your bird.

I know it's not the same, but when I hand raise my puppies (which I've had 3 litters in the past 4 years) They know their name, how to sit, and "spin" by the time they are weaned, because it's a game we play every day.

[Guest briansmum]

yep begin training as early as possible. anything from something simple like stepping up to something more complex like turn round can be taught from a young age. mine knows three colours even though he can't say them yet.. we're working on the fourth. and i have inadvertantly taught him to wave.. only he does it when i say "toes" it stems from a game we play and now when i say it he lifts his foot.

 

as LMG said keep the sessions short and regular, 2 or 3 times a day is enough for my grey he gets naughty after anything more, but you may find your grey is more willing. he will let you know when he's had enough. always reward when he gets it right, lots of praise works well, or small treats.

 

sometimes it can be tricky to get the beginning of a trick like you said you B&G started it by himself but once your grey gets the idea he'll learn it pretty quick. try to stick to one trick at a time and wait till one is perfected before starting another.

[Christina]

Cool. Thanks, I've always done step up...I guess I just never thought of it as training as much as just basic behavior skills. I'll start working with Finni tonight. Should be fun.

[lovemyGreys]

Good luck Christina, keep us posted on the training front

[Guest briansmum]

yes, deffinately let us know how it goes and please post any tips you find for training. we need some more action in this training room

[Guest briansmum]

by the way christina.. you said you B&G waves, theres a contest in the training room and it's not just for greys, if you have pictures or a video post them there :)

[Christina]

I didn't even think about that! I'll have to see if he will do it on video and enter.

Thanks.