How I Train
The method I use to train is called Positive Reinforcement. That just means that when the birds do what I want them to I give them a reward, and that causes them to want to do it again and again so they can earn that reward. Rewards vary; sometimes the birds reward is a sunflower seed and other times it is a hug, kiss, or verbal praise. Anything the bird likes can be a reward.
When they do something wrong, I put them in time out alone so they will understand that type of behavior will not be tolerated. After a few minutes alone in time out I bring them back out to continue where we left off. It doesn't take many time outs to teach them a lesson because, more than anything, they want to be with me. Being with me is fun and rewarding and being in time out is boring and lonely.
Training sessions are short, lasting only 10 minutes or less. The reason is I want to keep it enjoyable for them so I quit while things are still fun. All they remember is fun so, when it comes time to train, guess where the birds are? That's right, at the door to be with me. Even though their cages are very large, I never have to go inside to get them. They want to come out because being with me is fun.
When they do something wrong, I put them in time out alone so they will understand that type of behavior will not be tolerated. After a few minutes alone in time out I bring them back out to continue where we left off. It doesn't take many time outs to teach them a lesson because, more than anything, they want to be with me. Being with me is fun and rewarding and being in time out is boring and lonely.
Training sessions are short, lasting only 10 minutes or less. The reason is I want to keep it enjoyable for them so I quit while things are still fun. All they remember is fun so, when it comes time to train, guess where the birds are? That's right, at the door to be with me. Even though their cages are very large, I never have to go inside to get them. They want to come out because being with me is fun.
Before I Train
The first thing I must always remember, before training ever begins, is that these are wild animals and I must respect that fact at all times. It is very unnatural for a wild animal to trust people, or any other creature, because, in the wild, they would not survive if they did. So, the first and foremost important aspect of training is relationship.
Before we ever start training, I spend many months developing a close relationship with each bird because training is based on trust and in order for trust to be in our relationship, we have to get to know each other. That way, I know what to expect out of them and they know what to expect out of me. That understanding enables me to train them in such a way that is not only good for me, but good for them, as well. Their well-being is number one to me. Every bird is equally important to me. Some are smarter and easier to train than others, but I care for them and treat them all the same. They each play an important part on our team.
Before we ever start training, I spend many months developing a close relationship with each bird because training is based on trust and in order for trust to be in our relationship, we have to get to know each other. That way, I know what to expect out of them and they know what to expect out of me. That understanding enables me to train them in such a way that is not only good for me, but good for them, as well. Their well-being is number one to me. Every bird is equally important to me. Some are smarter and easier to train than others, but I care for them and treat them all the same. They each play an important part on our team.
General Information About The Birds
In the wild, the Macaws come from South and Central America; and the Cockatoos come from Australia, New Guinea, and other small islands in that area. All of our birds were born and raised in the United States.
When they are born, they are only about an inch tall and are fully grown by the time they are 12 weeks old. They grow so fast that you can almost see them growing.
These birds live to be 70 to 90 years old.
Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, sprouted beans and grains, fruits and vegetables, supplements and, always, fresh water.
At home, they live outdoors. Each bird has a cage that is 6 feet high, 6 feet deep, and 4 feet wide, where they can get plenty of exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. They have wood to chew on, toys to play with, and each other to talk with so they stay busy.
When they are born, they are only about an inch tall and are fully grown by the time they are 12 weeks old. They grow so fast that you can almost see them growing.
These birds live to be 70 to 90 years old.
Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, sprouted beans and grains, fruits and vegetables, supplements and, always, fresh water.
At home, they live outdoors. Each bird has a cage that is 6 feet high, 6 feet deep, and 4 feet wide, where they can get plenty of exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. They have wood to chew on, toys to play with, and each other to talk with so they stay busy.
A Word About Birds As Pets
Everybody thinks they want a bird like this for a pet. They are not for everybody. They are and will always be wild animals. When they are babies, they are usually very easy to handle and fun to play with, but, as they get older, with most birds, it becomes a different story. Their natural instincts and hormones begin to take over and the trouble begins. In the wild, it's all about survival, which means whatever it takes to stay alive. They can become territorial, jealous, and fearful, which in turn, can lead to aggression, screaming, and other negative behaviors. It takes knowledge, skill, and commitment to manage such behaviors.
If you are considering getting a bird for a pet, I suggest that you thoroughly educate yourself about their requirements for care, handling, and behavior management. I also suggest that you start with something small, like a parakeet or a cockatiel, to gain the experience necessary to deal with a larger species. Most big book stores have the latest information available on care, handling, and behavior management of pet birds. The internet is another good source of information.
Most of all, make sure you are willing to make and follow through with a commitment to do whatever it takes to care for your bird in such a way that it ensures it's health and happiness for as long as you own it.
See you at the show,
Michael
If you are considering getting a bird for a pet, I suggest that you thoroughly educate yourself about their requirements for care, handling, and behavior management. I also suggest that you start with something small, like a parakeet or a cockatiel, to gain the experience necessary to deal with a larger species. Most big book stores have the latest information available on care, handling, and behavior management of pet birds. The internet is another good source of information.
Most of all, make sure you are willing to make and follow through with a commitment to do whatever it takes to care for your bird in such a way that it ensures it's health and happiness for as long as you own it.
See you at the show,
Michael
