Parrot Clicker Trick Training
A Message from Nicole Arkinstall from Bird Boarding in Melbourne:
Hello Bird Boarders,
It is with great excitement that I am pleased to announce yet another innovative service offered to you by Bird Boarding.................
PARROT CLICKER TRICK TRAINING evenings will be held at Bird Boarding this winter.
Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced evening courses commencing June 2008 held at Bird Boarding in Coburg, Melbourne.
Register your interest by contacting Nicole on 1300 556 231 or at birdboarding@gmail.com
To follow are some anticipated questions you may seek to have answered.
Q - What is clicker training? A - Clicker training is a gentle approach to train animals through positive reinforcement. Behavioral scientists have been using operant conditioning to shape or modify behaviour in animals since the 1940's. A clicker is a plastic box with a metal strip inside it that makes a distinctive noise when pressed. Clickers were first used in 1980's to train dolphins. They are a very effective way to mark desired behaviours and can be particularly useful to train animals with little food drive. Birds motivated by food are offered rewards once the behaviour is marked with the clicker. We do NOT employ any food deprivation techniques.
Q - What kind of food is used to treat birds? A - Once on a training diet (formulated parrot pellets or nectar) most birds will readily accept hulled sunflower seeds. Granulated nuts, banana chips, currents or other human foods may be offered. If your bird is on a naughty, naughty seed based diet there has never been a better time to convert them. Contact us if you require support in doing this. Q - My bird is well behaved, why should I teach it tricks? A - Birds in the wild thrive on a daily agenda of problem solving, playing and responding to environmental stimuli. Birds in captivity also need to use their minds to solve problems. They need to have both emotional and physical outlets to channel their energy in positive ways. Training also assists in building a healthy bond between the bird and you, the trainer.
Q - My bird is friendly but has had no formal training, will it matter? A - All we require your bird to do is to perch on a bird stand (light, bilateral wing clips may be of benefit to some birds) for about 20 minutes and accept food rewards from your fingers while we create huge fuss over them. To know how to step up for the first class would be an advantage.
Q - What will I need? A - Nothing but your parrot! Parrot stands and a range of basic treats will be provided. If you wish to prepare for classes by having your bird perch on a stand at home, quality 70cm white tray bird stands are available for purchase at the discounted price of $99 for participants. Clickers will be made available at an affordable price on the night of your first class. Props for the intermediate and advanced classes will be costed as they are required.
Q - Can small parrots such as budgerigars and cockatiels take part in training? A - Some species are better suited to certain tricks, but it usually has more to do with their physiology rather then intelligence. It is possible to train any parrot (budgies and cockatiels are parrots!) most tricks. My training manuals also describe methods to train emus, penguins, vultures, owls, starlings chickens etc......please let me know if you intend to bring along a bird of prey!
Q - Where and When? A - The classes will be held in the front room of level one at Bird Boarding. The first lot of classes will be held weekly, on Tuesday and Thursday nights and will run for the month of June. Classes are limited to six parrots so depending on the amount of interest, training nights other then Tuesday and Thursday may be made available. I propose to open the doors at 7.00pm to socialise, make purchases and settle the parrots in. Training will start at 7.30pm sharp and finish at 7.50. If these times do not suit you please let us know as I may be able to run classes at other times.
Q - What are the fees? A - Each parrot enrolled may have up to two handlers present on the night. Classes are priced at $35.00 per bird per night. It will be our aim to master one trick per night. A program for classes will be provided upon booking.
Please reply email Nicole if you are interested or have any further questions regarding classes.
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