I think we lucked out when we got Twitter. He's PERFECT. Sure, I'll admit it, he's not the colour we were looking for - but he is seriously the BEST personality we could have have found. We got the lottery, and he is definitely the bird that was meant to be ours.

 

We have had him for just over 24 hours.

 

He's finger ladder trained

Chatters back if you chatter to him

Complains if you leave the room for too long

sits on your lap

eats millet spray from your hands and fingers

Is already understanding click/reward

and will step up onto my daughters fingers from mine.

 

He is loooooovely. So so lovely.

 

I thought I would chronicle his training, inspired by Squee's adventures too.

 

I plan on getting a new clicker since I cant find my old one (currently using a pen)

 

Hoping to make him a playgym this weekend

He sounds gorgeous! You're lucky to have (what sounds like) a half-trained budgie! Keep up the training, i'm sure he'll be even more gorgeous & adore you totally!!

Aw, what a sweetie. He sounds exactly like my Squee when I first got her (in fact, it was the reason I got her - she came right up to me and nibbled anything I offerred, out of curiosity).

 

I am so pleased you've been inspired by Squee's adventures and I am really really looking forward to seeing what you both up to. Please keep a log of it here I also highly recommend joining the bird-click group on yahoo, there is a link in the first post in Squee's thread. There is a huge repository of informatoin about clicking, including what to teach first (for example, they don't advocate learning step up first because it encourages them to 'beg' anytime you are around and you don't want to keep reinforcing that. Always start with targetting, using something you can take away and hide when you don't want to be training).

 

I personally would have left him alone for a few days to let him adjust to the new world around him. It is easy to rush into these things, but I think at the start it is important to establish trust and understanding. Though it seems he has already accepted the changes pretty fast!

 

I have another caution with a bird like this, although I see it more in larger bird species, but be very careful of over bonding (my conure gets very stressed when I leave the room and throws tantrums - I have to keep him busy with TV, captive foraging and lots of toys. I'm scared he'll turn into a feather plucker. Obviously not as common in budgies but be aware of their need for social contact and companionship).

 

You clearly love him already. I am sure you will both have an amazing time together

 

"Twitter" - this is pure win. Pure, pure win.

Edited June 2, 200915 yr by Chrysocome

Yeah, I'm very weary about the over bonding, which is why I don't re-inforce his squarking when we leave the room. I only got back to him when he's quiet I made that mistake with the old dog

 

I would have left him alone too normally, he was showing off by climbing on hands, so we just sat with him for a while. We only ever have him out for 5 mins at a time in long separated time slots.

 

I'll have a look at the bird clicker yahoo group, but I *hate* yahoo groups (even if I am a few of them!) because I just don't follow them. They drive me batty - but I'll check it out.

 

I've already got a target ready, and will introduce that in about a week or so once he is fully settled. The step up is actually his automatic behaviour, and doesn't get any rewards for it. My dog used to beg for rewards by spinning obsessively. Lucky for me (or Twitter!) I screwed the dog's training up

 

He's asleep now... I love baby budgies sleeping. love their little eyes closed..

 

I would love to see more on Squee and Milly's adventures!

Oh, I'm falling for your little one too

 

Regarding the yahoo group, honestly I turn off all the emails. What is really useful is their information section, there's a lot to wade through, but it will help you get started. (Alternatively, if you pm me your email address I can send you my collection of articles/instructions if you like?)

 

Milly and Squee aren't up to much lately. I stopped the regular progression a little while back as uni intensified in the lead up to exams. I still reinforce the click and the target, and occasionally the ball/cup stuff, but we haven't done anything new for a while. When exams are over, I'll keep a regular log again. Next thing I want to do is attach the cup to a backboard so it looks like a basketball net

Edited June 2, 200915 yr by Chrysocome

Well, I thought I would do some videos!

 

here is one...

 

and here is the other...

 

Enjoy!

 

(sorry.. not sure if I should embed them or not! not that I know how!)

Edited June 6, 200915 yr by studiobird

I missed this thread for some reason, glad I came across it what a charmer

Tonight Twitter and I have had some quality fun time on the couch. Cuddling, singing, playing...

 

And learnt a new trick!

 

Twitter now gives me kisses! I make a kiss kiss sound and he gives me a kiss (provided I put my face nearby). he even started climbing up my front to give me a kiss if he was sitting on my tummy.

 

He's so sweet!

 

Little cheeky bugger likes aiming for my nose ring though (but soon learnt that did not give him a click or treat!)

That is great!!!

 

l like your new siggy

sweet!!!!!!!!!