I've just started clicker training with Blinkie in the hopes that it'll make him less of a ratbag. So i thought i'd share what i'm learning as i go along.

 

To begin with you have to 'charge the clicker'. This means get the bird to understand what the sound means. So you click, and then offer a treat (millet, apple, bread, whatever your bird likes more than anything else). Do this a few times until your bird is looking for a treat when it hears the click. If when it hears the click your bird just flies off in terror you can muffle the sound a bit by wrapping it in a cloth.

 

Once your bird has learned that click=treat you can try to teach behaviours. Maybe the easiest thing to begin with would to just reinforce 'step up', that's what i'm doing at least. It's a good start because it's easy for the bird to understand and it's a positive start because it's easy to do.

 

So, you say "up up" or whatever command your bird's used to and the instant it does what you want you click/treat (c/t). If your birds a bit unsure then break it down into more steps. So c/t when your bird moves towards your finger. Or c/t when it touches your finger with it's beak or foot. Then gradually ask for more each time. So once your bird can step up at the word "up up" (or whatever you've used), ask it to stay on your finger for a few seconds longer before c/t, increase this time.

 

Keep sessions really short. Sessions must end with a c/t rather than the bird getting bored and wandering off. I find Blinkie's focus runs out after 3-5mins so sessions must be kept very short. I imagine training will become more fun for them over time and sessions can last longer but start short, and gradually increase the time spent training.

Edited May 2, 200619 yr by Bea

how is Blinks doing?

I just did a step up session with him and for the last step up he didn't even want to get off my finger, (Laughing out loud). I guess he thought, "well you're just going to make me step up again so how about i stay here and you feed me a treat anyway." I think he likes the clicker because when he saw me get the clicker and the millet he flew over to see what i was up to. I'm feeling very positive at this stage.

where do you obtain the clickers? You are doing really well

You can get them from pet shops or on ebay. :hap: Blinkie's still doing well, i'm still mainly working on getting him to step up and come when called. Sometimes he gets a bit smart with me and starts zooming around with happy dances whenever he lands but i find that if i do training sessions after he's been out of his cage for a while and is feeling a bit hungry he behaves PERFECTLY for millet....strange, huh? :hap:

Sounds like it is going great, I am really interested in trying this!

 

Bea I would love to see a video of Blinks 'happy dance'! :hap:

Don't know what a clicker is either and don't want to appear dense (well, more than usual), when I go looking for one, it would probably really help with Buddy and Coca. Bea, can you post a picture?

I think you have started something now, aerobics for budgies next Bea :offtopic:

Edited May 6, 200619 yr by JJ2571

Sounds really interesting! I'll be keeping an eye on the post to hear how Blinks is doing. Are you planning the same for Oz?

heres a piccy of a dog clicker

for phoebe

 

Sounds really interesting! I'll be keeping an eye on the post to hear how Blinks is doing. Are you planning the same for Oz?

I think i will start clicker training Oz. I think it could help us to bond, i just have to find a food he'll take happily from me.

 

 

Next time Blinkie gets ratty and won't go in his cage i'll get the camera out. Hopefully he'll happy dance on camera, might not be for like a week though cause dad's taking the camera to Sydney. :offtopic:

Thanks jejlb but I can't see any picture at all. Bea, would you mind posting a picture of yours, thanks! :offtopic:

Here it is:

 

And here's a short video of me doing a quick session with Blinks:

Thanks so much Bea, now I feel much more informed as I was totally clueless before. Don't think my guys like food quite as much as Blinks, will offer them millet. :offtopic:

Well I started the first phase of clicker training with Bobby, but didn't have a proper clicker, so used a click pen :(Laughing out loud): I was clicking then offering millet, he soon got tired of this and just jumped onto the hand holding the millet!!! Whoever said budgies weren't smart, didn't know what they were talking about!!

 

Brilliant video Bea - thanks for sharing!!

Edited May 8, 200619 yr by Riebie

I just noticed the sounds a bit out of sync with the image, so when it sounds like i'm clicking before Blinkie steps up i'm actually not.

 

You'll have to keep us updated on Bobby's training.

great video, my clicker is going to be Merlin (Laughing out loud) - I have it planned because I know that will make him click, food doesn't do it. Pretty soon you can teach Blink tricks, have you tried it on Oz?

No, i'm going to though. Hopefully it'll increase our bond so that by the time he can fly he won't go beserk on me.

That looks really neat Bea!!!

I finally got a proper clicker from the pet store - it cost $6 and here is a picture, it's a bit different to Bea's but just as effective. Bobby has finally realised that click = treat, but he has the idea now! So far I am starting with step-up and it is working well! I started with Sunny as well, and he is stepping up onto my finger!!! :budgiedance: He is still very shy though, but coming out of his shell quite a bit. He will land on my head and shoulder, and occasionally step up, so we are getting there now with the clicker!!

 

This is a picture of my clicker for you Phoebe!

:ausb: Thanks Riebie, I got one as well but it just tends to scare Buddy and Coco! At least they will step up for me.