Training of Grey Parrot
The Congo African Grey is an extremely intelligent, social, and curious parrot. They need plenty of attention and training to become a good pet. They have been compared to toddlers, as the having the intelligence of a five-year-old, but are emotionally more like a two-year-old. This can prove to be challenging, especially to new bird owners. If you decide to get one you are committing to Training a Grey Parrot and you must be willing to stick with it.
The Congo African Grey is also known to be amazing talkers and mimics, capable of learning a vocabulary of around 2000 words. They can learn very quickly, so it is important to only say things you want your bird to repeat. And just like kids, they will probably say the worst thing at the worst possible moment. They will also copy other sounds around the house, like the phone or microwave beeping. I know a Congo African Grey who has learned to mimic the smoke detector and guess what sound he pulls out of his pocket when he’s upset?! Yep, the smoke detector. It’s enough to send you screaming from the room. Who’s training who?
Another similarity to toddlers is they can be particularly shy, especially around strangers. It will take time and training to help them adjust to their new home. Socialization is a key ingredient to ensuring your Congo African Grey is not skittish. They are an affectionate and social bird, so once they are comfortable, they will be a great addition to the family.
They love toys and require a good deal of stimulation. However with the Congo African Grey, it is important to introduce new things gradually. The same goes for introducing the bird to new people. Take it gradual and don’t overwhelm them with too many new things at once.
If the bird is already skittish, try using training methods that emphasize positive reinforcement. This will ensure a better relationship with the bird. By using a feeding training method, you can use treats and specially spaced feeding times to help your bird learn better behavior and adapt more quickly to new situations.
To help motivate training, find out what your Congo African Grey likes most. Watch what they eat first out of their food, and save that for their treats. It’s similar to making sure kids get dessert after dinner. They will be more inclined to work for things they like.
Be sure to spend time with your bird everyday. Start by talking to your bird while it is in its cage, let them get used to your voice. Birds, especially Congo African Greys, require a certain amount of time out of their cages and interaction with you, however every bird is different. If you bird is uncomfortable, give them some space. Build up the time you spend with it each day.
One successful method to introduce new items into your Congo African Grey’s environment is clicker training and food rewards. The procedure looks something like this: day one bring new toy into the same room your Congo African Grey is in. Pay attention to your bird. The moment they look at the new item, click and reward. Repeat this a couple of times and then remove the item. The next day move bring the new item in and place it a little closer. Repeat the click and reward when your Grey looks at the item.
Continue this process until you’re able to bring the item right up to your African Grey and they’re so darned excited to see it they’re jumping on top of it to get their favorite reward. This is an extremely helpful method for items your Congo African Grey is particularly afraid of. It works to introduce new people to your Grey too.
Consistent and patient training will pay off. Before you know it, your bird will be feeling much more at home with the family and will be a lot of fun to have around.
By: Dave Womach
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Gourmet Coffee Beans – Coffee Makers
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