Tips for Free Cockatiel Training
Training a pet cockatiel can be extremely beneficial as it can help the owner bond with the bird, and it can aid in diffusing negative behaviors such as biting. Training also can be used to teach a cockatiel a number of tricks, which can be both enjoyable for the owner and mentally stimulating for the bird. Cockatiels also can be taught to mimic a number of sounds, including human speech. You can train your cockatiel for free using some recommended techniques.
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Basic Needs
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A cockatiel is significantly less likely to experience behavior problems, such as biting, plucking its own feathers or screaming if its basic care needs are being met. Without behavior problems, the cockatiel will be happier and much easier to train. Provide the bird with a large cage in which it can easily move around. The cage should be positioned off the ground in a room that is regularly occupied by people throughout the day, while being quiet during the night to allow the bird to sleep. Placing suitable toys in the cockatiel's cage also can help to prevent the bird from becoming bored and unhappy.
Biting
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A cockatiel may bite if it is trying to hang on to a person who is handling it to avoid falling. A bird also may bite if it is feeling territorial or attempting to dominate. The owner can train the cockatiel not to bite by studying its behavior. When the bird shows that it is about to bite, the owner should give it a stern look. According to PetEducation.com, cockatiels can often understand human facial expressions. The owner should also say "no" in a stern tone, although it is important that the person not scream or yell as the parrot may assume that the noise being made is screeching, which they may see as a positive reinforcement for the biting behavior.
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Positive Reinforcement
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Positive reinforcement is an effective method for training a cockatiel. It works by reinforcing natural behaviors within the bird, which the handler likes. Both special treats and verbal praise can be used as positive reinforcement. A new bird can be taught to step onto the owners hand by first giving it a treat for approaching the hand, and then giving a treat and saying "step up" when it places one or both feet on the hand. The training can be used to reinforce any desired behaviors such as going back to the cage after exercising, spreading the wings, performing somersaults or mimicking speech.
Training Sessions
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Training sessions will be most effective if they occur on a daily basis and last no longer than 15 minutes. This will prevent the cockatiel from becoming agitated. Training sessions should take place in a quiet room that is free of distractions, as this will encourage the cockatiel to focus on the handler.
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References
- Photo Credit Cockatiel Karma image by Kit from Fotolia.com
