teaching tricks

[lovey_dovey]

Hello!
My three year old lovie, Jellybean and I would like to learn some tricks! Jells is really tame, such a sweetie and mastered "step-up" like a little trooper.

She doesn't have her wings clipped, would this be recommended for training tricks? She only doesn't have them clipped because no vets in this area will do it and I don't really trust pet store clerks.

Anyways, I'm curious if anyone here has taught their lovie a "trick" like fetch, play dead, put things in containers, etc? I've heard our little guys are capable of this so now I'm really curious. If you did, how did you show them how to do it, what were the steps?

Thanks! Ashley :)

[Janie]

Ashley, "step up" is the only thing I've been able to teach my lovies. Oliver is starting to fly to me when I pat my shoulder but that's about it. I'm sure that lovies can learn some type of tricks but nothing compared to what I've seen other larger parrots do. Our lovies are high energy and fun to watch and interact with but not necessarily known for doing tricks or talking. Maybe some other members will have some tips for you. :)

[Emery]

I taught Amaretto "foot" (or high 5). It's pretty simple, I say foot and he puts his foot in the air (like you usually see Greys and Macaws doing, but just with a really little foot :)).

I taught him using millet and then moving on to seed (he doesn't get seed often, so it's somewhat of a treat). I held the seed in one hand, away from him, so he could see it, but not reach it. I'd say "foot" and poke his leg, wich would cause him to put his foot on my finger for balance. Then I'd say "good!" and he'd get some seed.

I did that for about 5-10 minutes and after that I'd say "foot", without using my finger to touch him and he'd automatically put his foot up.

[butterfly1061]

With my Molly, I can say "Wanna go swishy-swishy?" and he starts clicky-clicky & turns to find his swishy-swishy papertowel. Is that classified as a trick? :rofl:

[Janie]

With my Molly, I can say "Wanna go swishy-swishy?" and he starts clicky-clicky & turns to find his swishy-swishy papertowel. Is that classified as a trick? :rofl:

In a word, NO! :rofl:

[butterfly1061]

Ok, how about when Piper crawls through my shirt sleeve (squealing with joy) and comes out the neckline? :clap:

[Z28Taxman]

Ditto has taught ME to do tricks, does that count? :clap: