Finally got to showcase Kermit, my Senegal Parrot’s first prop trick, the Kermit’s Retrieval Trick. Compared to Kiki, Kermit took a longer time to understand and master the trick, but he didn’t disappoint me in the end.
In comparison, Kiki seems to be a fast performer in her retrieval trick whereas Kermit seems to be a little laid back, slow but steady. Overall I’m still impress with Kermit’s performance, it’s already a big step and great progress in his trick training.
This round, I used the usual training techniques and similar teaching concept that was enforced on Kiki, instead of using the clicker method. Initially, I planned to use the clicker method on Kermit for this prop trick, but I found it rather difficult to manage. Difficult as in, I will appear to be “handicapped” during the training. A use of clicker in the training means an additional hand required in the training, thus I decided to use back the usual training techniques I’m more familiar of.
Kiki’s back again with her new trick. Although it is not possible for Kiki to drive a car, but I’ve managed to teach her how to pull a car instead.
It’s definitely fun watching her so into doing this. It’s like Kiki cruising around with her own Formula 1 Race car.
How do I teach?
The Pull a Car Trick is rather a simple trick, that any parrot owners can teach their parrots. The trick share the similar principle of a Retrieval or Fetching trick, the only difference is the prop. Kiki easily understand the whole concept mastered the whole trick after 2 sessions in a day.
First Step, like I always do for a new trick training, props introduction for Kiki. Kiki totally had no issue of accepting the red ring, but I met some problems with the purple race car. Kiki was totally fearful and frightened by the Purple Race Car, perhaps due to the irregular dimension of the object.
With the help of the target stick and treats, I managed to get Kiki to overcome her fear factor. She soon willing to touch and play with the 2 new props.
I moved on with teaching Kiki on how to retrieve the red ring only. She had no difficulty in achieving the task, because she had learned the Retrieval/Fetching trick some time ago.
As she had achieved on the retrieval of the red ring, I then tied the string to the red ring and the purple car. I began the training with a short distance right in front of the prop. Upon my “Fetching” cue, Kiki retrieved the red ring and place back on my hand. I praised and rewarded her immediately. I repeated the sequence several time.
I slowly add-on the distance at every session to add challenge to the training. Now, Kiki is able to perform and retrieve the car that is few inches away. It’s definitely exciting enjoying the sessions.
I’ve highlighted the breakdown of the steps below on how I guided Kiki on to accomplishing the Pull a Car Trick:
The Breakdown Process of the Cups Stacking Trick
Introduction of New Props (The Red Ring & Purple Race Car)
Learning How to Retrieve the Red Ring only
Learning How to Retrieve the Red Ring tying with the Purple Race Car
Continue training Retrieval of the Red Ring with the Purple Race Car
I probably going to teach Kiki on how to flag raise on her next trick training. Good luck to me and Kiki!
I’ve managed to upload another video to YouTube today. Thanks Brother for helping me to capture Kiki doing the Fetching Trick. I have to admit this is one of Kiki’s favourite trick. Whenever she sees this Yellow Lego Brick on my desk when doing work, she will go over pick the Brick and bring over to my hand. She never fails to do that.
I must admit that Kiki’s favourite toy is gonna be this Yellow Lego brick, and it’s also my favourite toy during my childhood day. It’s definitely lot of childhood memories ,when seeing Kiki plays with it.
bryan : Vasanthan: Although I've 2 parrots, but they are of 2 different species, Agapornis and Poicephalus. If I've a pair, I don't think I will want to move on with a breeding programme, furthermore it does require lots of effort and time.
Vasanthan : Since u have a pair , a girl and a boy, do you keep them in the same cage to promote breeding? when do they breed? age?
eunice : hi Bryan, thx for visiting me too! Enjoy ur weekend!
bryan : eunice: Thanks for the compliment And same goes to you, good luck to you too
eunice : hello! Lovely blog design All the best to u! «link»
bryan : Peiyun: Thanks. I love this picture too
Peiyun : I like the pic of Kiki puffing up on the cup!! so cute!!
bryan : Vasanthan: Thanks Vas. Well in fact you're not the only one mentioning keeping birds steal their freedom away. This might be the always the case, because household parrots gets cage out time. Kermit and Kiki are out of the cage most of time except during roosting time or when noboby is at home.
Vasanthan : This is an good post. i didn't like th idea of keeping birds as pets because i tot we were stealing their freedom. but this blog makes me think the other side of the argument. i kind feel ok since kermit and kiki are enjoying themselves
bryan : Guest 1272: I bought the chamomile tea bags from the supermarket. I'm sure there are different brands of chamomile tea bags in the market. Just be sure to read the labels that it only contains chamomile and no other items. There are some chamomile tea bag have extra ingredients like ginger spices or honey, try avoid these.
Guest_1272 : Hi there can i know where u bought your chamomile tea? are they also selling it here in Singapore. Thanks
bryan : Guest_1458: Not to pin point any, but I will say majority of the seed mixes in the market have too much Sunflower or Safflower Seeds.
Guest_1458 : Bryan, What commercial seed mixes are you referring to?
bryan : Angelrain: Well it's not unusual to hear parrot being vocal and makes noise. If the parrot doesn't utter a single noise, most probably it's a sign that the parrot is sick. Perhaps for new owners considering having parrots, can consider the quieter species (doesn't mean it will be perfect quiet, juz rarely vocalize and scream like cockatoos).
Angelrain : I agree with ya on them being vocal. My friend had one who makes noise for hours on end and I usually wonder what is wrong with it.
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