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Hi all,
I have a 2 year old Male Red sided electus. I would like to start training Nigel to do simple tricks, wave etc. A suggestion I have recieved talks about having the bird on a training diet and that food should not be left in the cage. But feed twice a day as much as he wants (Fruit ,veggies and pellets,seed etc I am wondering if any of you have had experince in clicker training your bird while using a training diet and your thoughts about removing food uneaten food. And a special training stand

I am looking forward to hearing from you

Craig,

I, too, have a 2 year old male. (SI- named Simon.) I have a question. How long have you had Nigel?

I raised Simon from a 4 week old chick. I have never heard of a "training diet". Their diet should never be "adjusted". There is no need. I do however, believe that all food (fresh,) should be removed once done eating but not for training purposes... but for spoilage reasons.

IMHO, there is no need to withhold certain foods and give only when they do a trick. My Simon does quite a few "tricks" and says quite a bit as well and I have never used a clicker or special tools. Time, praise, and trust are all that is needed. I spend many many hours with Simon daily. I have found that playing with him is the most useful training time. You will need to find when Nigel is most "open" to playing and what circumstances he will interact best in. Like for us, when he was little he learned and reacted more while in the shower. This still holds true for us but now he also have times in both morning and evening when he is on his play stand that he will initiate play time. (He bonks the perch as if to say "Hey come play with me.) Repetition is also key. Once Nigel finally repeats your desired trick praise him like a little child. My Simon reacts positively to my clapping and saying "Yeah!" and snuggles/hugs. Just find what works for Nigel.

I hope this helps a little.