Brad, These are great questions - ones I wish every potential exotic bird owner would ask before getting a bird. Some of these are a bit controversial as well. There is the "old school" answer and then there is the "latest available data" answer. I will give you what I think is the latest data answer.
Parrots
Why not just use a bite-proof glove when handling parrots?
By BlueHairBob on 02/27/2007That is (basically) exactly the very first question I asked on a parrot training forum (BirdClick) hosted by Melinda Johnson when I got my first parrot. I got the same answer from her and several other professional (positive reinforcement) bird trainers.
The Parrot Talent Show at the local bird club
By BlueHairBob on 02/26/2007The parrot training world needs a revolution like what has taken place with dogs - it is building, but it is slower than I would have expected. I am looking forward to next year - and the years to come. I think the parrot world will look much different ten years from now.
Conversations on a slow road with "re-homed" animals
By BlueHairBob on 02/20/2007You know the story: a couple of clicks to charge the clicker and then we get sit, lie down, and fetch before anybody gets bored. It looks like magic. With a poorly socialized animal it is a different story - it's a rewarding story, but slow. Once you get the trust, things pick up, but trust has to be built - a few treats don't make up for years of mistrust.
How do I choose an animal trainer?
By BlueHairBob on 02/16/2007When I choose an animal trainer, it is not to train my animal - it is to train me to train my animal. Generally, this means books, videos, classes, workshops, and an occasional home visit. I have chosen well in some cases - and then there are the other times.
