From May of 1999, I no longer practice time outs and never
practiced repetitive drills with a Cockatoo. But here is a list from our early
history for you.
From our posts in the past, I have noted some basic ways we use to change
our bird's unwanted behaviors:
(1) We use Positive Reinforcement.
(2) We try to Distract the bird and get its mind on some other matter.
(3) We Communicate with the bird. Tell them "cut it out" or "ouch."
(4) We try to build Trust and Security which lessens fear related
behavior.
(5) Repetitive drills are used like laddering which includes and
immediate step up command to a biting bird.
(6) Cycle changing. We watch for a trigger and we change the cycle that
is initiating the behavior.
(7) We place an obstacle against the unwanted behavior.
(8) Time Outs in the cage
(9) We whisper to the bird to get its attention
(10) Conditioning the bird to get used to something
Positive reinforcement here is as simple as offering a graham cracker
piece. Praise the bird when good behavior is demonstrated.
Distraction for me is to sing and dance and get the birds to bob and play
with me.
We talk to our birds and tell them that the behavior is not wanted.
We build trust and security by respecting the bird and treating it gently
and playing with it and making it feel at home and loved.
Some do repetitive drills like laddering. Up Up Up. And usually this is
done in a neutral room.
Cycle? Is this happening at a time of day or in a certain place or after
an event occurs? If so, break the cycle and the inappropriate behavior
should be lessened.
Place an Obstacle. Hold your arm against the bird trying to climb to your
shoulder or in front of your shoe if the bird is trying to bite your foot.
Some of you use time outs in the cage. These seem best suited you say to
allow the overexcited bird and tense person to both calm down so
constructive behavior training can occur on a positive tone.
Whispering to our birds seems to grab their immediate attention.
Conditioning the bird to get used to something like another bird or the
barking dog seems to work for some.
Linda M