Bird Training

[Achsah]

Does anybody have any recomendations of videos or books that teach how to train birds to do to tricks and be well behaved? I have a 2 year-old quaker parrot who is a handfull and I can use some help. Thanks.

[chapala]

I suggest you google Barbara Heidenreich who publishes a magazine, Good Bird!, and has several training dvds out. She is strictly a positive reinforcement trainer.

[New Ekkie Mom]

I second what chapala said. Barbara Heidenreich is great!

Also, check out Bird-Click.com. It's a yahoo group dedicated to clicker training birds. Melinda Johnson is a creator of the group, and she has written a book about the subject too. They teach everything from behavior modification to "silly parlor tricks" (which I think are immensely valuable in building a bond with your bird and teaching your bird to think). There are also many people in the group who train birds professionally for shows. Lots of really cool stuff, and they're very helpful and friendly!

[tielfan]

Here's a link to Melinda Johnson's book: Amazon.com: Clicker Training for Birds (Getting Started): Melinda Johnson: Books It's excellent.

[jenseits]

Here's my review of my favorite clicker training book:
Clicker Training for Birds: My Parrot Training Bible Best in Flock - Parrot Blog
A few more books/resources I recommend:
Parrot Training Resources and FAQs Best in Flock - Parrot Blog
And a link to a FREE issue (back copy) of Barbara Heidenreich's magazine:
Free Issue of Good Bird Magazine Best in Flock - Parrot Blog
I also really like the book Don't Shoot the Dog (it's not about dogs):
Don’t Shoot the Dog: Book Review

Just a couple resources to get you started!

[hsmoscout]

The "for dummies" books are great! My aunt gave me cockatiels for dummies and it gave me all the info I need so Im getting a tiel on Friday!!

[Achsah]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I placed some orders for these great books and DVD's. I'm looking forward to receiving my material, learning more, and trying out the techniques!