Your tax deductible donation to Companion Parrots Re-homed will make a real difference and help a bird in need.

Liz Wilson

Liz Wilson, a pioneer in companion parrot care and behavior passed away on April 13, 2013.  Her contribution to the improvement of parrots' lives in our homes is immeasurable. 

Liz worked for 45 years, wearing many hats in the avian world.  She was an avian technician in the field of avian and exotic medicine, a behavioral consultant, a writer and columnist for many bird publications including Bird Talk and avian textbooks.  Liz lectured worldwide to improve the welfare of companion parrots.  She also worked many years in avian wildlife rehabilitation.

I first met Liz at the African Grey Convention in Atlanta, GA twelve years ago.  I had read everything she had written and was so excited to hear her speak.  As the conference started a woman at my table was having, shall we say, an energetic conversation with a new parrot owner.  She was telling him in no uncertain terms the things he needed to change in the care of and interaction with his Grey.  Only when she was asked to come forward to speak did I realize I was sitting with LIZ WILSON!  As I learned through the years Liz did not mince words or suffer fools when it came to the welfare of companion parrots.

Liz served as an inspiration to me as I embarked on my journey with parrots.  She was always available to give advice and guidance.  Liz will always be remembered and greatly missed.  All of us at CPR and Parrot University send our deepest sympathies to her family and many, many friends.

Buddy Foster, Debbie's Cockatoo

This month's training column topic came to me as a result of our new class - What's in Your Toolbox: Strategies for Problem-Solving.  Thanks to those folks who gave me the inspiration!

We were discussing problem behaviors with parrots and children were mentioned several times.  That made me think about how kids can safely interact with their feathered siblings.

Here are a couple of ideas for you.

Teach the kids how to target train the bird (see past columns and videos for instructions).  This can be done safely with a hands-off approach with the bird in the cage.  The child can drop the reinforcer in the food bowl OR you can demonstrate correct placement of the hand in front of the bars so that the bird can reach the food and not the fingers.

Once the fid and kid have the concept, targeting can be used to "exercise" the bird by moving it all around the cage for a couple of minutes.  The bird runs a birdie marathon, and the kid will be perceived as the source of something good.  Win/win.

As you know I'm a huge proponent of target training because it's so functional.  But it's also a lot of fun. Check out the attached video of Kahlua and her race car - done with target training!