How to Train a Talking Parrot
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
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Sorry it took so long to put out a video I did this one all by myself 😭
Had to brush-up on my old notes and do some rereading. Thanks for your patience!
Training a Talking Parrot, Parrot Training Tutorial, how to Train an African Grey Parrot
I worked at the lab with Alex as an undergrad, and this video is spot on. It was a lot of fun doing these games with the three Greys. The youngest (Wart) was like one of those impulse-control-challenged kids and would blurt out random answers to things and then ask for his pasta haha. Stellar breakdown of this gentle educational method.
That is so cool 😎! Keep up the good work. Would Alex correct Wart or did Wart come along after Alex passed?
@@gloworm6387 Wart, Griffin, and Alex all lived together at the time I was there. Wart was very young, only 6 I think, I don't know how long he'd been there. Alex would not correct, just get a very annoyed look on his face and occasionally "beak" in Wart's direction, aka the "OMG you're so annoying" body language in a parrot. Alex was honestly so well educated at that point that he almost never got anything wrong unless he was grumpy and didn't want to play.
@@liabobiafirst of all, that's awesome! Second of all, does that mean they didn't do the M/R technique using Alex as the model/rival?
@@alexnelson7258 when I was there, the flock were never used as models/rivals with each other. Only humans played those parts. There were always two humans to run the games with one bird at a time, while the other two greys played or just kinda messed with us.
Could I ask at what age should I grey be started at M/R training?
1:07 This point of trainer and rival switching actually reminded me of the clip where Apollo asks what the kitchen tile is made of and after Dalton says that it's rock Apollo doubles down and says "it's glass" and actually corrects the rival/trainer, another way the social interactions can be "shared between anyone at anytime". Great video!
I saw this the other day and that came to my mind immediately.
IIRC, Apollo actually called the tile "glask" - a mix of "glass" and "rock". It was hard, translucent and shiny like glass, but did _not_ make a "ting" sound when he hit it with his beak. Thus, his little brain decided to make a word that combined both, since it had the properties of both.
Alex did something similar, albeit with phrases. After tasting cake for the first time, he referred to it as "yummy bread".
I remember that and thought it was amazing. Proof that it isn't rote memorization of objects. Apollo and his family are a never ending source of amazement and entertainment.
@@CorwinFound
When animals can combine the meanings of words to describe something, it’s almost proof that they understand the meanings and aren’t just learning what to say.
Some primate (I think an orangutan) was being taught sign language, and he wanted a banana, but didn’t know the word for it, so he put together “yellow” and “fruit” to convey it.
@@JanusHoW I don't think Apollo combined glass and rock. If you listen very carefully when Dalton is training with Apollo on the word, "glass," Dalton will say "yes, it's glass--good bird, apollo!" When Dalton says "glass--good," the end of "glass" and the beginning of "good" sounds like "glass-g." And that sounds exactly like "glassk."
I realized it when watching a video of Apollo saying "glassk." Once you hear Dalton saying it, you can't unhear it. The video I heard it in is here. You can clearly hear Dalton say "glassk" at 1:27 in that video.
czcams.com/video/B8-ZmuJixIg/video.htmlsi=akW--aJR-XRCThdB
Apollo will also drop his "g" on the end of a word in that video, which is something all of us do at times. Apollo picked that up from Dalton or Tori as well. That isn't to say I don't believe Apollo understands the words he says, but I don't think he combines words to make new words that he's never heard.
As a kid who grew up with an african grey parrot, the rival method is exactly how he learned so much. Parent/trainer yells at us to get down for school, and we respond 'ok'. Bird picked it up and would later either yell at us to get down for school, or he would reply 'ok' when my parents yelled it. Us kids being loud and playing got the parents attention, so the bird would make the same noises to get the same attention. It's almost shocking how fast he could learn using this method.
Apollo giving Dalton a lil smooch at 3.24 is very cute lol
lmao "If Tori is me... Dalton is Dalton... so I'm Tori?"
Thank you for your comment because I missed that! So precious 😊
So precious!
funny enough mouth touching is a form of affection for birds, just for different reasons, it's an ingrained habit to give or receive regurgitation lol. Only for birds or creatures they have a bond with
I like how Dalton grabs the sock with his mouth like Apollo does 😂
After he peaked with the chair and pot hats nothing surprises me anymore
He just keeps us guessing
Why do you think apollo does it
Why do you reply with this on my comment?
@@XDarkGreyXI don't know, man. I was pretty surprised when he did "hat" with a ladder.
It's so sweet to see how you managed to train Dalton, Apollo seems like a great apprentice after all.
What an unexpectedly different but incredibly useful video! Thank you for taking the time to produce this for those of us with parrots and other feathered/furry friends!
Just realised Apollo was on the news a year ago!
I know this sounds weird, but I had a chicken who was interacted with since hatching, and really thought she was some weird form of human (or a cat--she and the cat were best buddies). She knew her name and came when called and seemed to understand a number of concepts (like "off the bed!"). She was treated like a housepet. I really think birds in general are underestimated.
One of my chickens figured out how to move both kinds of doors in their little house and the other somewhat learned to sit for a treat :)
@@chickenosaurus7474I just stopped in to say that I adore your CZcams handle.
And to think Corvids are even smarter than parrots...
Nope sounds perfectly normal I have 19 myself the roosters seem more receptive to it but it’s likely because once I learn they’re a rooster I interact with them more to get them to trust me ever since one of my bantam roos lost their eye he’s gone full cat I think I’m his emotional support
My chickens, pullets actually, not even 6 months old, absolutely 100% know their names. They are spoiled. Especially the buff orps.
It's extremely exciting to see Apollo's progress in the granularity we get on CZcams. His inquisition, and your patience and dedication... It's just amazing to see really. One of my absolute favourite things is how gentle he is when he taps Ophelia or Soleil (sorry if I spelt it wrong) after being asked, he's SO careful compared to when he smacks objects.
I go around and ping glass now just for fun too.
I love how Apollo has got your voices down so well. He's got your specific tones and everything! You are amazing to watch. Parrot really are like lifelong toddlers!
Tori saying "want a pisnack" killed me.
Would genuinely love to hear you and Dalton chat about language acquisition for hours
Same here
3:23
This little kiss Apollo gives Dalton...
Did Apollo give Dalton a kiss? It was adorable
the how to train your dragon spin off we all needed
It's funny, I kept hearing you say words that Apollo also uses like "book" or "snack" and finally realizing where he gets those pronunciations from, it's uncanny
Couldn’t agree more 😊❤
I’m an ESL teacher (English as a second language) and I’m surprised how much of what you’ve mentioned could be also applied to teaching humans😄 Incredible job with Apollo by the way!
If I remember correctly, the original method was first described as a way to teach children in school, though I don't know if it was ever actually used in Germany. And I think the method was derived from observations of how infant and toddler humans learn. That's part of what made Dr. Pepperberg's use of it in animal cognition so controversial - at the time, it was still thought that other animals couldn't formally learn from teachers (especially since attempts to teach English to chimpanzees and dolphins were complete failures, and efforts to teach ASL to chimps and gorillas was barely successful). Now we know that it's difficult to formally teach other humans using many of our current pedagogical techniques, and most childhood learning (especially language learning) still seems to work best using the model/rival method.
I mean humans are social animals ...
So it probably does work out that way
Tori's curls are 🔥
Took me the whole video to adapt. I’m still not over it, tbh. 😮
I mean: technically she is as nerdy as ever, giving us an introductory lecture. It’s just her looks that seem out of character. But she really is in there, as the funny side eyes towards the fighting siblings confirm.
(From looking at the thumbnail, I originally had the impulse to shake her and yell:”What have you done to the real Tori!” - Looked like an evil twin scenario; hated it almost as much as I hated Lore when he pretended to be Data in Star Trek TNG. 😢 - On the other hand: made me click; but I’m pretty sure I would have clicked on “regular Tori” even faster.)
I definitely need a followup. 😊
Edit: if her transformation had also affected her glasses, I would have run away screaming 😂. - Now I wonder if any of the birds “Noped out”…
Edit 2: Man, I’m playful like an 8 year old with my Smiley use today. Now that’s OOC as well. Something’s in the air.
‘Time for some cringe role play’ I laughed at this. Great video guys, it’s important to understand the information behind the trainings
This is the first video I've watched with you leading the conversation and it not just being Apollo and the regular dude (Dalton?). It's so cool to hear so much of your inflection in Apollo's voice, and additionally cool to have a breakdown in your approach.
My family had an Alexandrine parrot growing up and I truly miss having a bird around the house. They're such jovial little creatures when they aren't having a meltdown.
Great job Tori! Well explained.
give her another pistash!
I cant tell you how much I appreciate the time and dedication you both take to truly understand these birds. You assure these birds are recieving the best care and attention through studying material on their natural development and behavior. Birds arent easy pets and need a lot, you guys are just awesome to share this passion with us. Its been a treat to watch him progress in addition to the beautiful sisters. You two are also adorable to boot. A couple with a shared passion is always to beautiful thing to see!
Fun Fact:
The technique in this video can also be used to teach children...all the way down to the pishash as a reward. ;)
I would also improve my behaviour for a pistash or a chocolate
Do I own a parrot? No.
Do I have plans on ever owning a parrot? No.
Am I watching this anyways?
...
Absolutely.
Although I don’t have a parrot, Im watching anyways to see Apollo and frens
tori wants a S N A C C...
but seriously, what a cool vid! thank you for this one! hearing the way these doctors outlined the meaning and purpose of words as being important is not only related to psychology, but is also an important aspect of how we as humans learn language from a linguistics aspect!
1:32 you can literally hear where Apollos voice comes from when Tori says book😂😂😂
In the late 90 I used Dr Pepperberg's method to train my little girl (female African grey) Tanya. She was very good. Smart as a whip. Got context rather well. Unfortunately at nearly four years we discovered she had inoperable cancer. We kept her as comfortable as long as we could but finally the time came and 6 months later she passed.
Sorry about ur baby😢big hug.Lost my Conjure after 21yrs rescued her at 8. Do u know they story about Alex? BTW lost Burney 2 yrs ago in December n still swear I her hear at times???
@@user-gg6lr2lc1v sorry for your loss. They become such a part of our lives. I have since stuck to dogs. A little easier to tell if there's something wrong with them medically, but unfortunately the trade-off is they are short-lived anyway. So that's a heartbreak every 13 years on average. Yes, I've read the story of Alex and Dr Pepperberg.
Alex was a special angel amongst us, and I love seeing you work with Apollo - he's awesome, and your patience w him is G O A L S !!!
Can u tell me where 2 find Alex's story?? I'm trying but nothing. THANK YOU ♥️ 😊 🙏 ♥️
@@user-gg6lr2lc1v Just google "Alex the African Grey Parrot." He has his own Wikipedia page.
For those who don't know, Alex the Parrot is one of the smartest animals ever. Researchers working with Alex were able to demonstrate his understanding of words. One example is asking him "How many red circle blocks are there?" and showing him a table with an assortment of objects. The objects would have different colors, shapes, materials, and so on, including stuff like random coffee cups or food. Alex would count the number of red circle blocks and give the correct answer. If you asked him "How many red objects are there in total?" Alex could actually count the total, even after being asked about specific shapes/colors/whatever.
Alex is the only non-human to ever ask an existential question, which demonstrated self-awareness and an understanding of language. Alex once asked "What color am I?" This shows not only did he have curiosity, but that he knew other people existed with separate thoughts and also had self-awareness.
Sadly, we lost Alex too soon. He was only 31 when he died. His last known words were "I love you. You be good. See you tomorrow." which he said to his trainer when she left for the evening.
i like this; i have watched enough of y'all's videos and read a bit of Dr Pepperberg's stuff to have a baseline understanding, but i think it's great to make this sort of content along with the regular vids and shorts. bravo.
I was blessed last night with a sassy 25 yr old African grey. I have always had smaller birds. I’m going to watch all your videos. I have so much to learn. I want him happy and I want to be a good mom. Thank you for making these videos !
What a wonderful and different video, I had a few laughs and enjoyed it very much, thank you! Very quirky and very interesting and informative at the same time! Those bomb curls, I did not expect, very beautiful.
This was very interesting! Whilst I’ll never train a parrot, I love learning about psychology so this was very fun
I'm guessing Dalton is the student and Tori is Dr. Pepperberg. Tori is reading the literature, Tori is cooking the memes, I guess Dalton does the bird wrangling as part of his Master's thesis.
Though not "talking", new members of my flock of budgies absolutely learn behaviors watching how the others interact with me. And also love trying to "help" with whatever I'm doing. How social parrots are is really amazing.
I can't believe this series isn't called "Behind the Pistash'"
I missed these long length videos, glad there is a new one!
1:52 *this is a book*
The Dalton impression was FLAWLESS
I did a research project on Irene Pepperburg in 4th grade, I ended up sending her a letter and was sent one back from her. I was so happy
That's so cool!
I mostly get recommended videos of Dalton so it’s nice to get to know your personality as the other half of the “parents” of Apollo! It’s cool to know that you are the one who has studies this stuff. Thanks for making such great bird content!
Excellent video tutorial, Tori! I don’t have a bird or animal to train, but I’ve been interested in Dr. Pepperberg’s work from TV shows, “Alex and Me”, and attending a small seminar led by her at Virginia Tech in 1999 (I think.) Bird behavior and ability and potential is fascinating to me. I really admire what you and Dalton are doing.
On top of all the tips in this video, I also love that you work with Apollo, and the way he sees the world. Like the way he decided that paper and leaves were both made out of the same thing, and you've agreed to roll with that
You guys are a buncha nerds...bird nerds...and I freaking love it!!! *I cohabitate with feathered friends currently, and since I was a kid.. it's a thing, I dont know, they just end up here rent free. But I admit, it wasn't until watching your channel that I even learned about dr. Pepperberg and I am incredibly fascinated by her work!! And really your work! You guys put a lot of effort and time to share how incredible birds are and I appreciate it! Also my husband loves when I show him videos of apollo!
As roles are interchangeable, at a certain point Apollo will train you
2:18 omg I say hello Mr. Bird to my Grey all the time!
I could hear you talk anout what you care about for hours! Wonderful people. And wonderful birds.
Dalton does a very good Apollo impression!
You can really hear that it’s Tori’s voice Apollo mimics most.
I want to thank you both once again for sticking with teaching Appollo appropriate language. When I hear birds that only know how to swear, say "omg", and go off on rants using "shut up" I feel sorry for them; I can't help but feel those birds are in chaotic homes with people who yell at each other and their pets.
I agree. Where else would the parrot learn the phrase "shut up". That phrase is never uttered in my home but it was probably said to the poor bird when they "talk". Not all people understand what they're getting into. Regarding those bird rants, it tells us so much more about the owner than the bird. And I don't think they realize it 😂
The worst thing I ever taught a parrot was open the door let me out.
I’m pretty sure my neighbours at the time thought I kidnapped someone.
As a psychology graduate who's interested in the underpinnings of consciousness in general (so not necessarily exclusive to humans), I do enjoy myself an animal video or two. This just shows how ingenious Mother nature's invention of the brain and the psyche are, as the level of variability in terms functionality seems huge. In either case, it should go without saying I therefore truly appreciate the underlying theory you present here! And I'm sure others do too, because don't we all wonder what goes on inside the head of the bird who touches purple?? More of these please!
I dont plan on owning a bird in my current stage of life, just due to the commitment and how often I travel. But loved this video. I never thought about this method, where they watch you demonstrating the task you're trying to get them to learn so they can have a reference. You both have done an incredible job. I've never seen a bird as intelligent as yours. Its so himan of me to think "how can this bird understand" but watching this made much more sense. That said, its still so amazing they can even learn to associate the word color with actual colors and "what is this made of" with materials. It's really incredible
Most enjoyable video Tori, you're incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated. I love the world you've opened up not only for Apollo but any bird owner who follows your channel. Knowing that birds have emotional needs makes them extra special to me and perhaps you could talk about that in one of your episodes. Good job!! 😃xx
some birds prefer snuggles and scritches or attention and play over food rewards too! It's part of knowing your bird, I guess :3
As I suspected, Tori is the brains of this operation. Dalton is the eye candy.😂😂😂😂
ay, both seem like eye candy to me
tori is the eye candy. Dalton is some dude. @@nellutterback
@@nellutterbackAgreed. Defo a person of culture.
....so if I try the lessons in this video, do I earn a pistach?
🎯♥️🔥🥰🤣
So in a way training your bird will also train you and those around you? My dad can now identify GLASS and BEER
I wouldn't consider it cringe, it's quite interesting how you act as if you are a parrot being trained.
this is a really cool video and i believe that it could be used with more than just birds, keep making fun and enjoyable videos!
Thanks for posting this! It’s awesome seeing the theory behind the training that we see you guys doing with Apollo. Unrelatedly: Tori your hair looks absolutely gorgeous 🤩
Great tutorial! It's motivated me to reread Alex & Me. I work with Huskies, chickens, rabbits, and cats, but am considering a parrot again... 🙏🏼
apollo seems to have stolen a couple of kisses too🥰
Don’t have a parrot but do have wild corvid friends that show up for snacks every day. Wonder if I could apply M/R somehow.
Thanks for the vid!
First you'll need to have them on a routine as to know when they expect snacks.
Get a friend to act as a crow. Be sure the real crows are watching.
Have the fake crow bring something desirable to a designated snack-exchange spot, and leave. Then you "discover" that this "crow" left you something. Trade the offering for food. More desirable offerings = better food.
Trust me, we did this ourselves with our backyard crows.
@@ApolloandFrensthat is so cool! I've been giving our neighborhood crows peanuts and they have started to follow us at a safe distance. We'll have to try some of these tips!
@@ApolloandFrens Oh this is interesting! I was very familiar with the crows that hang out at our local graveyard around a year ago, i bet i could've done something like this then if i really tried. I have since switched the routine of visiting them at the graveyard with feeding our local pigeons every day, though.
The pigeons do learn from each other too ofc, so they could probably be trained with m/r, even though there are less actions a human can do that you want your birds to do. Most notably they learn good behaviours from each other when they see that they will get rewarded with food if they fly up to my hands (or even shoulders/head), it's always exciting when a new one lands on me for the first time. :)
I had wondered about the use of incorrect answers from a model/rival standpoint! Super interesting, thank you
This vid gained soo much of my respect ❤ you're talking like a hobbyist and honestly? I love listening to passionate people
Very interesting. I don't have a parrot, but I've always been fascinated by them. It's really cool to see how you used this method knowing how well Apollo has learned
Thanks, weird al. You explaing m/r nicely
Just happened upon your channel and I am OBSESSED!!! Absolutely amazing! Apollo is so intelligent. So cute!!!
Agree! I watch so many wonderful 🐦 on u tube! ❤ this channel! Pebbles the crazy cockatoo! N so many 🤪😘
I highly appreciate your methods and your studying this information!! This is great!!
thank you guys for making these videos. My whole family, and lots of my friends (I have shown them all your content) love it too!
That's very interesting 🎉 And what a lovely curls!
This was a fantastic video! These types of videos are so much work but if you ever wanted to geek out on video explanation videos in depth of all those things you mentioned you didn’t want to go into all us fellow bird freaks would be so interested in your knowledge of dr P’s studies and how you’ve applied it at home. All the knowledge you have and want to share in these style videos would be enjoyed. Apollo wasn’t even the main character in this video and we all watched from beginning to end. Great job! I haven’t had a cockatiel in 15 years but I’m still fascinated by the science we know so far and what we are trying to learn in the future.
Apollo totally has a perfect combination of yours and Dalton’s pronunciation and it’s absolutely perfect ☺️
I love watching your guy's videos! Your birds are stunning, and you guys are so fun to watch. Also, Tori, your hair is absolutely beautiful! I'm so jealous of those curls!
Dr. Pepperberg and Alex’s work was epic. Thanks for bringing more awareness.
How do you know if not in actuality the parrot is training his both humans for his own PHD research.
I'm a long time fan of Dr Pepperberg and of course of Alex. I've been enjoying your videos for a while, thank you for this one.
I've only ever adopted or fostered older (rescue) African Greys, so never tried anything like this myself.
Pretty cool session here. I found Dave and Jamie on here 7 yrs ago and learned from them. Got my 1st parrot, a lil over three yrs ago. A Sun :) not one word yet. LoL. He has learned 43 tricks/commands so far though. Good diet, is usually people's main issue before beginning.
This is a great breakdown Tori! Thanks for sharing this!
Such a wonderful educational video! I don't have a parrot, nor will ever have one (I have cats, husband doesn't want more pets) by my own purchase.. I just loved getting the insight on how you raise your birds!! Apollo loves his sister birds, its so sweet!! We see these techniques in previous videos, it was cool hearing where the come from and why they work!
You guys are all very awesome ❤
Great video, thanks for explaining and teaching.
I thought Tori was smart. Then she called ceramic glass. Now Im convinced she's a parrot in disguise.
I’d love to see more videos like this of the methods you guy use to train Apollo. Or just videos of training session recordings. The other one you posted a while back is so funny and it’s just super cool to see how you train him!
great video! looking forward to the in depth video essay of your perspectives and knowledge on animal language and animal cognition hahaha. you two are doing an awesome job, keep it up!
"Words being taught should have one or all of three things-"
**demonic screeching**
Tori please make a meme of apollo that says "I apollocheese" (like I apologize) with a picture of apollo and cheese
3:24 Apollo giving him a kiss is so cute lol
I think it'd be hilarious for them to put Apollo into either a green screen room or a mock set for a TED talk to make it look like he's giving a TED talk. Then edit it all together to make it look like one, utterly incoherent speech given by our favorite parrot
Tori, you've definitely earned your Pistash today.
Loved this! Would love more videos like this, all the sciency bits are super interesting. Thanks Tori!!
Amazing training parrot ❤
The modelling makes sense, but at first I was confused about why you'd want the model to give wrong answers sometimes
I guess it's important for Appolo to see that a particular word might be the right answer to some questions, and the wrong answer to other questions. Like with the plant: sometimes the answer is "plant" and sometimes the answer is "green". If he wasn't listening closely to the question then he might think that both words are interchangable. If he sees that they're not interchangable, then that's a prompt for to start to figuring out what he needs to do
I wonder what appolo learned when he says "suck" 😂😂
It’s so weird hearing Dalton talking in Apollo’s voice 🤣😅
So it’s pretty clear that Apollo needs to have EVERYTHING related to Shrek
This was a fantastic video and greatly appreciated 👍🏼 thanks to both of you for putting it together.
I have been wanting to get a parrot rescue for a while but am well aware of the time for social interaction they need. Sadly my home/not home balance does not facilitate this yet. I am thankful for your content for my ability enjoy vicariously 😅 Happy New Year 🎊
Loved this video, so informative 😊
1:52 BOOK. IT’S A BOOK. MADE OF PAPER😂
I only say “glass” and “mehhTAL” in Apollo voice these days.
I don't know why, but I really want to listen to Weird Al now.
Still better than the usual McLovin comparison
@@ApolloandFrens I do Apollo-gise.