I thought of that, but a pen is sort of quiet. I would prefer something a bit louder, plus, I already bought the clicker, so why not? It's been sitting in front of their cage for 2 days now, so they're getting used to seeing it.

I guess you're right tielfan... I'm just not that talkative. Not in real life, not to my birds.

I usualy whistle at my birds or make chirping noises. So for me a 'good boy' would work... I guess it is kind of personal.

I also have a dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback). I adopted him when he was 4 years old. His previous owners got a divorce, mum didn't want him any more and dad had a 12hour on - 24 hour off job as a fireman and moved out to a small appartment. To cut my story short: He (Izé) didn't know any commands other than "high five" and would only do it for food. Now he 'listens' to me a lot better than he did his previous owners. Before I go in or out of my house he sits down and doesn't come in before I give him the hand signal that it's ok for him to come in.
When he does something bad I tend to use the same sound that ceasar millan makes if you all know his show ? (The dog whisperer?) It's like a hissing sound.
I very much believe that with a calm assertive attitude towards any animal you can get a long way.

But that's just the way I like interacting with animals in general. Silently and if I do make noises they are not very 'human like'

I can fully relate. I have social anxiety. I don't talk much in public or to my birds. It just seems unnatural for me.

I don't really talk to people either, but I'm always talking to my animals.

My god, this forum is a gathering place for the socially handicapped, me included