I've tried it with Pip, but as I only have loose millet instead of millet spray, he doesn't feel like there's much of a reward so he stops trying. And there's also the down side of his "retardation" Wich doesn't help him improve. I also like playing with Pip, but it almost feels impossible for him to fully trust me, like Coco does.

From his past, it's understandable. A lack of mental stimulation as a young bird can have a negative impact in the long run. Not only that, but he's older than Coco, and he may not have the same amount of energy. The malnutrition could have something to do with that, as well.

But he will improve. It will only take more time. Try not to overtrain him too, he could just be getting tired, after a while. Only about 3-5 times a day, would probably be ideal. If you want him to have some mental stimulation without working him, try allowing him to forage. you can do something as simple as hiding treats in a shallow tub of shredded paper. Allow him to see at least one of the treats though, so he'll know there's food in it. As smimple as it sounds, having him search for his treats will exercise his mind. Not only that, but he will learn to work for his food that way, and that will make him more motivated for training.

Retardation does not mean "less". It simply mean "slow". It's going to take him longer to learn things, therefore it will take him longer to trust you, as well. He will get there eventually. Just look at it as him "taking his time". Don't try to rush him. Just try and match his pace.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say he was less, just that sometimes, he brings out what he really is, and I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it just proves he's got personality.

I like my birds a lot and would never choose to have a "favorite" of them both. They are equally loveable. Pip's issue makes him special between other birds, and Coco is such a weirdo! I love them both!

great job! what is that yellow-red box you offer him as a reward?

Thank you! It's an origami box I made for them. It contains loose millet

Sunflower seeds are the preferred reward for my tiels. They don't get them in their seed mix, so they think they are really special. Even shy little Emma will come to me if I have sunflower seeds on offer.

It's fine. I know you do love pip as much as you do coco. He definitely seems to have some personality. Heck, the lack of motivation could just be him being either lazy, or stubborn. my birds are both stubborn ones, so it's definitely a tricky situation.

Just be lucky neither of yours are as picky as my pionus, Dudley. Will accept one treat three times, then want something else. He won't want the first treat until you've cycled through at least 10 different kinds.

And I agree with Dianne. Sunflower seeds are a way to really get to a bird's heart. when training though, you might want to go for ones that already have the shell off. It would make them more motivated, as they won't have to work for the seed, and then work to get in the seed.

It's true! Actually, I almost always use the shelled sunflower seeds as a reward. Sometimes I give them one in the shell, but not usually.

Thanks for the tips! I'll try them out

If you use sunflower seeds with the shells off, break them into smaller pieces so the birds don't get as much every time you reward them. That way you can work with them longer before they get full!