I have used all sorts of random stuff for my birds. I have used chopsticks, kabob skewers, a screw driver, my finger, a laser pointer, pens galore...I have even used a ball once. It was just kind of there and I was curious to see if I could get my birds to target to the ball. It worked too! I don't have a stand. I use either the floor, the back of the couch, a chair back, or whatever is looking good to me at the time. You basically want the space you pick to be boring. No food, no toys, nothing fun other than you so they focus well. It depends on the bird though. I say no distractions until the bird really knows the behavior you want them and has no problems doing it on command.