Training a Parrot
Make Training a Parrot Fun
Parrots are highly intelligent creatures that thrive on communication and interaction. Training a parrot using Instructional interaction is the best way to build a rewarding, positive relationship with your parrot.
Trick training offers him the ability to utilize his inquisitive nature and natural intelligence. He will begin looking forward to training sessions for much-needed socialization and attention.
Establish Trust
Before you begin parrot training, you must establish a relationship of trust. Feed your parrot from your hand.
Talk to him regularly so that he becomes familiar with your voice.
Let him spend time in different areas of the house so that he gets to know his surroundings.
When Training a Parrot Discourage Unwanted Behaviors
Screaming and biting are the two most common unwanted parrot behaviors. Never physically punish your parrot, as this is counter-productive to establishing trust.
Instead, from a parrot education perspective, turn your back and ignore him. This can be difficult, but it’s important to realize that reacting to bad behavior only encourages it.
If you come running into the room every time he screams, he gets the attention he wants. In essence, you’re training a parrot to continue the bad behavior.
When he realizes you ignore him each time he screams or bites, he will look for new ways to get your attention. This is where positive reinforcement parrot training comes in.
Prepare for Parrot Training Sessions
You will be rewarding your parrot with a treat every time he performs a desired behavior. Do a little investigation to find out what your parrots favorite treat is.
Give him several options on the same dish. Bits of dried fruit, sunflower seeds and peanuts are all good choices. The one that he consistently reaches for first is likely his favorite.
Exclude this treat from his regular diet and offer it only during training sessions. You will need to set up a training area away from your parrot’s cage.
The area needs to be quiet, and free from distractions. A simple parrot stand can be purchased inexpensively at most pet stores and works great for the purposes of training a parrot.
The Step-Up Command When Training a Parrot
Start by holding a treat in one hand and placing your other hand gently under your parrot’s belly, above his feet.
Say the words “step-up” while holding the treat in front of him. Don’t be alarmed if he reaches out with his beak.
This is his way of testing your hand to make sure it is a steady place for him to perch.
When he steps onto your hand, praise him by saying “good,” then reward him with the treat. It won’t be long before he is stepping onto your hand each time it is offered.
Turn Around and Wave
When your parrot has mastered the step-up command, you can move on to more advanced tricks. Teach him to turn around by holding a treat between two fingers.
Move the treat slowly around him while saying “turn around.” He will follow the treat as you move it. Once he has made a full circle, praise and reward. When he has mastered this trick, teach him to wave.
Wiggle your fingers in front of him and say “hello.” Then, immediately offer your hand for him to step onto. When he lifts his foot to step up, pull your hand away, then praise and reward.
He will quickly realize that all he has to do is lift his foot on cue to get a treat.
A few minutes at a time, a few times a day, is all it takes to begin successful parrot training.
Couple that with a bit of patience and consistency and you are well on your way to training a parrot and having a fun, rewarding relationship with your bird.