How To Start Teaching Parrot Tricks

Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan

So you now have a new parrot and have it all settled in its new home. Well done, because parrots often don’t like change but once he is settled and treated well he will love you for it. You cannot initially cuddle them like you can a kitten or a puppy to comfort them and that is why it can be a little more difficult.

Have you been faced with a lot of squawking and fuss yet? Most probably! That is how they will react until you can start bonding with it.

It now becomes the time to form a relationship with your parrot where it is comfortable with you and with you moving around it and putting your hand in its cage.

They make a lot of noise and fuss because that is their defence system for frightening predators away so until he gets used to you he will probably keep on with all the racket. Don’t be afraid though. As long as you don’t go too near he most likely will not bite. He is just telling you he is not happy!

So let’s make him happy and gain his trust.

Gaining his trust is allowing you to move closer and closer to him without him feeling threatened.

To start gaining his trust it is good if he is outside the cage, but if not that is OK too. He will come out eventually.

The best approach is to slowly walk towards the parrot until such time as it starts to look wary of you. Stop there for about 10 seconds and walk away. Repeat the process every 30 seconds. Once you have managed to get within 3 feet of the bird stay at that distance and raise your arm towards him with the palm and fingers down. Again keep repeating this motion until the parrot stops its squawking and you can comfortably move a little closer.

The parrot will most certainly remain cautious for a little time but with practice you will get closer and some owners achieve this within 15 minutes. When you are allowed to get closer, use the same technique and hand motion but putting it near its feet this time. The idea is to eventually get him to step onto your hand.

To entice him to step forward onto your hand you may need to hold some food out in front so that he steps forward to take it. Once he has stepped forward onto your hand give him the treat immediately because he has done well. And so have you!

It is not easy walking towards a large parrot that is squawking and flapping his wings at you, especially when he has that large beak open.

How quickly you are successful will depend on how confidently you can betray yourself to the bird and also on his past experiences. But do persevere as it will be well worthwhile and a strong bond will be forged.

Just a tip here, if the bird is looking alarmed before you even start this initial training, leave it until you and he both are feeling and looking relaxed. Teaching a parrot tricks requires both the parrot and the owner to be relaxed.

Find More Parrot Training Articles

Question by Stamos S: how can i make my parrot not to afraid me?? every time i try to catch him he start to fly like crazy.HELP PLZZ
my parrot isn t trained and everytime i try to catch him he flys.i have never let him out his cage because i afraid that he will leave
the house.HOW CAN I MAKE HIM NOT TO AFRAID ME SO I CAN HUNGLE HIM OM MY HANDS??

Best answer:

Answer by read, write, be merry
Your bird is probably still afraid of the outside world. I would suggest getting his wings clipped so he can’t fly everywhere before you do anything else. Then I would suggest getting him associated with hands as a good thing, instead of something to be afraid of. Feed him some fruits or treat of some sort and maybe try to pet his chest a little while he eats. soon you should be able to get him to come out of his cage by you, and eventually he will be tame enough for you to handle him. the key is persistence, and patience. take it little steps at a time.

What do you think? Answer below!

I’m 14 and when i was 10 my parents decided to go and buy a parrot. They came back with a georgeous Green Cheeked Conure. He never really seemed to “like me” which i presume was mostly my fault as i was always jumpy and scared around him as he had nipped a few times! Recently i’ve been getting jim our of the cage for an hour in the morning and evening and feeding him and just generally spending time with him as my parents are busy at work etc. I was wondering can i still train him at this age (4/5) if so what is the best way? Im asking here as everywhere i have looked is “Training your new baby parrot” or “Training a new parrot in your home” =]
My parents are refusing to get his wings clipped :\
Just train him basic stuff. Like ball in a cup.

Kind of a extension to my previous question. Anywhooo i just got my Quaker Parrot about 3 days ago and he is very friendly but is very attached to his cage. He doesn’t like coming out of his cage and obviously doesn’t know how to do tricks or listen yet. I was curious when i should start using the clicker to train him, and what is the best way to start making him obey commands / tricks. Should i wait awhile until he knows how to “Step-up” first? Or should i start now even though he doesn’t know how to Step-up.