Last Updated on by Mitch Rezman
Having a pet bird that hops onto your finger is great. But think ahead: it’s even better if your bird will also step onto a stick or perch.
Not all pet sitters will be okay touching your bird, so having a no-touch way to move your feathered pal is smart.
Most little birds naturally want to leave the ground if they land there. Use the Step Up command when your parrot flies off its cage. Go to your bird and gently push your finger against its chest, right above its feet.
If your bird is calm, it should step onto your finger. As it does, say “Step Up.” Keep doing this to lift your bird higher, rewarding it with the safety of returning to a high spot like its cage.
If you have a new bird, watch for signs it’s scared, like hissing or feathers tight against its body. If you see these signs, slow down.
Just sit nearby, speak softly, and be patient. A scared bird might bite, so keep training fun.
When the bird is in its cage, start by dropping a special treat into its bowl. This helps the bird see you as a friend. Move on to Step Up training outside the cage after gaining its trust.
If your bird is nervous, lure it with a treat and use a soft voice. Ensure it steps onto your finger or a perch for the treat, and say “Step Up” right when it does.
Keep practicing, including commands like Step Down and Get on your perch.
Teaching your bird to come to you is also useful, especially if it gets outside. Start close, offering a treat and your finger, and gradually increase the distance. Use a finger wiggle as a visual cue along with the verbal “Come here.”
Getting your bird back into its cage can be tough. I tap the cage and say, “Get in” as my cue. Start with a special treat inside the cage.
Over time, with repetition, your bird will learn to go back in when it sees the treat and hears your cue. They’re smart—mine wait for the treat before moving!
Gradually, I taught my cockatiels to be okay with my hand on their head as we walked to their cage.
Birds don’t naturally like being held, so start by just rewarding them for letting you touch their head. With patience, they became calm about going back into the cage.
By using simple steps and rewards, training your bird can be a joyful journey for both of you, making handling and care easier for everyone involved.
Written by Mitch Rezman and the Windy City Parrot Content Team
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