Why Stick Training Is Important for Birds

Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

A stick can be any type of long rod, preferably wood, and something that your bird can comfortably grab onto. Although a birdcage perch would seem to make the most sense they are usually too short.

A 3 foot dowel rod of the appropriate diameter can be purchased from your local hardware store or home improvement store. A broomstick can be just as handy.

It’s important to get your bird accustomed to this “bird stick” early on in your relationship. The stick can not only possibly prevent injury to you and your bird but it may be needed in an emergency.

In a recent article, we posted about hormonal issues birds we talked about those times when your bird may be so hormonal that you cannot handle them without being bitten.

Your bird is still going to have to come out of the cage and be placed back into the birdcage be it for exercise, cage cleaning or just to give it some freedom to flap its wings.

A six or seven-year-old Amazon parrot coming into puberty can be very aggressive towards its owner and cause a great deal of damage regardless of the owner’s intentions. This is where it’s important to have the bird already used to seeing and riding on the stick.

This stick may come into play should your bird fall behind an appliance be it a refrigerator, washer, dryer, or bookshelves.

This can happen and you may not be in the position to move the heavy object away from the wall to rescue your bird. Being able to introduce this “friendly” bird stick and have your buddy willingly grab onto it when it’s trapped behind a large object could save its life.

Written by Mitch Rezman
Approved by Catherine Tobsing