Training Your Parrot: Step-by-Step Guide to Basic Commands

Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Mitch Rezman

Training Your Parrot: Step-by-Step Guide to Basic Commands

Training your parrot is not only about teaching them tricks—it’s about building a strong, trusting relationship while ensuring their mental stimulation and safety.

Whether you’re looking to teach your parrot to follow simple commands like ‘step up,’ ‘come,’ and ‘stay,’ or you’re aiming for more advanced behaviors, this guide will help you get started with effective training techniques that prioritize positive reinforcement and trust.

Building trust with your bird ~ video

Why Train Your Parrot?

Training your parrot has numerous benefits beyond just the satisfaction of seeing your feathered friend perform on command.

It significantly enhances the bond between you and your parrot, making daily interactions more enjoyable and less stressful. Well-trained parrots are often more confident and less prone to behavioral issues like biting, screaming, or feather plucking, as the training provides both mental stimulation and a clear structure for expected behaviors.

Moreover, teaching basic commands like ‘step up’ and ‘come’ can be crucial for your parrot’s safety. For example, a parrot that reliably comes when called can be quickly retrieved from potentially dangerous situations.

Step up training – video

Understanding Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of effective parrot training.

This method involves rewarding your parrot immediately after they perform a desired behavior, which encourages them to repeat the behavior in the future. Parrots, being intelligent and social animals, respond very well to this approach because it makes learning a positive and enjoyable experience.

Examples of positive reinforcement techniques:

Treats: Offering a small, tasty treat immediately after your parrot performs a command correctly.
Praise: Verbal praise or gentle petting as a reward, especially if your parrot enjoys attention.
Clicker training: Using a clicker to mark the exact moment your parrot does something right, followed by a treat.

Building Trust with Your Parrot

Before you start training, it’s essential to establish trust with your parrot. Training sessions should be fun and stress-free for both you and your bird. If your parrot is wary or fearful, they are unlikely to respond well to training attempts.

Steps to build trust:

Spend quality time with your parrot outside of training sessions.
Offer treats and talk to your parrot softly to associate your presence with positive experiences.
Respect your parrot’s boundaries—never force them to interact if they seem reluctant.

Once you notice that your parrot is comfortable and confident around you, and is eager to take treats from your hand, you’re ready to begin training.

Getting Started: Preparing for Training

Setting up the right environment is key to successful parrot training. Choose a quiet, familiar space with minimal distractions. Make sure your parrot is calm and alert—mid-morning or early afternoon often works best, as birds are usually more active during these times.

Jumbo Striped Sunflower Seeds 8 oz Bulk Zip Bag

Essential tools for training:

Small treats: Choose something your parrot loves but doesn’t get all the time, such as small pieces of fruit, nuts, or a favorite seed.
Clicker: If you’re using clicker training, have the clicker ready.
Perch: A stable perch where your parrot can comfortably sit during training.

Start with short sessions—about 10 to 15 minutes each—to keep your parrot from getting bored or tired. Aim for consistency by training at the same time each day.

Basic Command 1: ‘Step Up’

The ‘step up’ command is often the first and most important command you can teach your parrot. It’s the foundation for many other behaviors and helps in daily handling.

Step-by-step instructions for teaching ‘step up’:

Start by offering your finger or a perch just in front of your parrot’s feet.
Say ‘step up’ in a calm, clear voice.
If your parrot steps onto your finger or the perch, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.
If they hesitate, gently press your finger against their lower belly—most parrots will step up instinctively.
Repeat this process several times until your parrot reliably steps up when asked.

Common challenges: Some parrots may be reluctant to step up if they’re not used to being handled. In such cases, go slowly and don’t push them—offer treats and positive reinforcement for any movement toward stepping up.

Basic Command 2: ‘Come’

Teaching your parrot to come when called is not only fun but also important for their safety. This command can help you quickly bring your parrot back to you if they are in a potentially hazardous situation.

Step-by-step instructions for teaching ‘come’:

Start by holding a treat in your hand and showing it to your parrot while saying ‘come.’
If your parrot moves towards you, even slightly, reward them with the treat.
Gradually increase the distance between you and your parrot, continuing to reward every time they come closer.
Over time, your parrot will associate the command ‘come’ with moving towards you and receiving a treat.

Tips for encouraging responsiveness: Be patient, and always make sure that coming to you is a positive experience for your parrot. Avoid chasing them if they don’t come immediately—this can create fear or reluctance.

Basic Command 3: ‘Stay’

The ‘stay’ command can be particularly useful during interactions where you need your parrot to remain in one place, such as when you’re cleaning their cage or preparing their food.

Step-by-step instructions for teaching ‘stay’:

Start by having your parrot step onto a perch or your hand.
Say ‘stay’ and slowly move your hand or perch slightly away.
If your parrot stays in place, immediately reward them with a treat.
Gradually increase the distance and duration you ask them to stay before giving the reward.
Practice regularly to reinforce the behavior.

Gradually increasing the duration and distance: Start with just a few seconds or a very short distance, and slowly build up as your parrot becomes more comfortable with the command.

Using a Clicker for Training

Clicker training is a popular method that involves using a small device that makes a clicking sound to get the bird’s attention.