The Reality Of Parrot Training

So you google parrot training because you have a problem bird and what you get are some really good tips, if that is, you can actually pick up your bird without losing a finger. Been there done that, trust me. I’m here to help.

First thing to do is calm down. Really. Get a cup of tea and take a bath. Whatever it takes to start off in the right frame of mind. Now while you are soaking and sipping let’s discuss what’s really going on here. Birds bite because they have been forced to. They read facial expressions and body language, but we don’t read theirs. Simple stuff like smiling and talking sweetly with your bird is a good first step, notice I did not say “at” your bird? Have a conversation with him.

Now that your calm, get him out of the cage. Yes, you heard me, put on a glove and get him out of there. Be gentle, patient and brave!

Now, you’ll notice a difference right away. Keep those gloves on for the moment and take him into the bathroom close the door and shut the toilet. Now, put your finger/wrist right at the base of his belly and say “step up”. If he just stars at you, roll the finger/wrist he is standing on towards the finger/wrist where you want him. Please only say the step up command once. If you repeat it he’ll think the command is stepupstepupstepup.

Once he actually steps up, cheer! Yay! Good boy! Birds love noise! When you yell at them they think it’s great fun! They will intentionally do things to make you yell. Ok then, lets make it a good kind of yelling.

Now to finally get the burning question, how do I get him to stop biting? Simple. Be calm, patient and when he bites, have him set up, give him a very dirty look and have him step up 6 to 10 more times. Put him down, turn and walk away. Do this every time he bites or lunges. This is called laddering.

This may sound hard, but once you’ve done it, you will want to kiss me. This works like a charm.

We’re done with the tough love part and you can get down to training and bonding with him now. Please never stop the laddering, just like a child they need rules and please never forget to be lavish with praise. Think of it this way, would you like to hear your bird yell “Shut up!” or “What a good bird”?