Discover The Secrets To Teaching Parrot Tricks

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.

But have you been faced with a lot of noise 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 being able to move closer and closer to the bird 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 walk towards the bird until such time as it starts to look fearful. 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 until the bird stops its squawking and you can move a little closer.

The parrot is going to remain cautious for some time but eventually it will let you get closer. When it does, use the same hand motion putting it near its feet. 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 let him have his treat 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 parrot tricks successfully needs both the owner and the parrot to be relaxed.

Knowing how to treat a parrot pet will give him the best chance for a long and happy life. Have lots of fun with your parrot as you teach him new parrot tricks and at Pet Parrot Secrets you will also learn how to take great care of him so he is around for many years to come. Come and join up to my FREE mini-course '10 Secrets to Caring for a Pet Parrot'.