Parrot Training Tips - The UP Command

When training you bird, teaching it good manners is a first priority. The "Up" command could be the very first behavior you select for your parrot training. It doesn't matter whether your parrot is a trusting, just weaned baby or an adult untamed bird, you can still use this easy process for training your bird.

Training your bird manners and commands is, of course, easier if the parrot is tame rather than untamed. It just requires a bit more dedication and persistence when training your parrot that is not tame. You'll find it works best for untamed birds if you use a perch or wooden dowel (be sure it is not treated wood) which is reasonably long. This allows training your bird to begin without the bird being encouraged to touch your hand at first.

I suggest training your bird outside his or her cage. Sometimes that is impossible and in those cases, you can train your parrot inside its cage. It helps if the cage has a big door so you can move the dowel inside the cage easily. Of course, you should choose a dowel or perch sized properly for the species of parrot you're teaching.

In the first session of parrot training, you should position the dowel or perch above the parrot's feet but also below the breast. At the same time, say "Up" clearly. Don't shout or be loud, simply say the word 'Up'. As you speak, slide the dowel slowly toward the bird and it will naturally place a foot on the dowel or perch.

Training your parrot means that each time it steps up on command, you should offer a reward. Tell your parrot what a great bird it is and offer a treat during early parrot training sessions. Do these steps for 10 minutes per session. I find that training your parrot in two sessions per day works best. If you can't train but one time daily, don't use longer sessions; 10 minutes is sufficient.

Consistency is the key to training your bird! It is important that you do not allow your parrot to refuse to perform the behavior after it has stepped up the first time. You want your parrot to understand that this is something it must do when requested.

When training your parrot let your bird know that you will provide treats, love and attention when the bird steps up. Each time the parrot does the behavior, let it know you are pleased. Treats can be used, but never rely entirely on treats; praise is the greatest reward, especially for tame parrots.

As your parrot becomes comfortable stepping onto the perch, slowly shorten the distance from your hand to the bird. I find that when training untamed parrots, shortening the perch more than once a week can stress them and actually create a loss of the trust you've built. Progress slowly and regular training will help you and your bird accomplish your parrot training goals.

Soon, a day will arrive that you notice the distance from your hand to the bird on the perch is small. After your parrot becomes really comfortable with your hand that nearby, begin the final parrot training step - offer your hand or forearm (depending on the parrot's size) instead of the perch. Ask the parrot, by saying the UP command, to step directly onto your arm or hand.

How long training your parrot this behavior requires depends on you, your consistency and your parrot. If the parrot has been stressed or made afraid through abuse or trauma, it can take a long time. If your parrot is simply unfamiliar with you, you must prove to it that you won't hurt it and the process can occur quite quickly.

When training your parrot that was hand-fed, you can count on the entire process being quick and easy. You may even begin with the final step and simply speak the command while asking the parrot to step onto your hand.

You can learn a lot about your bird's level of trust by watching the bird's body language training your bird includes learning to read its communications about comfort levels shown via posture, stance, and other body language elements. Parrot training is much easier if you pay attention to these clues.

Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com

Master training your bird in simple steps. Get a free 1h45 minutes audio on parrot biting, screaming and feather plucking with parrot training expert Nora Caterino.
You can get a unique content version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated