Training Your Pet Bird
Simple Tricks to Teach Parakeets, Cockatiels, and Other Small Birds
Maybe a small pet bird can't learn to talk as larger birds, such as parrots. But there are still many pracitcal, as well as entertaining tricks that you can teach him.
A small pet bird is a wonderful pet. Not only is a bird economical to feed and maintain, but he’s also an intelligent creature, capable of learning many new tricks. If you can’t afford a higher priced bird, such as a talking parrot, there are many affordable smaller birds that are trainable, even if they can’t be taught to talk. Besides learning new skills, your bird will also begin to bond with you when you have regular training sessions.
Sitting on Your Finger (Stepping Up)
Learning to sit on your finger (also known as “stepping up”) is one of the first tricks bird owners teach their parakeets and cockatiels. After you’ve given your new bird time to adjust to his (or her) new home, begin by speaking softly and moving slowly, as you don’t want to frighten him. Although some bird owners start out passing a finger into the cage, it’s better to use a thick wooden stick or perch for this trick. Begin by inserting a stick into his cage. Then, holding the stick (or perch) crosswise to the bird’s body, press it gently against his breast (where the legs are connected to the body.) It won’t be long before your bird will learn to step up onto the stick.
After your bird has mastered stepping onto the stick, substitute your finger. When you feel your bird is confident enough in this trick, take him out of his cage. Just make sure the room is safe, closing all doors and windows, as well as getting anything out of the way that may be a problem (such as a pet cat.) If you’re in a kitchen, make sure all burners are off. Or, if you’re in a bedroom, cover mirrors as the bird may crash into them. Then, when all is safe and secure, slowly remove your hand (with the bird perched on it) and walk around the room. After a few minutes, return the bird to the cage, as you don’t want to overdo the first session.
Congratulations! You’ve made the first step in connecting with your new pet. You can also teach finches and canaries to do this trick, although it may take more time to do so.
Climbing the Ladder
Once you’ve taught your bird how to step up, next teach “climbing the ladder.” This is done by putting your finger (or hand) against his breast as you tell him to step up. Then, alternate hands (or fingers), positioning them against his breast, while instructing him to step up. This is simply, climbing a ladder as he climbs from hand to hand or finger to finger up the ladder. As he learns to climb the ladder, he becomes adept in climbing other ladders he may soon have to climb, whether in his cage of somewhere else. If you choose to clip his wings, it’s especially important he’s mastered this skill.
Ring Toss
Because birds, by nature, love to throw things, it’s easy to teach them how to toss a ring. First, encourage him to throw small rings, without worrying about hitting a target. Then, after he’s adept in throwing, toss the rings onto a short dowel screwed onto a base (in an inverted “T” shape.) You’ll be amazed just how much of a little ham your tiny feathered buddy can be when he has an audience.
Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy your new pet bird. If he senses your love and acceptance, training him will be something that he wants to do for you and not just a task.
