Train your Pet Bird or Parrot to learn tricks

One of the pleasures of owning a pet bird is to teach him or her tricks. However, the purpose of teaching your bird is not just for entertainment. Training will create a better behaved, more social and happier animal.

Most birds are very smart, and if taught correctly, will be able to learn a wide range of tricks. You should set a specific time to work with your pet each day. If at all possible, try to stick to that time. Birds function well with a schedule and will even come to look forward to their training time. Plus, if you practice on a regular basis, your bird will pick up the skill you are teaching much faster.

The training area should be safe and secure. Eliminate distractions so you will have the bird's full attention. Close doors, draw curtains and turn off any music. Use a room that is brightly lit, colorful, quiet and away from its cage.

You should start the training session by socializing with your pet. Just like humans, birds learn much more quickly if they are engaged and enjoying themselves. For your bird to have fun, you shouldn't work with him or her, if you are in a bad mood or overly tired. Your attitude will negatively affect the bird and your time together. Begin by talking with your bird in a cheerful, but calm voice.

Smile and don't make any sudden or fast movements. You can also choose to offer your pet a small treat right off the bat to signal that this is an enjoyable time. To keep it fun, it is important to not tire the bird by an overly long training session. Young birds, even ones that look fully mature, often tire more quickly than adults. You should only work with young birds for about five minutes. Older pets can usually take 10 minutes.

If your bird is untrained, the first trick you should teach him is "step-up." This is a relatively easy one to learn and will make moving and transporting your bird must easier. Before you teach this maneuver make sure you have followed all the above recommendations.

When you are ready, slowly move your hand towards the bird. Then you should softly press your pointer finger to the bird's lower stomach and say in a friendly and calm voice, "step up." (If the bird is too large to perch on your finger, you can use your arm). In most cases, the bird will automatically step up onto your finger. Eventually, he or she will come to recognize your words as the cue to step onto your hand or arm.

When your bird completes this trick or any other trick successfully make sure you praise them! The reward that they receive is what teaches birds that they are doing what you want and it gives them motivation to continue to follow your commands. Besides verbal praise, you should offer your bird a treat. You can use a special food such as a piece of fruit or vegetable, or a favorite toy that is reserved especially for the times when the bird has learned a new trick. If you give your birds lots of praise and encouragement, then he will learn quickly and be eager for the next lesson.

Once a trick is learned, you should regularly ask your bird to perform the trick so that it is not forgotten. You can use daily activities to sneak in practice. For example, when you are cleaning the cage, ask your pet to step up onto your hand, instead of letting him just pull himself up on the bars.

If you remember to follow all of these guidelines and exercise patience, you will be sure to have a pet with an impressive set of tricks.