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Taming a bird

    So you have a small bird and would like to tame it? I know it probably flutters around her cage when you get near it or she hides in the corner when you change her food or water, but taming a parrot isn't as hard as you think. You just need some patience, remember don't give up!

    You shouldn't  rush into taming your bird. For a few days simply sit next to the birds cage and talk to it so the bird gets used to having you near it. Short little sessions a few times a day should be fine. after a few days of that sit next to her cage like usually but this time slowly open the door and slowly put your hand in the cage. She will probably be very scared and might flutter around. ignore her hissy fit and keep you hand in there for a few moments while talking to her. Keep doing this for a few more days until she doesn't mind your hand.

    After she gets moderately used to your hand being in her cage you two are ready  for some one on one time. Take her cage to a small room and make sure it is parrot proof. For example, if you use the bathroom make sure the toilet is up and try and cover the mirrors. Keep in mind your bird should be clipped in this process so it doesn't get hurt, don't worry wing feathers grow back!

    After you take her to the bathroom, or other small parrot proof room, set her cage down and sit in front of it. After a few minutes gently open the door and put your hands inside of the cage. After a second or two cup her and take her out of the cage. She will probably flutter around the bathroom for a second. Don't chase her will she tries to fly around, this would frighten her and put back the taming process.

    When she is done her fluttering gently scoop her up sit back down on the floor and place her on your knees. She may or may not stay on your knees, if she flutters just repeat until she stays for a few moments. If she seems to focusing on flying to her cage remove it from the room and continue. After a few minutes she should be able to stay on your knees. If she panics place her in her cage and try again tomorrow a panic bird will not learn.

    After a few training sessions of her perching on your knees its time to use your hand. To do this keep place her on your knees early in the training session and slowly inch your hand up to her. She might flutter away just give her a moment and place her back on your knees. After a few times she should be comfortable with your hand getting close. When she is comfortable gently push your finger against her stomach and say "step up", this causes her to become unbalanced and she will automatically step up onto your hand to keep from falling. Congratulations! At this stage she is becoming hand tame. Keep repeating this until she is fully comfortable on your finger, then you can simply reach inside, say "step up" and she will step up right onto your finger. Soon you can walk around your house with a bird on your hand!

Some useful tips

-Keep the training sessions short. If they are too long she will become bored and the training is useless

-Some birds take longer to train than others.

-Do not simply grab the bird out of the cage, this will frighten the bird and the training isn't going to work with a terrified bird.

-Use treats and make the training fun! Give her some millet spray or some veggies when she stays on your finger.

-Talk to her quietly but never raise your voice to her if she isn't listening, simply put her back in her cage and try again later.

Created by Brandon Hamilton

This information is distributed in order to help you care for your bird, we are not responsible for any misuse of this information resulting in unforeseen consequences.

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