How to Train Your Parrot

Parrots are fascinating animals and if you have a parrot chances are you are amazed at just how smart they really are. When I was a child we had a pet cockatiel and he was beautiful. We had trained this bird to say words and even sentences. Unfortunately, once learned them he wouldn't ever shut up. Parrots are easy to train and this article can show you just how to do it.

Train Your Parrot: Choosing a Bird

Cockatiels are a type of parrot and are more common that other kinds of parrots such as those brightly colored breeds from the Amazon. All are trainable but it really depends on which is in your price range and how big your want your parrot to be. There are some that are huge and it can take two hands to hold. And trust me; you will be holding your parrot... a lot.

It is also helpful to buy a baby bird that has been hand fed and raised. Not one that is an adult and was raised to be 'stand-off-ish'. It is very difficult to teach old birds new tricks. There are so many wonderful breeds to choose from, so depending on your specific style and favorite colors you can choose the perfect pet if price is not a problem. Otherwise, cockatiels and smaller birds may be the way to go.

Train Your Parrot: Accessories Needed

When purchasing a cage make sure that you indulge your parrot in a large one to make sure that it doesn't feel trapped or unhappy. I personally keep the door of my bird's cage open at all times allowing my cockatiel to choose the play are or her cage. The play pens are equipped with wooden perches and ladders. Feel free to add toys for the parrot to play with.

Hand held perches are a must. The first stage of training your parrot is to hold two wooden perches in your hand and rotate them by getting your parrot to step on each over and over as you are in control. This gets your parrot to trust you and develop a playful bond.

Treats are another key item to have. It is the same concept as a puppy. But be sure not to over feed. Small fruit treats are very good or a healthy treat can be used as well depending on what your parrot considers more of a delicacy.

Train Your Parrot: The Training Begins

It is important to realize first off that training doesn't happen over night. It is a steady process between your parrot and you taking time out of everyday to enjoy it. Do not over exert your bird or over touch at first. When your parrot begins to do well with the perch movement it is time to start holding them on your hand arm and shoulder. By giving them a treat everyday and showing them the goody they will be receiving can give them a sense of excitability. The parrot can be coaxed to come to you when you show them what you have. This is a simple trick to teach. By always keeping the same movements when delivering a treat you can, with out force, command them to volunteer their affections to receive that goody.

There is only one thing to know when teaching your parrot to talk. Start with simple words or phrases and as you are giving the parrot the intended treat speak it over and over with affection while expressing love and kindness. This makes them think they are communicating with you and they will consider it a bonding moment as well as a 'thank you'. Once they learn those phrases they won't want to stop saying them.