Training Your Parrot

For many, knowing how to train a parrot is more important than knowing what to feed the parrot, what kind of routine care the parrot will need, or what size of cage to get the parrot. Owners of parrots, although concerned about this information, mainly want to know how to train their parrot.

A parrot's trainability is not based on the parrot; the basis of whether or not a parrot can be trained relies solely on the parrot owner. Your parrots training depends on the amount of time you can spend training the parrot, the education you have to train the parrot, and your level of patience. If you don't have the time, information, or patience, you will not be able to successfully teach your parrot tricks.

Training a parrot takes much dedication on your part. Also, if your main goal is to teach your parrot to talk, you will want to choose a breed of parrot that has speaking abilities. Not all parrots have the same speaking abilities. Some birds are unable to speak no matter how much training and patience you have. Research the types of parrots to find the one that is more likely to be able to accept your training.

Allow me to give you a great piece of advice that will greatly increase your chances of having a trained parrot. Positive rewards are key to any training regimen. Whether you want your parrot to dance or if you want him to talk you have to reward him. Treats or other forms of reward will encourage the bird to want to please you. For treats, you can give your bird crackers or seeds or you can just give praise. Be sure to give the bird a positive reward after each attempt he makes at doing what you want him to do. Remember, the bird isn't going to know what it is you want unless you show him that he is doing the right thing.

Parrots crave human interaction; notice how your bird gets excited when you enter the room. Because parrots enjoy human contact so much, they will want to reflect more human like traits. For this reason parrots generally associate their own name with interaction from humans.

If you raise the pitch or tone of your voice, you will notice that your bird will become happy and he is more likely to understand what it is you are trying to say. By speaking slowly or monotone your bird will not emotionally attach himself and will be less likely apt to learn. Parrots can be emotional and are prone to wanting to mimic your mood. If you are in a happy and eager mood, your parrot most likely will perk up too. A happy bird makes a more trainable bird.

Teaching your pet Parrot tricks can be fun and help you form a healthy relationship with your parrot. Because parrots crav e your attention, you will be benefiting him by spending time with him and benefiting yourself by having a trained bird. Just remember, not all birds can be trained but this does not mean your parrot doesn't want or need your love and attention. You should have a parrot more for a companion than just a show pony.