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You've just adopted your first parrot and you are are eager to begin his training regimen. You can hardly wait to teach him to talk, step onto your finger and perform tricks. Unfortunately your new bird seems shy and perhaps has even attempted to bite you when you put your hands near him. What should you do?
Don't get upset or discouraged. Just because your new bird avoids or even attacks you does not mean he hates you. Birds are highly sociable creatures and your bird desires to interact with you, but he's not sure he can trust you. He doesn't know yet if you are friend or foe. He wonders if you trying to make friends or if you are trying to eat him.
What follows are some essentials to establishing the groundwork for training your pet bird. Understanding these foundational principles will equip you with just the information you need to not only establish your bird training plan but to create a wonderful and loving lifelong bond with your new feathered friend.
Most importantly your bird must become comfortable with you. He needs to understand that you are not a threat. Make it easy for him to adjust to you by respecting his space. You wouldn't want a stranger walking right into your home so don't barge into his. Be deliberate but respectful.
Don't create an atmosphere of fear, frustration or anxiety. Parrots, no matter how small are great at picking up on the emotions of people. They will react accordingly so be calm and confident when approaching your bird. If your parrot attempts to bite you instead of jerking your hand away in retreat, ball up your hand and turn it's backside to him. With a stern look firmly tell him 'NO Biting', but don't poke at him, yell at him or make a big fuss. Be controlled and be in control.
Watch him carefully and learn his body language. Eventually you will understand his physical cues that indicate his moods and emotions. Save training for those times when your parrot displays that he is most relaxed and receptive.
When you enter his cage talk with him in low, soothing tones and keep your movements slow and gentle. Tell him what you are going to do beforehand and talk him through his training using key words you want him to connect to action you are teaching him. Eventually he will relate those specific words to tasks. Tell him what a good bird he is and how you love him while using his name. Parrots are very intelligent and quickly learn their names and can connect verbal expressions to emotions.
Incorporate treats into taming and training. Even when you first begin your relationship with your parrot, food is an important bonding tool to help you get acquainted. Offering food lets him know you desire to be his new friend and are bringing a 'peace offering'. Over a short time as he watches you bring his food day after day he will understand you to be the one who provides for him and cares for his needs. Then when you start showing him that you will give him special treats for special actions he will understand how a reward system works.
Your parrot and will soon be eager to please you as you get to know, trust and respect each other. It won't be long and you will have developed a wonderful lifelong friendship.
About this Author
Ernie Geeting is the proud owner of 3 pet birds. To discover fast and easy ways to stop your parrot from biting, screaming, and pooping on you get the free video at http://Pet-Parrot.info
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