Parrot Tricks

Parrots are highly intelligent and entertaining pets to own. Because of their ability to learn quickly and mimic, parrot tricks can be one of the most rewarding aspects of owning a parrot. Pet owners can easily train their parrots to perform tricks by taming them, staying patient and positive, and establishing a stable routine.

Before You Begin

Before beginning to train a parrot to perform tricks, it is first and foremost essential that a parrot be tame. If a pet owner is unable to handle, touch, or hold their parrot friend without upset or getting bit, training them to do tricks will be nearly impossible.  Thus, it is important to choose a parrot from a reputable breeder, allow for bonding time, and spend quality time with the parrot often. Keeping the handling time and trick training time positive is important.  It will take time for a parrot to adjust to new owners and a new routine.

Trick Training Sessions

Once a parrot is tame and can easily be handled, parrot tricks are just around the corner.  A parrot’s high level of intelligence and natural instinctual abilities will instantly come into play. Parrot owners should make sure that they begin their trick training session in a quiet room, free from distractions.  This will ensure that the parrot is able to focus and understand the new tricks being taught to them. Also, training sessions should be kept short. Parrot owners do not want to bore or tire out their parrots by long trick training sessions.

The first and easiest trick to teach a parrot friend is “Step Up”. Because this is a simple and natural thing for a parrot to do, it will be easier to establish a command and signal for this trick. Parrot owners simply need to place their finger, slowly and gently, in front of their parrot’s feet. Then, in a calm, soothing voice, command the parrot to “step up”. Parrot owners can use a piece of food to entice their parrot forward. For larger birds, this trick can be used with the owner’s forearm instead of finger. Gently praise the parrot or reward them with a treat for a trick performed well.

Basic Vocal and Initial Tricks

Training a parrot to do vocal tricks can be done anytime. Because of their natural ability and desire to mimic, parrot owners can easily train their parrots to do vocal tricks.  The most popular vocal trick is “hello”. By simply repeating, “hello, hello” to a parrot on a regular basis, parrots will quickly learn to mimic their owners. Usually two syllable words work best. Remaining patient, consistent, and positive will allow a parrot friend to feel happy to perform. Once they respond or perform their new trick well, parrot owners should instantly reward their parrot for a job well done with a piece of their favorite fruit or other food treat.

Another easy parrot trick is “Turn Around”. This trick should begin with a parrot standing on a perch. The pet owner can slowly and calmly offer the parrot a piece of their favorite food. As the parrot leans forward to reach for it, the owner should move their hand around the parrot’s back, requiring the parrot to turn around.  Once the parrot has completed a full turn around, the trick is complete, and the food reward should be given with gently praise.

Above all, love, patience, and establishing a consistent trick training routine, will allow for the parrot to feel comfortable and confident. Parrot tricks are a fun and rewarding way to bond with your parrot, enrich their lives, and entertain friends and family.