parrot tricks

Guide to Teaching Parrots Tricks

Parrots are becoming more popular as household pets. They are smart, witty, funny, and usually very colorful. It is also very fun to teach parrots tricks to further bond with your parrot since they are so easily trainable.

Spending the time with your pet parrot needed to teach him tricks creates a greater sense of focus on you as the owner and creates an overall better socialized parrot. Teaching parrots tricks can also help correct behavioral problems since most of the time, pet parrots have behavioral issues when they are bored or don't have the mental and physical stimulation needed. Spending time with your parrot and teaching him tricks will not only help stimulate him mentally but also helps to result in an overall happier and healthier parrot.

An example of such behavioral issues includes the loud noises or screeching which is very stressful. By training your parrot to speak instead of screech, you will enjoy your relationship with your parrot more and he will more mentally stimulated and focused.

When teaching your parrots tricks, training to speak doesn't have to be a formal classroom lecture. Simply every time you walk by their cage, simply say and repeat the word or words you're trying to teach on a regular basis and your parrot will soon adopt the phrases or words of what you say.

When trying to teach your parrots tricks, make sure you begin to speak very clear and slow so your parrot can grasp the words you're teaching him. Just say one syllable or two at a time, and if he repeats the word, go ahead and reward him with a treat or food. As with training any animal any tricks, you will likely need multiple sessions so give your parrot patience as well as yourself until he has the word mastered and sounds clear.

A word of caution - show caution what words you say around your parrot, as it can be quite awkward when your parrot utters a phrase you didn't want him to repeat.

Another popular parrot trick is called the "step up." This is an easy trick to teach and is also useful when tracking your parrot down at home.  In this parrot trick, you teach your parrot to step up on a branch or perch or even your arm right in front of him. Begin by pressing your finger against your parrot's chest and say the words "step up." Be careful not to poke your parrot with your finger, but rather gently press with the side of your index finger.

You'll want to use food and treats as an incentive to help your parrot learn their tricks a bit faster. Just hold out the treat between your thumb and index finger. Also take note to keep your training sessions as short as possible, as you do not want to repeat the same tricks so many times your parrot begins to lose interest. Also be sure to always end your training sessions on a positive note so your parrot will be encouraged for the next session.

Lastly, never work with your parrot or teach parrot tricks when you are feeling stressed out. Stay calm and patient, as your attitude, voice tone, and gestures are picked up and internalized by your parrot. Keep these tips in mind when teaching your parrots tricks and have fun!

Jessica Peloski is a parrot enthusiast and author of pet parrot care books. For more information on teaching parrots tricks, visit http://www.parrotcareanswers101.com

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