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What Are the Best Tips for Training a Parakeet?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Training a parakeet and gaining a bird's trust does not generally happen overnight, and losing patience will impede the process. During the taming process, it's a good idea to have the bird's wings clipped. An exotic pet bird can become an affectionate companion, once it becomes socialized and accustomed to human handling. In the early stages of training a parakeet, one person should work with the bird for short daily sessions. A soft tone of voice will help reassure the bird during training.

Every bird will react differently when being approached, and there is no set rule or timeline when training a parakeet. Some parakeets will willingly climb onto the hand after a few attempts, while other birds might take longer to train. An older parakeet that has never been handled will generally take longer to become hand-tamed.

Pet parrots require frequent care.
Pet parrots require frequent care.

Although the taming process can become frustrating, one must not give up. Once the bird begins to trust its owner, it will begin to bond and show great affection for its caregiver. It's not uncommon for a pet bird to accept an owner as its mate, and the bond can become quite strong.

It's best to keep the training sessions limited to about 15 minutes a day. When training a parakeet, it's important not to frighten the bird by attempting to grab it roughly. The owner should not make sudden or jerky movements with an intrusive hand inside the bird's cage. Offering the bird a favorite treat by hand, such as a piece of millet spray, is a good start to training a parakeet. After several times, the bird will come to associate the owner's hand with something pleasant.

Pet parakeets can be kept in small cages and taken out frequently so they can fly around indoors.
Pet parakeets can be kept in small cages and taken out frequently so they can fly around indoors.

The person should place an index finger gently against the parakeet's chest in an attempt to get the bird to perch on the hand or finger. If the parakeet shows any signs of fear, the trainer should slowly remove his hand from the cage. It's best to stop a session if the bird attempts to thrash inside its cage, as it could become hurt or stressed.

Once a parakeet becomes accustomed to being handled and readily perches on a finger, the owner should train the bird to "step up" onto a perch. This can be a helpful way of capturing a flighted bird and returning it to its cage. Simply placing the perch gently against the bird's chest should coax it to step up. Again, it's best not to use force or frighten the parakeet during this training method.

Breeders can inform new owners on how to feed, train and care for their baby parrots.
Breeders can inform new owners on how to feed, train and care for their baby parrots.

Allowing the parakeet time out of its cage each day will enable interaction between the bird and its owner. Play outside of the cage will also provide much needed stimulation and exercise. Playpens, stands, and toys designed for small birds can be purchased at many exotic pet stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start training my parakeet?

Begin by establishing trust with your parakeet through regular, gentle interaction. Offer treats from your hand to create a positive association. Start with simple commands like stepping onto your finger inside the cage. Consistency is key, so practice daily in short sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep your bird engaged without causing stress.

What are the best treats to use for parakeet training?

Parakeets are often motivated by millet, a favorite treat for many birds. Small pieces of fruits or vegetables can also be effective, as they are both healthy and enticing. Always ensure treats are parakeet-safe and use them sparingly to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to health issues.

Can parakeets learn to talk, and how can I teach mine?

Parakeets have the capacity to mimic human speech. To teach yours, repeat words or phrases clearly and frequently in a bright, encouraging tone. Start with simple words and gradually move to phrases. According to research, the best results come from consistent practice, ideally during quiet times of the day when your bird is most attentive.

How can I teach my parakeet to do tricks?

After mastering basic commands like 'step up', you can move on to tricks. Use a clicker for positive reinforcement; click and treat when your bird performs the desired action. Break tricks down into small steps, rewarding each progression. Patience and repetition are crucial, as birds learn through consistent positive reinforcement.

What should I do if my parakeet is not responding to training?

If your parakeet isn't responding, take a step back and ensure the training environment is quiet and free of distractions. Verify that your bird is healthy and not stressed. Reassess your techniques, making sure you're using positive reinforcement and patience. Sometimes, adjusting your approach or trying at a different time of day can help.

How long does it typically take to train a parakeet?

The time it takes to train a parakeet varies widely depending on the individual bird and the complexity of the tasks. Basic taming can take a few weeks, while more complex tricks or speech may take months or even years. Consistent, daily training sessions are crucial for progress, and patience is essential.

Discussion Comments

plato10

I have four birds. I purchased a mate for one bird after one died and then two others. They fly around wildly and it seems impossible to get near them. If it were possible, I would attempt to cut their wings.

One of the last birds I bought will step up on my finger, but will immediately attempt to follow the other birds, Even when I take him into another room, he/she too wants to be a wild bird. I feel like giving up.

I noticed that all the birds in the pet shop are housed in large cages and I think this might be the cause of their wildness. What can I do? I have attempted to slowly to gain their trust and have followed all the advice from this site and online.

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    • Pet parrots require frequent care.
      By: susan flashman
      Pet parrots require frequent care.
    • Pet parakeets can be kept in small cages and taken out frequently so they can fly around indoors.
      Pet parakeets can be kept in small cages and taken out frequently so they can fly around indoors.
    • Breeders can inform new owners on how to feed, train and care for their baby parrots.
      Breeders can inform new owners on how to feed, train and care for their baby parrots.