Once your bird is comfortable with the sight of your hand, place your hand in his cage in a slow and non-threatening manner. It may take another week before he is comfortable with your hand inside his cage. [4] X Research source
It may take several tries before your bird is ready to take the treat from your hand. [6] X Research source Be patient with him. Spray millet is a great bird treat. [7] X Research source
Use a verbal cue (‘step up’ or ‘up’) as you press your finger against his chest. [9] X Research source Reward your bird immediately with verbal praise (‘good bird’) and a treat when he steps up onto your finger. [10] X Research source Your bird may not initially understand that he is supposed to step up onto your hand. If he runs away from your hand, entice him to your finger with some spray millet rather than following him around his cage with your hand. [11] X Research source
Do not be surprised if your bird suddenly panics and flies off your finger. If he does so, calmly walk to him and encourage him to step up again. Repeat this each time he flies off your finger. [13] X Research source If your bird seems distressed or exhausted, stop your training session and return him to his cage. [14] X Research source Hold your bird at your chest level when you have him outside of his cage. This will establish your authority over him. [15] X Research source
Repeat this several times, rewarding your bird each time that he steps up. [17] X Research source You can also gently lift and stroke his toes to increase his comfort level of being perched on your finger. [18] X Research source
Use a verbal cue (‘step down’ or ‘down’) as he steps down, even though he will be stepping up onto his perch. [20] X Research source Reward your bird when he steps off your finger.
Place the towel on the bottom of his cage. It may be helpful to first leave the towel in your bird’s cage for several days to allow him to get used to its presence.
Do not put any pressure on your bird’s neck with the thumb and middle finger. [24] X Research source Place the index finger of the hand holding the towel on top his head to keep him still. [25] X Research source Wrap your bird’s wings inside the towel to prevent him from struggling and flapping his wings. [26] X Research source Make sure that the towel is not rubbing your bird’s eyes. [27] X Research source Do not put any pressure on his chest. Pressure on his chest could cause him to suffocate. [28] X Research source Try to rest your bird in the palm of the hand holding the towel. [29] X Research source You may need to use both hands if you have a larger bird.
Allow your bird to relax and get comfortable again. [31] X Research source Reward him with a treat if he was still and did not try to bite you when you held him in a towel.
Each person in your household should use the same command. [33] X Research source
Whichever location/object you choose, use it consistently as you are house training your bird.
Being able to recognize this body language will let you be one step ahead of him and give him the command before he defecates. [36] X Research source It would also be helpful to make a note of when he usually goes to the bathroom. Most birds will defecate first thing in the morning, after meals, and when they are taken out of and placed back into their cages. [37] X Research source Smaller birds tend to go the bathroom more frequently than larger birds. [38] X Research source
Practice this each time your bird needs to defecate so that he forms the association between defecating in the right location and being rewarded for it. [40] X Research source Do not punish him if he defecates in the wrong location. Doing this may backfire—he might defecate in the wrong place just to get your attention. [41] X Research source
You can also kiss his beak and say the word ‘kiss. ’[43] X Research source You can add his name to the ‘I love you’ statement so that your bird learns his name. [44] X Research source
When you feed him, say the name of the food as you are giving it to him. [46] X Research source In time, you may notice your bird responding to your words with his body language (e. g. , lifting his wing when you say ‘scratch’).
Reward him with verbal praise and a treat when he attempts to say the words you are teaching him. [48] X Research source
The words you want your bird to learn should be the only ones spoken in an enthusiastic voice when you are around him.
Your positive reaction to him will encourage him to continue talking to you. [51] X Research source If there is a word or phrase that you do not want your bird to say anymore, do not react to him when he says it. [52] X Research source
It may take your bird several weeks before he is comfortable with you. If that is the case, be patient with him and move at his pace. Quietly talking to him can also help your bird feel more at ease with you.
Your bird’s cage could be one of your bird’s distractions. [56] X Research source Ideally, the cage should be out of sight. However, a bird who is insecure or easily frightened may benefit from having his cage where he can see it. [57] X Research source
Your bird may also become aggressive during his training sessions. He may show his aggression by vocalizing, flapping his wings, or biting you. [59] X Research source End the training session if he is displaying aggressive behavior. You should always end the training session on a good note, such as giving your bird verbal praise or a treat. [60] X Research source
Playing with the props yourself may pique your bird’s interest in them. [62] X Research source
Your bird may mistake your fingers as a nut and bite them on accident. [64] X Research source Examples of healthy snacks for birds are strawberries, mangoes, and peppers. [65] X Research source Spray millet is another great treat for birds. Whichever treat you use, reserve it only for training purposes. [66] X Research source
If your bird is getting frustrated or starts acting aggressively, it may be time to consider teaching him another trick.
If your bird starts to scream, stand close by and talk to him in quiet and soothing voice until he calms down. [71] X Research source Do not give your bird treats if he bites you or screams. [72] X Research source
Bitter apple spray is available at your local pet store.
