Parrot Training: The First Step

You may be wondering why this is the first thing you should train your parrot to do. The main reason is that it makes it so much easier to get your bird out of its cage. Step-up also comes in handy when a parrot climbs up to your shoulder, which they sometimes do even when you try not to allow it. In this situation, some parrots may try to bite, so especially with a larger parrot the step-up command will make getting the bird off the shoulder less dangerous. And if you ever find your bird in a dangerous situation, the step-up command could literally be a life saver. It's important that your bird learn to cooperate with you, and teaching step up is an excellent way to do that. This is why people who are experienced with parrots often recommend beginning training with teaching the bird to step up.

For many parrots, the step-up command is one of the easiest to learn, especially if you are working with a young bird. You slowly place your hand so that it is in front of your bird at around the height of its feet and in a normal speaking tone, give the command to "step up." Some parrots will step up automatically when your finger is in front of it. With others, you may need to press your finger gently into its lower abdomen area to put it off balance just a tiny bit. In most cases, the parrot will step onto your finger as you give this gentle push. Don't forget to praise your bird enthusiastically once it has stepped up onto your finger. You can then ask your bird to step-up a few additional times, encouraging your bird to go from one hand to the other. Be sure to give the step-up command each time.

A few parrots will cling to the perch and just won't let go. Who knows what is going on inside their heads, but this is how you handle this situation. Keep your finger in front of the feet as described above, but take your other hand and move it around behind the bird like you are going to scoop it up from behind. What you are doing is giving your bird a choice of stepping up to your hand or being picked up from behind (which most birds don't like). Nearly one hundred percent of the time, the bird will wisely choose to step up. Again, wildly praise your pet for being smart enough to know that stepping up is the better choice.

Keep practicing step-up with your bird on a regular basis. Practice daily at first, and then do semi-regular practice sessions throughout the bird's life to reinforce this behavior. If you do this, you'll find your bird is easier to handle and it won't be nearly as bad when the "terrible twos" hit. Congratulations, you are now on your way to the parrot training hall of fame.