Training your pet birds to perform tricks is a rewarding way to bond with your pet while keeping them mentally stimulated. Birds like parrots, cockatiels, and budgies are intelligent and capable of learning a variety of fun behaviours, from waving to even playing basketball. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your bird tricks that entertain both of you. Here’s how to get started.
Start With Trust
Before diving into tricks, you really do need to ensure your bird trusts you. It’s going to be quite hands-on; work on any handling or hand fears before embarking on the trick training if needed. Spend time daily talking softly, offering treats, and letting them get comfortable with your presence. A bird that feels safe is more likely to engage in training. Hold a treat, like a piece of millet or a sunflower seed, and let them approach you. Reward small steps, like stepping closer, to build confidence.
Choose Simple Tricks First
Begin with easy tricks to set your bird up for success. A good beginner’s trick is the “step-up” cue, where your bird steps onto your finger or a perch. Hold a treat near your finger and say “step up” as they move toward it. Reward them immediately with the treat and praise. Position the treat so they have to step onto your finger. Once they master this, you can move to fun tricks like:
- Wave: Hold a treat just out of reach and say “wave.” When your bird lifts a foot to reach, reward them. Gradually shape this into a waving motion by withholding the treat and causing a tiny bit of frustration or extra movement.
- Turn Around: Lure your bird to spin in a circle using a treat, saying a cue word as they move. Reward them after a full turn. Train maybe “left spin” and “right spin”.
- Fetch: Use a small, lightweight object like a plastic ball. Encourage your bird to pick it up with their beak and drop it into a container. Reward each step of the process, starting with just touching it and working from there.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Birds respond best to positive reinforcement. Always reward desired behaviours with treats, praise, or affection. There should be no punishment, as it will break trust and discourage learning. Keep sessions short – 3 to 5 minutes, two to three times a day – to maintain your bird’s interest. Watch for signs of boredom, like fluffing feathers or turning away, and stop if they seem uninterested.
Advanced Tricks for Fun
Once your bird masters simple tricks, try more advanced ones. Teach them to ring a bell by rewarding them at first for just pecking it. For a crowd-pleaser, set up a tiny basketball hoop and encourage them to pop a small ball in there. Parrots, especially, love showing off, and these activities keep their minds sharp.
Be Patient and Consistent
Every bird learns at their own pace. Some may pick up tricks in days, while others take weeks. Use the exact command words and rewards consistently to avoid confusion. Celebrate small progress to keep both you and your bird motivated.
Keep It Fun
Training should be a joyful experience. If your bird seems stressed, take a break and try again later. A happy, engaged bird will love learning and showing off their new skills. With time, you’ll have a top performer who brings smiles to everyone!
We hope you enjoyed our article about Training Your Pet Birds. Click here for more of our pet articles.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: [email protected] - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
