Trick Training Companion Parrots

by Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant
Phone: (503) 771-BIRD

Tricks performed by cute little birdies - who can resist!? Although I've always admired and enjoyed them, I never aspired to teach my birds tricks - it seemed somehow demeaning or something (Oh, I sound like such a snob!) But, despite MY lack of interest, I noticed something over the years - my parrots would teach themselves tricks!!! I never prompted them or gave cues - they just did them when they felt the urge, and both the bird, myself, and anyone else observing seemed to derive great pleasure from the stunts! Amber, my Blue and Gold Macaw, did her first impromptu "performance" at 1 year of age, shortly after our move to the Northwest. I was introducing her to a group of folks, and she was hanging upside down by her feet (as she is fond of doing), when she tilted her head all the way back and said "Hello!" Everyone, including me, was surprised and laughed, and clapped with enthusiasm!

Then there was "Peaches," the cockatiel, who love to whistle, being a good little boy 'tiel. Well, one day, I was singing "The Mexican Hat Dance" (Something I have never done before or since!) and Peaches thought it was cool! He took the tune, added his own twists and every morning stood at full attention, wings out, neck stretched, on his tiptoes - and did a full rendition of what became known as "The Peaches Song."

I never really gave tricks any thought, though, until the past year or so when my other half, Joseph, (aka "Mr. Bird Lady!) took a keen interest in trick training after seeing a performance at a bird expo. Before we got together two and a half years ago, Joseph, was a reptile guy, spending his time with 6 foot boa constrictors and 2 foot lizards. He had never experienced birds until meeting me, and quickly became smitten with Amber and the rest of the bird kids. He has been a great student, proving to be a keen observer and showing wonderful insight into bird behavior in general. His playful nature appealed to our parrots, and he brought out their playful sides, with them seemingly anxious to please him. He was excited to meet noted trick trainer, Tani Robar, and spoke to her at length about bird training.

We purchased one of her videos and began studying up on trick training. As a behaviorist, I use a variety of techniques in behavioral rehabilitation, including diversions with things a parrot enjoys - such as tricks! I began using trick training more and more in treating problem behaviors, finding quick success with certain birds. I found it particularly helpful for young birds, just starting to act out in inappropriate ways, as opposed to other birds already grounded in years of behavioral problems.

Whether you want to use trick training to deal with problem behaviors (such as screaming, biting, plucking, etc.) or just for fun, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind:

• It must be TOTALLY fun for both the bird and the human!!

• It needs to be looked at NOT as another task to be done, but rather turning it from a "job" into a "joy!"

• Tricks need to fall within a bird's basic abilities and aptitudes, in other words, don't expect to teach "play dead" to a bird who's absolutely terrified of being upside down!

• Use a combination of verbal commands and physical cues when teaching the trick. Birds are very visual and do well with having you demonstrate and guide them physically in the beginning. The verbal command reinforces the physical / visual cue.

• Reward compliance with both a small food treat (something special, like a pine nut or ¼ a peanut, or pumpkin seed) and unbridled, enthusiastic verbal praise! Our parrots enjoy special treats, of course, but even more so, they love to please us and make us smile!

• Training sessions need to be in a neutral area, away form cages, playstands, and other birds or distractions.

• Practice sessions for short periods - doing three 5 minute sessions per day goes a lot further than one 15 minute session.

• NEVER reprimand or criticize! This is all about FUN! Just be patient and keep guiding gently.

• ALWAYS end sessions on an up note, after compliance of a favorite trick, never give up and stop because the bird can't do the trick. Instead, pick one he CAN do to wind up with.

Trick training can be a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your parrot. So, observe your bird's normal antics (and self-taught tricks) and pick something to turn into a trick on cue. I promise you'll both have a lot of fun performing together - and you may just find a decrease in problem behaviors along the way!

Click Here To Download A FREE Parrot Training Video