Secrets of Parrot Training

Most people who buy parrots have three wishes. They wish it to do tricks. They wish it to talk. They wish it to obey on command. The first wish usually comes true, simply because parrots are comical birds and like to do amusing things. The second wish often comes true as the owners work with their parrots. But the third wish?

Proper parrot training is the secret to having all three wishes come true. And proper parrot training requires knowledge of the secrets of parrot training.

Parrot Training Secret #1 – Species

Parrot training experts and scientists tell us that species has a lot to do with how much you can teach a parrot. The African Grey parrot is the most intelligent, and can be expected to respond best to parrot training. A 28-year old African Grey at Brandeis University, his brain the size of a walnut, understands what zero means. Humans unusually don’t understand this until age three or four.

At 23 years (his life expectancy is 50-60 years), Alex had a vocabulary of 100 words – the number of words we need for half of all English reading. Alex seemed to understand the meanings of them all. N’kisi, another African Grey, has an astounding vocabulary of 950 words. When Alex is tired of tests, he says “I”m gonna go away.” If the researcher acts annoyed, Alex says, “I’m sorry.”

The first secret of parrot training is to research the various breeds and buy one that is noted for the behavior you desire.

Parrot Training Secret #2 – Socialization

The most talkative birds, say parrot training experts, are those that feel most a part of their human “flock”. If you have only one parrot, it will look to you as its entire flock. If you talk to your parrot, and play with it, the bond will grow stronger. Your parrot will want to communicate with you, and will try to mimic the words you say. Begin by teaching him to say his own name. Remember that he will learn bad words as readily as good words, so avoid unwanted language in his hearing. Hint: Think about what he’s learning from television!

As with most pets, parrots will respond to your laughter and praise. If your African Grey parrot performs a trick on his own, and is rewarded with laughter and praise, he is likely to try the same trick again. If each repetition brings praise, the trick will become part of his repertoire.

The more attention you give your parrot – on your terms so he does not become demanding – the more likely it is that your parrot training will be effective.

Parrot Training Secret #3 – Gentleness

Punishment does not seem to work in parrot training. Parrots do not understand the concept, and may look upon your punishment as an attack. Think of a wild bird under attack. The response will not be cooperation with the attacker, but fight or flight. So parrot training should never involve hitting or slapping the parrot in any way. Rather, when your bird has done something wrong, you may want to ignore it for a while.

Parrot Training Secret #4 – Patience

Patience may be your biggest secret in parrot training. Parrots do not begin talking to you the first time you speak to them. Nor do they talk freely at any time of day or night. There is a time when parrots are the most talkative. You will have to learn what that time is.

You will need patience to teach your parrot tricks. You really should do so, however, since there are important benefits to your bird. Just like a 4 or 5-year old (the equivalent in understanding), your parrot wants companionship, activity, toys, and games. With patience, a parrot can be taught to master a number of fun tricks.

Parrot Training Secret #5 – Repetition

As an educator, I learned early that repetition was the key to teaching anyone anything. Parrot training is the same. To be successful, your parrot training must involve a lot of repetition. Repeat words. Repeat tricks. Repeat commands. Repeat rewards. The more often an action is repeated, the more likely your parrot is to learn it and retain that learning.

An excellent parrot training course is available through this website. Read the review of the course by clicking on the “REVIEW” button above.