Basic Commands
A few basic behaviors that every companion bird should know are:
STEP-UP COMMAND: The most important behavior you can
teach your bird is the Step-up command, in which your bird reliably
steps onto your finger, wrist or onto a hand-held perch. Your bird
should automatically offer a foot when you say “Step up” (or whatever
cue you use) while you simultaneously offer the hand or perch.
A reliable Step-up makes it easier to retrieve your bird in an
inconvenient or even dangerous situation. It also ensures that other
people can work with or retrieve the bird without either party feeling
nervous or threatened.
To get your bird stepping up, gently offer your wrist, finger or
perch at the spot where your bird’s abdomen meets the top of its legs,
and give the cue, “Step up.” Most birds will naturally raise a foot to
step onto the offered object. Praise and reward the bird, and then
repeat the step up a few times.
Keep your hand or wrist steady, so your bird feels confident stepping onto it.
STEP-DOWN COMMAND: You can also train your bird to
step down onto a playgym or its cage. If your bird likes hanging out
with you, you’ll have to make it worth its while to step down.
CONTACT CALL: You are your bird’s flock, so
naturally it wants to keep track of where you are. Teach your bird a
special whistle, word or phrase to use when it wants you to respond. If
taught correctly, this contact call can replace that ear-piercing shriek
that your bird likes to use when you leave the room.
If your
bird has already learned that screaming seems to make you reappear or
respond (i.e. yell or admonish), it will take much more persistence and
patience to change the behavior.
To teach your bird a contact call, use a consistent phrase – “Be
right back” – each time that you leave the room. Call frequently to your
bird while you are out of sight. This will let it know that you are
nearby.
If your bird makes the desired contact call, respond immediately by
either calling in return or poking your head into the room. Do not
respond when your bird is screaming.
Consistency is crucial in this training. It might not seem like such a
bad idea to occasionally respond to your bird’s screams, but resist the
urge. You’ll be rewarded later on.
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