Parakeets are very intelligent animals and if you keep them, you may want to train them to become your best friends. The first step is to train your parakeet by hand or allow it to sit comfortably on your index finger. Once your parakeet has been successfully trained with your hands, you'll be able to carry it around and play with it outside of its cage. To do this step, you'll need to create a comfortable environment for your parakeet and then train it to slowly trust your hand.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Creating a Comfortable Environment
Step 1. Provide a cage large enough for the parakeet
When you first bring your parakeet into your home from the pet store, you may be given a box to carry the parakeet with you. This box can indeed be used for trips from the store to the house, but of course it should not be used as a permanent cage. Parakeets need enough space to live and avoid boredom. This means that your parakeet needs several places to perch so it can see you as you go about your daily routine.
- When transferring your parakeet to its new cage, make sure you open the cage door and place the bird carrier box at the end of the cage door. Don't put your hand in the box and force the parakeet to come out. It's best if you let the parakeet into the cage on its own.
- Patience is the key to getting birds into a cage. If you shake the box and tilt it, you're only scaring the parakeet more. This will make him want to stay away even more.
Step 2. Place the parakeet in a room with good lighting
A good environment is very important for parakeet health. Do not place the parakeet in a dark and quiet room. If your room is bright and you interact with the parakeet often, it will feel comfortable. Make sure the birdcage is not tilted and is in a place that people frequent, but not too often, visit.
Step 3. Talk to the parakeet
Before starting to train it by hand, it's a good idea to get your parakeet used to your voice. Keep your voice at a moderate volume in a normal tone of voice. Talk to the bird about whatever you want to talk about. Just make sure you talk to him. The parakeet will hear your voice and will want to find out where it is coming from. You can only start training after the bird is not surprised by your sound and you are just outside its cage.
This is also the first step to training your parakeet to talk. Choose the language the parakeet wants to imitate
Step 4. Provide adequate food and water
You must change your parakeet's food and water every day. Birds can be very picky about their food and water, just like humans. He may perceive something as dirty and refuse to touch it.
- Food: Make sure you include at least a tablespoon of grain in your parakeet's food bowl every day. The parakeet will eat the seeds and will peel off the skin and unwanted parts of the seeds in the bowl or around them while they are eating. Most people who are new to parakeets are confused by this and will think that the parakeets are rejecting the seeds and they are not feeding the parakeets regularly. Change the food every day to avoid this problem.
- Water: Fill the water container every day. You can give your parakeet tap water. Don't add vitamins or drugs if you can. Some parakeets will refuse to drink the water if it tastes additive.
Step 5. Provide a separate shallow place and fill it with water as a bird bath
The water in the bath should not be deeper than 2.5-5 cm. Birds will bathe themselves, so you don't have to bathe them. Every few days, change the water in the bath. If your bird is comfortable outside of its cage, you can purchase a bird bath that can be attached to the outside of the cage.
Step 6. Replace the parakeet cage base
There are a variety of products designed for parakeet cage bases, but most of them are not safe for parakeets. Cedar wood shavings contain toxins that can affect the bird's digestive tract. The pine wood shavings can be swallowed by the parakeet and cause digestive problems as well. Cat litter can absorb moisture and if swallowed can cause serious problems. Choose paper-based products. You can buy paper made for parakeet cages or you can use unscented tissue or unprinted newsprint.
Check the cage daily for parakeet droppings. You will need to change the bedding every few days
Step 7. Give the parakeet a fun toy
Parakeet toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and scents. Some even have a voice. The more variety of toys you provide, the happier your parakeet will be. Parakeets need stimulation to feel happy. Don't let the parakeet get bored. In the long run, the happier your parakeet will be, the easier it will be to train it by hand.
Part 2 of 2: Building Trust Through Hands
Step 1. Put your hands in the birdcage several times a day
Do this repeatedly. Make sure you insert your hand slowly and in a non-threatening manner. Don't shake your hands for no reason. Do not shake the cage or hit your parakeet. The goal is to teach the bird to trust that your hand won't hurt it.
Most parakeets will fly or scream in your presence. But stay still so the parakeet can determine that nothing will happen this time
Step 2. Hold the snack in your hand
Once your parakeet gets used to your hand in its cage, the treat will make the bird "appreciate" your hand. Your hand should be interpreted as something that is safe and even useful for the birdcage. The ideal snack is usually made from wheat or whole grains. The treat should be large enough for the bird to recognize it, but small enough for the bird to grab it from your hand.
Step 3. Provide a perch
Perches have various sizes. Most look like wood pins. Some perches are made of iron and vary in size. You should choose a perch that extends from your hand about 10-12 cm. The purpose of this step is to get the bird used to perching near your hand. This perch will eventually be replaced by your finger.
Step 4. Gently poke the parakeet's chest
This will be a signal for the parakeet to climb onto the perch. Make sure you don't poke the parakeet too hard. If you do, the parakeet will negatively connect your perch and hand (or your presence).
Step 5. Say, “up, up” followed by your parakeet's name
Let's just say your parakeet is named Pepe. You can say “up, up, Pepe” while poking his chest. This will add cues to his hearing so the parakeet can learn. Over time, you may be able to get the parakeet up on your finger with one of these signals.
Step 6. Give the parakeet lots of praise as it climbs onto the perch
These compliments include a gentle pat on the back of his head or an extra treat. In this case, parakeets are like dogs and cats. Parakeets need positive rewards for learning tricks. Some parakeets don't like to be petted. If your parakeet is one of them, choose a treat as a gift. Make sure you choose snacks made from whole grains, vegetables, and whole grains. Each parakeet is different and will like different treats. Try a few treats and find out what your parakeet likes.
Step 7. Bring your finger closer to the end of the perch
Position your perch and toes near his feet. When the parakeet starts to climb onto your finger rather than onto the perch, you can completely get rid of the perch.
Keep your fingers straight, as when the perch is still under the finger. Your parakeet needs to feel safe and stable at all times because otherwise it will avoid your finger out of caution or fright
Step 8. Take the parakeet out of the cage while it is perched on your finger
Keep in mind that the parakeet has spent a long time in the cage and it's natural for him to feel scared. This process can take several days.
Keep doors and windows closed so birds don't escape
Step 9. Have your friends and family train your parakeet the same way
This is the only way for your parakeet to feel comfortable among groups of people.
Step 10. Let the bird sit on another part of your body
You should only let it explore other parts of your body only after the parakeet is comfortable perched on your finger. These body parts include the head, knees, shoulders, and arms. You can train your parakeet to sit anywhere as long as you do it very slowly so the parakeet will feel comfortable.
