
Some things are very handy for example to handle your parrot in case it is sick
and needs to see a vet. Other things are just part of socialization. I will name
eight things that could be of any use to you..
1
Teach your parrot to step up to your hand and down on command. This is
considered a basic training. When they do step up, praise them. Don't punish
them when they don't step up or down. When my birds had to learn this I put my
hand against their chest.
2
If you want to take your parrot outside it'll have to learn that from the
very start. You can either choose for holding its legs, or the harnass. I
haven't got much experience with the harnass as Zazu really hates it and hold
Iago to his legs. Iago has been going with me since he was a baby. I had to go
by public traffic then (bus, tram, metro) and he is used to a lot of noise and
strange surroundings!
3
Teach your parrot to play with its toys. You can make the toy more
interesting by handling it in front of the parrot. Pretend that your parrot
isn't there. It is most easy when someone can help you. Then the two of you
can pretend the toy is very very interesting. Bet your parrot likes the toy
now?
4
If you are giving your parrot seeds it is of high importance that you
learn your parrot to eat a variety of foods. Again, you can make this newly
introduced food much more attractive by not giving it to the parrot instantly.
First eat some of it yourself while standing in front of the parrot. Give some
of it to the person who assists you if you have anyone near you. After some
time you can offer some to your parrot. The parrot will consider the food much
more interesting now.
I tried this with my senegal parrot and after half an hour (or less) he was
eating this food! Normally he would have left this alone in his bowl and
rather starve for one and a half day than eating this 'funny' food!
As parrots are curious, social and smart creatures,
they really want to know what you are holding, what's so interesting etc. They
hate it when you are doing something and they cannot participate. Take
advantage of this!
5
Teach them not to go and sit on your shoulder as the bird is in a dominant
position then. Also, a bite can cause severe injuries.
6
Learn them that towels aren't something scary. Towels are not just things
that are used when there has to be done something not-nice like clipping, but
it's also very nice to be in a towel. I started with playing peek a boo with
the towel. After that I put the towel around the bird, walking through the
house and showing all things and telling what I see. I cuddle my parrots very
much when they are in a towel and I usually I grab a treat, since they had to
learn that being in a towel CAN be fun!
Make sure you use an old towel as they usually knibble on the
towel, which results in a total detroyed towel!
7
Learn your feathered friend to eat from a spoon. This can be handy in the
future when you have to give it medication.
8
Teach your parrot to do the belly-up roll as this could be handy in the future
when you might be visiting a vet. The vet can easily examine and groom the
bird in this position. Gently hold your bird with one hand and cup its back
with the other hand. Start rolling and tell the bird you are going to roll it
over. In this way your parrot'll know what is coming.
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