How to Become Friends With Your Pet Parakeet

Parakeets are often identified as being playful, intelligent and affectionate. These qualities may seem appealing to many people, but these colorful birds will bite if you don't know how to properly handle them. Patience, consistency and daily training sessions help to build your parakeet's trust in you; over time, you can establish a friendly bond with your pet bird.

Things You'll Need

  • Millet spray
  • Vegetable or fruit treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your parakeet to get acclimated to his new environment. Pay minimal attention to him for the first four days after bringing him home. Watch television or read a book while sitting next to the cage so the bird gets used to your presence.

    • 2

      Feed your bird companion on a daily basis. Place your hand in his cage and change his food and water while saying comforting words. Over time, your pet bird will become less skittish and he will grow accustomed to seeing your hand in the cage.

    • 3

      Move slowly and talk softly when you interact with your parakeet. According to the Budgiekeet website, rapid movements and loud noise may startle him and can diminish his trust in you.

    • 4

      Treat your parakeet to millet spray. Hang a piece of millet spray in your bird's cage, for three days in a row. Allow your bird to eat the treat so he discovers how good it tastes. On the fourth day, hold the millet spray in your hand and offer it to your parakeet through the bars of the cage. If your bird refuses to eat the treat, try it again the next day. Once successful, open the cage and feed the millet spray directly to your bird.

    • 5

      Train your bird companion to sit on your finger. Open your bird's cage and hold your index finger horizontally in front of him. Lightly tap your pet parakeet on his breast with your finger and say "Step up." Hold millet spray in front of your bird to entice him to move forward and jump on your finger.

    • 6

      Secure a small room in the house for daily bonding sessions. Dim the lights, close windows and doors, cover mirrors, close the curtains, turn off ceiling fans and remove other pets.

    • 7

      Bring your parakeet to the small room. Cup your parakeet in your hands and take him out of the cage. Place one hand over his wings and tail, and your other hand under his legs and chest, so only his head and neck are exposed.

    • 8

      Instruct your pet bird to jump from your left index finger to your right index finger. Seat your parakeet on your left index finger and lightly tap him on his breast with your right index finger. Instruct him to "Step up." Reward good behavior with vegetable or fruit treats.

    • 9

      Move to a larger room as your pet parakeet gets comfortable with perching on your finger. Repeat the same training session in the bigger room.

    • 10

      Seat your pet bird on your shoulder. Place your finger horizontally in front of your shoulder and instruct your parakeet to "Step up." If your companion feels comfortable, he will step onto your shoulder.