How to Potty Train a Parakeet

The parakeet is a friendly and entertaining bird. However, nobody wants to be the one holding the bird when it decides to take a bathroom break. It can lead to messy and sometimes embarrassing situations. Fortunately, with some time and patience a parakeet can be potty trained. By following a few simple steps and with lots of repetition, you can dramatically decrease the amount of messes on your shoulder.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspapers or a trashcan
  • Treats and/or toys for your bird
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a training spot. Most people choose to do it over a trash can or to have a spot set aside with newspapers.

    • 2

      Hold your parakeet over the training spot. Give him a vocal command of your choice. You can say something like, "Go potty" or simply "Potty."

    • 3

      Continue to hold the parakeet over the training spot until he does his business. Once he has finished, reward him with praise, a treat or favorite toy. Figure out which of these elicits the best response from your bird.

    • 4

      Repeat this every time you take your parakeet out of the cage. Do not hold him without taking him to the training spot first. Eventually your bird will learn what you want. If you think your parakeet is getting ready to use the bathroom while you are holding him, (if it lifts its tail or squats down) quickly take him to the training spot and let him do his business there. Remember to always reward your bird. If you are consistent, your parakeet will, for the most part, be accident-free.