How to Make a Parakeet Do Tricks

Parakeets, or budgies, are native to Australia where they live in the wild in large flocks. These loud, boisterous birds live off a diet of fruit, vegetables and bird seed and enjoy being with other birds and humans. Parakeets are also intelligent animals that will perform tricks, including fetch. Just like teaching a dog fetch, food is an ideal catalyst for success. Use bird seed, patience and persistence to teach your parakeet how to fetch.

Things You'll Need

  • Small cup
  • Bird seed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your parakeet with a little cup that is filled with bird seed. The cup must be small and light enough for the parakeet to pick up.

    • 2

      Watch the bird and each time it allows the cup to fall from its mouth say the word "drop," praise the parakeet and allow it to eat the seeds in the bowl. The parakeet will eventually learn the word "drop" means that it must allow the cup to fall from its mouth. Continue to practice this part of the trick until the parakeet masters it.

    • 3

      Instruct the parakeet to "drop" the cup. Pick the cup up and place it 5-to-6 feet away from the parakeet. Once the parakeet begins to fly or walk toward the cup, instruct it to "fetch." As the bird approaches the cup to pick it up, praise the bird and allow it to consume the seed. Continue to practice this two-part portion of the trick until the parakeet masters it.

    • 4

      Instruct the parakeet to "drop" and "fetch" the cup of seeds. After the bird picks up the cup, instruct it to "bring it to me" as you motion the bird to come to you with your hands. Once the bird successfully brings you the cup, praise it and offer another treat of bird seed.

    • 5

      Continue to practice the three parts of the tricks. Eventually, the bird will know exactly what to do when it hears the sequence drop, fetch and bring it to me.