Parakeet Taming & Tricks

Parakeets, also known as budgies or budgerigars, are popular household pets that are excellent with children and can be tamed and taught tricks. Parakeets are readily available at local and national pet stores, and families enjoy picking out the perfect pet, purchasing its cage and toys, and stocking up on food. Parakeets tame easily and can be a family project or left up to one person.

  1. Your New Parakeet

    • Parakeets, like other animals, are more easily tamed and trained when they come to your family when they are young. Reputable pet shop owners will know the age of their bird stock, so don't hesitate to ask. Parakeets also will often have their wings clipped before you buy one, but if not, you will need to take it to a veterinarian to have it done. For your bird's safety, keep its wings clipped at all times.

    Introducing Your Hand

    • Place your new bird's cage in a family room or other room that gets a lot of traffic. Your bird may be skittish and nervous when you first bring it home, so give it a few days to adjust to his new cage and surroundings, only approaching the cage to change its food and water. Eventually spend more time in front of the cage, talking softly to your pet. Keep your hand in the cage during food changes and soon start putting it in there at other times too. Offer small treats into its food bowl when you come into the room.

    Step Ups

    • Teach your bird to step up, while still in his cage, by placing your index finger firmly on the bird's lower belly while saying, "Step up!" in a firm voice. It may resist at first but will eventually understand he is supposed to step onto your finger and perch there. Continue to practice step ups daily. Consistency will help your efforts because your bird will become accustomed to your hand and stepping onto your finger if it's done often.

    Further Training

    • When your parakeet has become used to stepping up onto your finger, you can take it out of the cage. Hold it close to your body and stroke its back and scratch its head. Your bird will learn to explore your body, climb up your arms, inspect your teeth and perhaps even journey up to the top of your head. Some budgies learn to talk also. If you repeat the same word over and over, the bird may begin to mimic you.