How Can I Train My Rainbow Birds?

Being a bird owner is one thing, but you are also part of your bird's flock. Birds live in flocks, so you will need to develop acceptable calls as forms of communication within the flock. Since "birds of a feather, flock together," your bird may become very attached to you. Training can be enjoyable with patience and persistence. Bird Channel suggests training your bird daily with two or three short sessions that last around 10 minutes each. Begin training with basic behavioral commands.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin training in a quiet place at the same time daily. Select a food treat to be given only when your bird performs well during training. If praise is what your bird prefers, then praise your bird instead of giving a treat.

    • 2

      Offer your bird your finger or wrist to teach it to come to you. With your finger or wrist extended, give the command, "step up." The "step up" command is a helpful method to secure your pet when in a dangerous situation. Be gentle and steady for your bird to feel confident stepping on your finger, wrist or hand. Praise and reward your bird when it obeys a command.

    • 3

      Walk carefully to a safe location to set your bird such as a bird cage. Tell your bird to "step down."

    • 4

      Teach your bird a word, phrase or whistle to use when it wants to call you. According to the Bird Channel, this is called the Contact Call. Every flock has its own contact call. It's how a flock communicates.

    • 5

      Quickly respond to your bird using the contact call or poking your head into the room. Only respond when your bird gives the appropriate contact call.

    • 6

      Never respond when your bird is screaming. Bird Channel says if your bird has learned you respond to it when it screams, then you have to be persistent to teach it a new contact call. Do not respond to your bird when it screams.