Feathered companions aren’t just colorful decorations for your home – they’re intelligent creatures capable of amazing tricks. Teaching your parrot new skills strengthens your bond while providing mental stimulation they desperately need.
With patience and the right approach, you’ll be amazed at what your talkative friend can learn to do!
1. Step Up Command
Ever watched your feathered friend hop from perch to perch? Channel that natural behavior into a useful command! Gently press your finger against their lower chest while clearly saying “step up.”
When they climb onto your finger, offer immediate praise and a tiny treat. Consistency is key – practice daily for short periods until your parrot responds without hesitation.
2. Wave Hello
Nothing charms guests like a parrot that waves hello! Start by teaching the step-up command, then gradually raise your finger slightly higher than normal, encouraging your bird to lift one foot without actually stepping up.
When they lift their foot, say “wave” and reward immediately. Soon they’ll connect the lifted foot with the command and your delighted reaction.
3. Turn Around Trick
Birds naturally pivot to watch their surroundings. Use this instinct by holding a treat slightly above and behind your parrot while saying “turn around.”
As they follow the treat with their eyes, they’ll naturally rotate their body. Reward immediately after a complete turn. Gradually phase out guiding with treats until they respond to the verbal cue alone.
4. Basketball Dunk
Tiny athletes in the making! Find a small ball and miniature hoop sized perfectly for your feathered friend. First, teach them to pick up the ball by rewarding any interaction with it.
Once comfortable holding the ball, position the hoop nearby. Gradually increase the distance between the ball and hoop. Soon your parrot will be scoring points and showing off impressive coordination skills!
5. Ring The Bell
Musical talents await! Hang a small bell within easy reach of your parrot’s perch. Whenever they accidentally touch it, immediately offer praise and treats.
Soon they’ll connect the pleasant sound with rewards. Once they’re ringing intentionally, add the command “ring bell” just before they perform the action. Within weeks, your melodious companion will be chiming on cue!
6. Fetch Game
Who says only dogs play fetch? Start with a lightweight toy your parrot already enjoys handling. Toss it nearby and excitedly say “fetch!” when they naturally investigate.
If they pick it up, call them back with the step-up command. Eventually, they’ll connect all parts of the game. Some clever birds even initiate games themselves, dropping toys at your feet when they’re ready to play!
7. Target Training
Unlock countless possibilities with this foundation skill! Use a chopstick or similar item as your target stick. Hold it near your parrot and reward any interest they show – looking, moving toward, or touching it.
Soon they’ll eagerly tap the stick with their beak. Once mastered, you can guide them anywhere by moving the target – through hoops, onto scales for health checks, or into carriers without stress.
8. Colored Cup Sorting
Showcase your parrot’s intelligence with this impressive trick! Start with different colored cups and matching objects (like colored wooden beads). Initially, place treats under the matching cup.
Your clever bird will soon associate colors, moving objects to their matching containers. Not just a party trick – this exercise stimulates their problem-solving abilities and provides excellent mental enrichment during long days in the cage.
9. Dancing To Music
Rhythm runs deep in these natural performers! Start by playing the same upbeat song daily during positive interactions. Many parrots naturally bob their heads or sway to beats they enjoy.
When you spot spontaneous movements, join in with similar motions. Reinforce with enthusiasm and treats. Before long, simply playing “their song” will trigger an adorable feathered dance party that’s guaranteed to delight everyone.
10. Skateboard Riding
Roll out the coolest trick in your parrot’s repertoire! Begin with a tiny skateboard (a fingerboard works perfectly). Let them explore it stationary first, rewarding any interaction.
Once comfortable standing on it, very gently move the board while they’re perched. Increase movement gradually over sessions. Advanced birds eventually learn to push the board themselves or even steer by shifting their weight!
11. Potty Training
Not exactly a party trick, but possibly the most practical skill! Watch your parrot for pre-pooping behaviors – slight tail lifting or a momentary pause. When you spot these signs, quickly move them to their designated bathroom spot.
Use a consistent command like “go potty” and praise successful deposits. With time and consistency, many parrots learn to hold it briefly or fly to their special spot when nature calls.
12. Solving Simple Puzzles
Mental gymnastics keep clever parrots happy! Start with transparent puzzle toys where they can see treats inside. Demonstrate opening lids or pulling simple levers to access rewards.
Patient observation often leads to successful imitation. Gradually increase complexity as their skills improve. The real joy comes from watching their problem-solving process – the triumphant head bob when they finally crack the code is priceless!
13. Talking On Cue
Transform random chatter into impressive conversation! Choose a word your parrot already says spontaneously. Whenever they say it naturally, immediately repeat it with enthusiasm and offer a favorite treat.
Once they connect that specific word with rewards, add a visual cue like a hand gesture. With consistent practice, they’ll eventually speak their special word when you flash the signal – perfect for showing off to visitors!
14. Climbing A Ladder
Tiny acrobats love showing off their athletic abilities! Introduce a small ladder horizontally at first, encouraging exploration with treats placed on different rungs. Once comfortable, gradually increase the incline.
Use target training to guide them up and down. Soon they’ll confidently navigate this miniature playground equipment. This trick not only impresses friends but provides excellent physical exercise for wings and feet.