A parakeet is a lively and talkative little bird. If you've decided to buy one of these great pets and have already learned how to care for them, then it's time to train them. Get ready to have fun!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Earning His Trust
Step 1. Make the parakeet feel at home
If you have just bought it, it will take some time to get used to the new cage. You should allow her to adapt for at least two weeks and leave her in a quiet environment before attempting to train her. In the meantime, the bird will relax and feel comfortable.
- First, read this wikiHow tutorial on how to care for a budgie.
- Stay close to the cage. Talk to the animal waiting for it to get comfortable, but do not try to touch it. It will get used to you over the next few days or weeks.
- Don't scream or make loud noises. It is very likely that the budgie will be quite stressed by the new environment.
- Give it a name. Say it often, especially when you feed it, so it will get used to it.
- Read a story to your pet. It might sound strange, but parakeets like to hear their master's voice. If you read him a book, you calm him down and familiarize him with your voice.
Step 2. Give him food and water every day
The bird will slowly begin to recognize you as a source of food. By doing this you will quickly gain his trust and he will be excited to see you.
- You have to change the water and food every day, even if the budgie hasn't touched them. A budgie, just arriving in a new home, often refuses food for a week, until she is accustomed to the new life.
- Before starting the training, give her some treats. Offer her a piece of fruit or some seeds. Your little bird will love them and will want to learn even more if they have this kind of incentive. However, don't overdo it if you care about his health.
Step 3. Let it fly into the room
Once the animal seems comfortable with you, allow it to fly into a room where all windows and doors have been closed. This greater space available will make him happy and more receptive to the training he is about to have.
- To call him back into the cage, turn off all the lights, leave the curtains open on only one window (but with the windows closed). The parakeet will be attracted to the light, take it gently and put it back in the cage.
- Make sure there are no cats or other predators in the room.
- If you have a baby, don't allow him to scare the budgie. These birds are easily traumatized.
Part 2 of 3: Teaching Commands
Step 1. Encourage physical contact
Once the parakeet has adapted to the new home, put a hand in the cage and stand still. Repeat this exercise several times, until the budgie has become accustomed to your physical presence in the cage.
- When you have the impression that she is accepting you, put a finger in the cage and gently touch her chest. This should encourage her to perch on your finger. Be patient because, at first, he might be reluctant.
- If you notice that the bird is afraid, just give it a light tap with the back of your finger. Show him love and care.
- Alternatively, you can put some seeds on your finger. Probably the parakeet will go up there to eat them. Repeat this process for a few days to teach her to trust you.
Step 2. Start associating voice commands
When talking to the budgie, try saying instructions like "Come on!" It is down!" when you notice that it jumps on your finger or goes down. Repetition and perseverance are the key to success in training the animal to act according to your commands (which for him are just sounds).
- When the budgie follows your commands, reward it with a treat. This way you reinforce correct behavior.
- Be consistent and persistent. You will have to concentrate on one command at a time and for a long time, until the budgie executes it several times at the right time. Be constant and never change your routine, this way you increase the chances of a quick learning.
Step 3. Teach her to balance on a tennis ball
Once she has mastered the basic commands, you can train her to do more challenging exercises. Place a tennis ball in its cage and let it play with it for a few days. Follow these instructions:
- Put the budgie on the ball and support its body while it finds balance with its paws. Whenever he tries to keep his balance, give him a treat.
- Do not force the bird to learn a game for too long. 10-15 minutes a day is enough. Remember that your pet should have fun!
- Leave the ball in the cage. Eventually, the cocorita will learn the purpose of the exercise and will climb the ball alone.
- Be very gentle when holding the budgie on the ball, remember that it is a fragile animal.
Step 4. Teach him to climb the ladder
You can buy a plastic ladder specifically for this purpose from pet stores. Attach it to one side of the cage; the bird will be attracted to it and will want to climb it.
- Each time he climbs the ladder, repeat the same word as "Climb" and let him associate the sound with the action.
- The trick is to get the budgie to climb the ladder when you ask. Put it at the lower end of the ladder and keep it there. Say the command and free the budgie.
- When she understands what you expect from her, don't place her at the bottom of the ladder, but a few inches away. Increase the distance every day until the parakeet will obey without the need for physical contact.
Part 3 of 3: Teaching Speaking and Singing
Step 1. Teach her her name
It is easier to start with the name, as it is a word the budgie hears constantly. Repeat this every time you see her and when you feed her. Try to speak in a high-pitched tone of voice and say the name slowly and clearly.
- Wait until the parakeet is adult enough. In order to speak, these birds must be at least three months old.
- If you own more than one, then limit yourself to teaching one name. You don't have to create confusion or make learning too difficult at first.
- Don't forget the rewards. If he doesn't learn very quickly, don't punish your pet. He is unable to understand what is right or wrong and may lose faith in you.
Step 2. Expand your vocabulary
The most "talented" parakeets can learn more than a thousand words in their lifetime. Once he knows his name, try other terms. Eventually, he will be able to link the sound to an object or action.
- When you enter the room, systematically repeat this phrase: “Hello [name of the budgie]”. When you feed her, point to the seeds and say the word "Food".
- Watch her body language and use it to your advantage. When he assumes an attacking position (to bite or peck), he pronounces: "Angry". When she leans on only one leg and seems happy, say: "Happy".
- The parakeet is also capable of uttering simple sentences. When he eats, say: "[Name of the bird] eat". When he drinks, say: [Name of the bird] he drinks ".
- Don't teach bad words. Budgie will remember them for a long time and may embarrass you in front of guests.
Step 3. Teach her a song
There is nothing more fun than a bird singing a song. Budgies can remember simple melodies and delight the whole family. The best way to teach him is to have him listen to it several times. Don't try a whole song, just a few seconds.
- Choose a melody you like. Remember that the cocorita will sing it for a long time.
- Record yourself singing the song and have the cocorita listen to it when you're not around. This is an extremely efficient method to train the little bird without having to sing the melody thousands of times. You can use the same trick for words too.
- The original recording of the song may not be the most effective way to teach it, because the instrumental part could confuse the bird.
