How to train a bird to step on your finger

Birds are social creatures. They live in and travel in flocks. These incredibly intelligent creatures seem to have a mind of their own, so it's important to teach your bird to step up onto your finger.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small stick
• Steady, calm hand and outstretched fingers

1. The words, "step up," are universally accepted in the parrot word as the words to use when teaching your bird to step onto your finger. As you teach your bird to step to your finger, remember to repeat the words, "step up," during training. After your bird has been trained, these are the same words that you will use when you want to tell your bird to step onto your finger.

2. Birds can bite when they're learning the "step up" command. Therefore, it's best to begin using a small stick when you're training your bird. Insert the stick into your birds cage, saying "step up" as you move the stick towards your birds feet. Don't fight your bird; if they're skittish to climb onto the stick immediately, you should stop or they may become scared and frightened.

3. Repeat this process with your bird for several weeks. When your bird comes to the front of its cage, indicating that it wants to get out, repeat the words "step up" and place the stick near its feet. Gently nudging the stick towards your parrot's feet.

4. With time, your parrot will learn that the words "step up" and the stick are associated. It will begin to "step up" onto the stick. When your bird does this, reward it with lots of praise and attention.

5. Once your bird is on the stick, bring them out of the cage and place your finger near its feet. Repeat the "step up" command again while gently placing your finger at its feet. Be sure to keep your finger straight and your hand steady. Birds are fearful of stepping on something that will give way beneath them, so don't flinch as your bird is learning this command.

6. Continue repeating this process until your bird is comfortable stepping up onto your fingers.

7. At this stage, many people take away the stick and simply tell their bird to "step up," as they insert their outstretched finger into the bird cage. You may do this, or you may want to continue using the stick until your bird has been removed from its cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient with your bird as you are teaching them to "step up." Birds are cautious about where they step but with time and love, will easily learn to come to your hand with the "step up" command.
• Do not scold your bird for not learning to "step up" quickly enough to suit your preference. Each bird learns at its own pace. If it becomes scared, it will only take longer for it to learn, and respond to the "step up" command.