How to Train an African Grey Parrot

The African Grey parrot is very intelligent and great at imitating sounds. Studies have shown that they are also capable of cognitive thinking. Training parrots takes a lot of patience and positive reinforcement. Unlike dogs, parrots are not obedient and are more strong-willed. African Greys, especially, are very independent and do what they want, when they want. You need to have a trusting relationship with your parrot before you can start the training.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Favorite treat
• Table perch
• Patience

1. Start with short sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Parrots are like lifelong 2-year-old children and become bored easily. Do not try to start training your parrot right after getting it out of the cage. Wait for about an hour so it can burn off some energy. Start with a behavior that comes natural to the African Grey parrot such as flapping its wings. Natural behaviors are easier to teach.

2. Remove any jewelry and wear comfortable clothing. Remove anything that might be distracting to the parrot from the training area.

3. Start with the flapping exercise while the parrot is perched on your hand. Quickly lower your arm (make sure the parrot has a good grip of your fingers). This will cause the parrot to flap its wings to keep its balance. This is also good physical exercise for the parrot and can also be used to distract it from biting (when used as a distraction, it’s commonly referred to as “earthquake”).

4. Once the parrot has fun with the exercise, start using cue words such as “Flap” or “Eagle.” Praise the parrot with a treat and “good bird!” Remember, parrots like drama so the more you praise the parrot, the more likely the behavior will be repeated. Be careful not to reward negative behaviors.

5. As the behavior becomes more common, reinforce only intermittently with a treat but always verbally praise the parrot. Soon, the parrot will only require the verbal praise for the displayed behavior. Also, parrots are very intelligent and may repeat the behavior to get the treat.

Tips & Warnings

• If the parrot becomes bored during the session, take a break.