How to Finger Train Your Parakeet

Become friends with your pet parakeet by teaching it how to go on your finger!

Things You'll Need

• A parakeet
• Your index finger

Instructions

1. Wait until your parakeet is out of his cage. Shoving your hand into the cage will frighten the bird. Ideally, he should be standing on top of the cage.

2. Gently move your firmly outstretched index finger towards the lower part of the bird's body. Keep your finger parallel to his body--don't poke him!

3. As your finger is about to touch the bird, gently shove it upwards toward the bird's stomach. It sounds strange, but the bird will almost have to "trip" onto your finger.

4. Once the parakeet is on your finger, slowly move your arm so that the bird is positioned at your face level. Talk to the bird quietly as you do this. Keep talking to the bird while he is at your eye level.

5. When you and/or your parakeet have had enough "finger time," transfer him back to his cage or to your shoulder.

Tips & Warnings

• It's best to start finger training when the bird is younger. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to teach him.

• If the bird seems reluctant to get on your finger, don't force him. It's important to be patient.

• If the bird runs away from your finger, don't chase him! This will scare him away, and it will be much more difficult in the long run to finger train him.