Lexi Webster
Parrots are known for being friendly, inquisitive, and cuddly pets. Taming is easiest when they are babies, but even older parrots can become friendlier over time. The first step is to place the parrot's cage in an area where you can interact with it several times a day. This helps the parrot get used to your presence and know that you are not a threat. Talk to your parrot for several minutes each day, using a light, soothing, and fun voice. You can also read a book to your parrot in an uplifting yet comforting voice. Feed your parrot treats like fresh fruits or vegetables, and make sure to provide it with plenty of toys to prevent boredom, as this can lead to aggressive behaviour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | Cockatiel, Quaker Parrot, Regent Parrot, King Parrot, Small Australian Lorikeet |
| Gender | Male birds are better pets |
| Diet | Pellet and seed mix, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds |
| Cage | Large cage with plenty of room to spread wings and exercise |
| Training | Clicker training, target training, positive reinforcement, patience, friendship, bribery |
| Interaction | Several times a day for extended periods, talk in a soothing, fun, comforting voice |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right parrot species
Choosing the right species of parrot is an important step in ensuring that your parrot is friendly and comfortable around you.
The Australian King Parrot is a friendly and majestic parrot species that is native to Australia and New Guinea. They are commonly found in the wild in the forests of eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria, and are also kept as pets. With their vibrant plumage and melodic calls, they are a favourite among Australians. They are curious, friendly, gentle, playful, smart, and courageous. They can be picky eaters, favouring black sunflower seeds, and are capable of making simple words. They are a large parrot breed and require a spacious cage to exercise and spread their wings.
The Quaker Parrot, also known as the Monk Parrot, is another friendly parrot species that is highly social and energetic. They are native to South America and exist in large colonies with complex social structures. They are playful, cheeky, and inquisitive, and make excellent talkers. They are physically hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures well.
The Regents Parrot is another Australian parrot species that is easily tamed and very sociable. They possess the ability to produce delightful whistling noises and can imitate the human voice to a small degree. They can live comfortably with other non-aggressive species in an aviary.
The Cockatiel is an intelligent bird that is commonly found in abundance throughout Australia. They are highly popular as pets, especially for children, due to their relaxed and friendly nature when hand-reared, and their ability to talk.
Small Australian Lorikeets are playful and have delightful personalities. They are colourful and charming, and their quiet nature makes them suitable for places where noise must be kept to a minimum. They are successfully bred in large communal aviaries or single pair cages.
When choosing a parrot species, it is important to consider the bird's natural behaviour, temperament, and care requirements to ensure that it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
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Prepare a suitable environment
When preparing a suitable environment for your parrot, it's important to consider factors such as cage size, location, and the availability of food and water. Here are some guidelines to help you create an optimal environment for your feathered friend:
Firstly, ensure your parrot's cage is spacious enough for them to stretch their wings and exercise. Large bird cages are particularly important for larger parrot species like the Australian King Parrot. If space is limited, consider providing a smaller cage for sleeping and resting, but ensure your parrot has daily opportunities to leave the cage and explore a larger, enclosed area. This can be a great way to encourage exercise and provide mental stimulation.
The location of the cage is also crucial. Place the cage in an area that is quiet, calm, and familiar to the parrot. This will help create a sense of safety and comfort, which is essential for reducing stress and promoting well-being. Additionally, choose a location that allows for frequent interaction and socialisation. Position the cage in a part of your home where you can talk to your parrot, read to them, and offer treats several times a day. This regular interaction will help strengthen your bond and make your parrot feel more at ease in your presence.
Provide your parrot with a variety of toys and things to gnaw on. This is important not only for entertainment but also to prevent boredom, which can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviours. Include perches, swings, and other items that encourage exploration and play. Additionally, ensure your parrot always has access to clean, fresh water, and offer a balanced diet that includes pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Remember to research the specific dietary needs of your parrot species, as some, like the King Parrot, can be picky eaters.
Lastly, consider the climate and temperature of the environment. Quaker parrots, for example, are known for their ability to tolerate cold temperatures, so ensure you provide a cosy space for them to stay comfortable. On the other hand, if you're keeping a parrot that prefers warmer climates, such as the cockatiel, consider providing supplemental heating or ensuring access to sunny spots within their enclosure.
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Gain their trust
Gaining the trust of your parrot is key to making them friendly. The first step is to place your parrot's cage in an area where you can interact with your parrot several times a day for extended periods. Your parrot needs to get used to your presence and know that you are not a threat. Talk to your parrot for several minutes, several times a day, using a light, soothing, and fun voice, much like you would with a human toddler or puppy. If you can't think of anything to say, try reading a book in an uplifting yet comforting voice.
Feed your parrot treats from outside the cage, such as fresh fruits or vegetables. Continue this for several days until your parrot is no longer nervous about your hand being close to the cage. Move your hand slowly so as not to startle your parrot. Once your parrot is comfortable, move your hand into the cage and feed your parrot treats from inside. Continue this until all signs of anxiety about your hand being close to the cage are gone. Play with your parrot with slow hand movements while your hand is in the cage. If your parrot has a favourite toy, incorporate this into playtime.
When your parrot is completely comfortable with your affections, allow it to come out of the cage perched on your finger or arm, or on its own. Hold your arm or finger outside the cage door to encourage your parrot to explore with you, talking in a fun, comforting voice the whole time. This process can take a couple of weeks, so be patient!
If you are training your parrot, it is important to create a proper training environment. Choose a quiet, familiar space where your parrot already feels comfortable. Parrots are not known for being overly patient, so preparation is important. Gather the supplies you need, such as treats your parrot enjoys, and a handheld perch. Start the process with the parrot inside its cage and slowly approach with a treat. Stay calm and only offer encouragement and approval when the bird takes the treat. Apple slices are a good option if you are worried about your fingers being pecked or nibbled.
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Train them effectively
Training an Australian parrot requires a unique approach, as each bird has its own distinct personality. However, there are some general strategies that can help you effectively train your feathered friend. Firstly, it is crucial to establish a calm and comfortable training environment. Choose a quiet and familiar space where your parrot feels secure and ensure that they are not overly agitated before beginning the training session. Parrots are known for their intelligence, but they may not always be the most patient, so creating a conducive atmosphere is essential.
The next step is to employ a positive training approach, often referred to as "shaping". This method involves rewarding your parrot for each step it takes towards the desired behaviour. For instance, if you want to teach your parrot to bathe in a small water dish, you would reward it for looking at the dish, moving towards it, testing the water, and eventually splashing around. Positive reinforcement is key to shaping your parrot's behaviour. Treats, such as apple slices or their favourite fruits and veggies, can be excellent motivators during training.
Another popular training method is "clicker training". This technique uses a handheld clicking device to indicate when your parrot exhibits the desired behaviour. The "click" serves as an audible cue that is immediately followed by a reward. This combination of the click and treat helps your parrot associate the desired behaviour with a positive outcome. Additionally, it is beneficial to incorporate playtime and affection into the training process. Using their favourite toys and offering chest strokes or scratches while playing can make the training experience more enjoyable for your parrot.
It is important to remember that parrots are social creatures, and training is a form of interaction that strengthens your bond. Place their cage in an area where you can interact frequently throughout the day. Talk to your parrot with a light and soothing voice, much like you would with a toddler or puppy. Reading a book in a comforting tone is another way to build a connection. This process of gaining trust is pivotal in your parrot becoming friendly and comfortable with you.
Lastly, it is worth noting that hand-reared male parrots, such as the Cockatiel, tend to make excellent pets and are easier to train. They are naturally friendly and can learn to talk quickly. However, this does not mean that older parrots cannot be trained and tamed; it may just require more patience and dedication on your part.
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Maintain their friendship
Maintaining a good friendship with your parrot is key to having a happy bird. It's important to note that parrots are not generally known for being overly patient, so delays and mistakes during training sessions may not go over well. Preparation is important, and creating a proper training environment is key. Find a quiet space where your parrot is already comfortable, and make sure they feel safe, calm, and alert.
Parrots are social birds, and they need to get used to your presence and know that you are not a threat. Place their cage in a place where you can interact several times a day for extended periods. Talk to your parrot for several minutes each day, using a light, soothing, and fun voice. If you run out of things to say, try reading a book in an uplifting yet comforting voice.
Continue to feed your parrot treats several times a day, and make sure to give them plenty of toys to play with to ease boredom and prevent aggressive behaviours. You can also start to incorporate chest strokes or scratches while feeding treats and playing to get them used to your affections.
Once your parrot is completely used to your affections, allow them to come out of the cage perched on your finger or arm, or on their own. Hold your arm or finger outside the cage door to encourage them to explore with you, talking in a fun, comforting voice the whole time.
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Frequently asked questions
Place your parrot's cage in an area where you can interact with it several times a day. Talk to your parrot for several minutes each time, using a light, soothing, and fun voice. Feed your parrot treats from outside the cage, such as fresh fruits or vegetables. Once your parrot is comfortable with your presence, move your hand slowly towards the cage and offer treats from inside. Continue this process until your parrot shows no signs of anxiety around your hand and will take treats inquisitively and graciously.
Once your parrot is completely comfortable with your affections, allow it to come out of its cage perched on your finger or arm, or on its own. Hold your arm or finger outside the cage door to encourage it to explore, talking in a fun, comforting voice the whole time. Make sure the area it is allowed in is fully enclosed and safe.
Training a parrot is similar to training a small child. If your parrot feels safe, calm, comfortable, and alert, it is more likely to take instruction effectively. Choose a quiet and familiar space to train your parrot so it already has a level of comfort. Start with the parrot inside its cage and slowly approach with a treat. Stay calm and offer only encouraging approval when the bird takes the treat. You can also wear gloves to protect your fingers from nibbling.
Parrots enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, corn, capsicum, broccoli, pumpkin, and apple (always remove the seeds). Nuts can be given occasionally as a treat, but only give a very small amount and make sure they are unsalted. You can also give your parrot sunflower seeds, or a mix of sunflower seeds, apple, unsalted peanuts, and almonds.
