A bird owner needs to teach a bird to step-up in order to build trust, establish authority, and prevent the bird from becoming territorial.The success of the steps depends on the bird's temperament and your own patience.Budgies, parakeets and other birds can be taught to perch on your hand or finger with patience and a gentle touch.
Step 1: Train your bird 3-4 times a day.
Birds have a short attention span, so short, consistent training sessions are the best approach.
Step 2: The training area should be comfortable.
Birds have short attention spans, so it's important to create a space with few distraction.Birds that are acclimatized may not need a cage for training.It may be necessary to keep the bird in the cage as you train it.
Step 3: The environment should be safe and comfortable.
Close all doors and windows, turn off ceiling fans and other devices that may harm the bird, and keep other animals out of the room.If you are upset, angry or nervous, your bird will likely become agitated.
Step 4: As a reward for your bird, prepare a treat.
It is important to reward the bird for its accomplishments when you calm it and teach it the step-up command.Fruit and nuts should be reserved for teaching your bird to step up and be a food it doesn't usually eat.As you teach your bird the command, you can give it small, quick rewards to calm it and encourage it.Being generous in praise will calm and encourage your bird.
Step 5: You shouldFamiliarize the bird with your hand.
When the bird is comfortable, slowly place your hand in the cage.Birds that are shy or nervous may need several sessions before they are comfortable with you.To avoid startling the bird, move slowly and be persistent.Establish dominance by standing above the bird's eye level.crouching too low can show submission on your part, and standing too tall can frighten the bird.
Step 6: You can offer your hand to the bird.
Make sure to hold your hand steady and slowly.Birds will become nervous if their handler is nervous, and will be reluctant or scared to step onto your finger if you drop the bird during these early sessions.
Step 7: Slowly and gently push your finger against the bird's lower chest.
Put the bird off balance by applying gentle pressure.When the bird feels off balance, it should lift a leg.Place your finger under the bird's foot and lift it up with your hand.If the bird is nervous, you may have to start training with a wooden spoon.A bird's beak can be used to bite or steady itself.If the bird sees this as a sign of submission, don't pull away or show fear.
Step 8: The bird should be encouraged to step up.
When you say "step up," use the bird's name.Many birds, particularly if they are young, will step onto your finger with a little encouragement.Give your bird a special treat when it steps up.You should praise and reward the bird even if it only raises one foot.The bird learns to associate the command "step up" with perching on your hand or arm with repetition and encouragement.
Step 9: If you want to repeat the training, use the other hand.
Accustom the bird to your weaker hand by following the same steps.Birds may refuse to perch on your hand if you don't take the time to train them.When your bird is comfortable, you can take it out of the cage.
Step 10: Train your bird.
If your bird doesn't want to step on your finger or hand, use a wooden dowel.The "laddering" technique is when the bird steps up to the dowel.You can encourage the bird to move to the new perch by placing your finger next to it.Accompany each step with the "step up" command, and be generous with praise when the bird follows your command.The bird should keep moving until the training session is over.
Step 11: Be patient, but persistent.
It is important to be patient as you train your bird every day because birds have unique temperaments and may be shy or nervous.The training sessions should have a routine.Your bird and you will learn to anticipate each other's training sessions.Praise and treats for small amounts of progress.The best way to make your bird comfortable is to encourage it.