How to Reinforce Good Behavior in Pet Birds

Many species of parrots are available on the market today. The training techniques used to tame a parrot remain consistent throughout the different species, varying slightly with the bird's intelligence level. Parrots are wild birds brought into captivity. Their first reaction is to act like they would in the wild; even when born into your home. You will have a well-behaved bird in no time by working with your parrot's natural inclinations.

• Maintain patience and consistency while teaching your bird how to behave. Varying your training methods each time the bird acts up confuses your parrot and prevents you from properly teaching your pet. Consistent training gains results because the bird will see that he is acting in the correct manner, over and over again. Think of how you would raise a younger child. Some of these methods work the same as when you train very smart parrots how to behave.


• Reinforce good behavior in pet birds by praising them during times when they act how you want them to. Vocalize your praise to promote the behavior you want to see more of. Praise your bird with a high degree of excitement. Parrots see excitement as meaning they did something good, whether the bird behaved the way you wanted them to or not.


• Reward your pet bird with treats when the parrot displays good behavior. Give your parrot plenty of treats to let her know that she did a good job. Add a wide variety of foods to use as treats. Parrots can eat fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and sunflower seeds along with their regular diet.


• Place a number of toys, appropriate for the type of bird you own, into the parrot's cage Keeping your pet bird active and entertained keeps him from getting board and listless. Birds that don't receive enough attention and play time will resort to bad behavior with a greater amount of speed than those who interact with their owners and toys. Good toys include those that correspond with the type of bird you own. Larger birds, such as Macaws and Cockatoos, require more complex forms of entertainment than smaller pet birds.