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Amazons training

Amazons parrot standing on a wood stick

Amazon parrots are very intelligent birds that will actually enjoy training sessions. They hate having nothing to do, and their curious minds will grab the chance to master new tricks or new words—especially when motivated by treats and their beloved owner’s praise!

Amazon Training-The Bond

Punishment, screaming, or bribes won’t work if your Amazon parrot doesn’t trust you. This is a very stubborn bird that isn’t afraid to express its irritation or even dislike. If you never spend time with it, or have hurt it even just once, it will shun your company and your efforts to train it.

That’s why it’s important to spend time with your Amazon parrot. Once you’ve earned its trust, through constant play and interaction, it will look forward to the time you spend together and go out of its way to please you.

Amazon Training-Basic habits

One of the first things you need to do with your new Amazon parrot is to curb bad habits like nipping or biting. One method is to shake the branch it’s standing on each time it nips, while saying, “No biting!” Since a bird can’t bite and hold its balance, it will stop immediately.

You will also need to teach it to perch on your hand. Start by inserting your finger into the cage and using it to push a swing towards the bird. Then, gently nudge the swing against the bird’s feet, saying, “Up.” It will hop on just to maintain its balance. Once it’s used to the idea of a “moving perch” you can then use your finger, and finally your hand.

Amazon Training-Schedule

Training sessions should be consistent. Experts recommend one hour a day, which includes bonding time (like petting or talking). This will put the parrot in a good mood, and help it settle down.

Hold the sessions at the same time each day, when you are most relaxed. Birds read a lot from your voice and your body language. If you’re tense or distracted you won’t be able to exude that sense of gentle authority. Only one person in the household should act as the “lead trainer”. Others can reinforce lessons or help the bird practice when you’re away, but you should be the one to take the lead whenever you’re introducing a new trick.

Amazon Training-Treats

Praise your pet whenever it performs a trick successfully, and give the treat right away. Break it into small pieces so that it doesn’t get so engrossed in eating that it loses interest in the training session.