10 Fun and Easy Tricks to Teach Your Parrot at Home

Parrots are smart, curious, and full of personality. These colorful companions can do much more than just mimic sounds — they can learn tricks, solve puzzles, and even express affection. If you’re looking for fun ways to bond with your feathered friend, teaching them tricks at home is not only entertaining but also mentally stimulating for your bird.

In this blog post, we’ll cover 10 easy and enjoyable tricks that you can teach your parrot, even if you're just starting out. Whether you have a budgie, cockatiel, African grey, or macaw, these activities are suitable for parrots of all sizes and will help improve their behavior, confidence, and your relationship with them.

1. Step-Up Command

The “step-up” command is one of the most basic and important tricks every parrot should learn. It teaches your bird to step onto your finger or hand when asked.

• Use a perch or your finger and gently press it against your parrot’s lower chest.
• Say "step up" in a calm voice.
• Reward with a treat when your bird obeys.

This is the foundation for many future tricks and helps build trust between you and your parrot.

2. Wave Hello

This adorable trick involves getting your parrot to lift one foot as if they’re waving hello. It’s cute and easy to teach with repetition.

• Gently tap one foot while saying “wave.”
• Give a treat when they lift their foot, even slightly.
• Practice for a few minutes daily until they associate the word with the movement.

3. Turn Around

Teaching your parrot to spin in a circle is fun and mentally engaging. It’s also a great way to burn energy.

• Use a treat to lure your parrot in a circle on the perch.
• Say “turn around” as you guide them with the treat.
• Reward when they complete the spin.

With repetition, your bird will learn to spin on command without needing the lure.

4. Target Training

Target training uses a stick or small object to direct your parrot to specific places. This is especially useful for more advanced training or managing behavior.

• Use a chopstick or bird-safe target stick.
• Tap near your bird and reward when they touch the stick.
• Gradually increase distance and guide them to move toward the target.

5. Talking on Cue

Some parrots love to talk, and teaching them to speak on command is a popular trick. This works best with talkative species like African greys, Amazons, and budgies.

• Pick a word your parrot already says.
• Use a visual cue (like a hand signal) while saying the word.
• Give a treat each time your parrot repeats the word on cue.

This reinforces control over their vocalizations and builds confidence.

6. Retrieve an Object

Parrots can learn to pick up and return objects like small toys or coins. This trick is a crowd-pleaser and sharpens problem-solving skills.

• Start with a favorite toy and encourage your parrot to pick it up.
• Place a bowl nearby and guide them to drop the item into it.
• Reward immediately for any success.

Use consistent commands like “bring it here” or “drop it.”

7. Playing Dead

This is a more advanced trick where your parrot lies on its back and pretends to play dead. It’s not for every bird but can be taught gently and slowly.

• Start by getting your bird comfortable lying on its back in your hand.
• Use the command “play dead” and reward when they stay still.
• Keep sessions short and calm to prevent stress.

8. Ring Toss

A fun game where your parrot learns to place rings onto a peg or similar target. It combines color recognition and motor skills.

• Use plastic rings and a wooden peg.
• Show how to place the ring and say “put it on.”
• Encourage the bird to try and reward with praise or treats.

This trick takes time but is very rewarding once mastered.

9. Peekaboo

This trick is especially fun with talking parrots. It’s a form of interactive play where the parrot says “peekaboo” after a cue.

• Use your hands or a cloth to cover and uncover your face.
• Say “peekaboo” with excitement each time.
• Reward if the parrot mimics or responds with the word.

This can become a game you both enjoy daily.

10. Shake Hands

Like waving, this trick teaches your parrot to lift their foot for a “handshake.” It’s great for socialization and trust-building.

• Hold your finger out and gently touch one foot.
• Say “shake” and reward when they lift or rest their foot on you.
• Repeat until they offer the foot without prompting.

Tips for Successful Parrot Training

• Always use positive reinforcement like treats or praise.
• Keep training sessions short — around 10 to 15 minutes.
• Be patient and consistent. Every parrot learns at their own pace.
• Use a quiet, distraction-free space for training.
• End each session on a positive note, even if progress is slow.

Benefits of Teaching Tricks to Your Parrot

Trick training isn't just about fun — it provides real mental and physical benefits to your bird. It encourages natural behaviors, prevents boredom, reduces destructive tendencies, and strengthens your bond. A trained parrot is a happier, healthier, and more confident companion.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Some parrots may be shy or stubborn at first. Here’s how to stay on track:

• Shyness: Spend time simply talking and offering treats to build trust before starting tricks.
• Distractions: Move to a quiet room and eliminate visual or audio interruptions.
• Fear of Hands: Use perches, target sticks, or training tables to begin interaction without forcing touch.

Conclusion

Teaching your parrot tricks at home is one of the best ways to connect with them, improve their behavior, and have loads of fun in the process. Whether you're just teaching them to step up or working toward more advanced activities like ring toss or talking on cue, every small success is a big win for both of you.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement go a long way in parrot training. Every bird is unique, and the key is to make learning a fun and rewarding experience for them.

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Have you taught your parrot a fun trick? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more pet bird tips, parrot care guides, and fun activities to keep your feathered friend happy and healthy!