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How To:  Pick up a Parrot

Righty or Lefty?

Watch which foot your parrot uses the most.  left footed parrots will be more comfortable stepping onto your right hand.  Whereas right footed parrots will be comfortable stepping onto your right hand.

Give Your Parrot the Finger.

For hand control, your parrot should step into the ridge of your finger and not your wrist.  Your thumb can be used as a barrier to keep the bird in your hand.

The "Up" command

Parrots need to be given a clear and decisive message to step up unto your hand.  Using direct eye contact say "up" once with a firm clear voice. the same way you would give the "sit" command to a dog.  Be careful not to say "Up" too softly or as if you are asking a question. Also saying it too loudly or too aggressively will have an undesired effect.

To reinforce the "up" command, transfer your parrot from one hand to the other a half a dozen times or so using the command each time.

Back Stepping

If you are having trouble picking up your parrot from the front, try to approach your parrot from the back.  Using the same techniques and the "up" command give your parrot the opportunity to back-step into your finger.

The "Golf Swing"

Many people make the mistake of just placing their hand in front of the bird and expecting them to automatically step up.  Push your fingers gently into your parrots belly and say a firm "up" and follow through it with your hand.

Making it Your Choice

Many parrots lose the hand tameness because owners take it for granted.  Don't let your parrot run right up your shoulder the minute he steps on you.  If you want it there say "OK" and put it there.  Make it your choice.

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