What do birds like?

Birds like company, attention, puzzles and patient training, and they do best when someone spends real time with them every day. A pet bird, or a pair of them, can be a great fit when you have limited space, mobility or funds, and you want a companion. Birds can be wonderful for senior citizens and children too, and they can bring enjoyment for many years. Here is what birds enjoy, and how to build a bond with yours. For more on living with pets, see our pet life in India hub.

Birds are smart

Many birds are terrific problem solvers. According to the National Audubon Society, birds have problem-solving capabilities and cognitive skills that indicate a high degree of intelligence. They can use tools, and can even count from left to right. Parrots and cockatoos in particular are known for sharp problem solving and mimicking skills.

What this means at home: a bored bird is an unhappy bird. Plenty of mental activity is just as important as space.

What birds really like

• Company. Birds are flock creatures, used to having companions at all times. A pet bird will want a friend as much as you do, and that friend can be you.
• Time out of the cage. Many birds sing, talk and play with you, especially if you spend time together outside the cage to build a relationship.
• Routine. Birds recognise their owners, their cage and their toys. A predictable day makes them feel secure.
• Games and puzzles. Anything that lets them solve, pick, swing or explore.
• Your voice. Many birds enjoy chatting, singing along and listening to you.

Can your bird learn to talk?

Teaching a parrot to speak is one of the oldest and most loved tricks. There are many techniques, but a good rule is that patience and repetition seem to work best. Keep a few things in mind:

• Not all parrot species can mimic words.
• Among those that can, some individual birds still never pick it up.
• Go in with a positive and hopeful attitude, and enjoy the process either way.

With enough practice, your bird may one day surprise you by singing along to a video or copying a favourite TV show character.

The most useful trick: "step-up"

If you teach only one command, make it "step-up". It is the most valuable and fundamental command for any pet bird, and many other tricks are built on it. It also helps during vet visits, cage cleaning and many other parts of bird ownership.

How to teach it:

1. Sit calmly near your bird, with your hand or finger resting at about chest level.
2. Gently press your finger just above the bird's feet while saying "step-up" in a calm voice.
3. When the bird steps on, say "good" and reward them with praise and attention.
4. Repeat in short sessions, a few times a day.
5. Slowly practise in different places, such as inside the cage and on the sofa.

Teach your bird to step up onto your hand or wrist when you call them. Stay patient, and never grab.

Try clicker training

Clicker training is one of the most widely used methods across species. It uses positive reinforcement, which helps animals retain what they learn between sessions. The great part about clicker training a bird is that you can build tricks from scratch. You can teach your bird to find your car keys when you are leaving home, or even to play simple games and puzzles with your little one.

A basic clicker routine:

1. Click, then reward straight away, until your bird links the click with something good.
2. Click the exact moment your bird does something you like.
3. Add a word for the behaviour once it is regular.
4. Keep every session short and cheerful.

Everyday safety and good habits

• Supervise out-of-cage time, and close windows, doors and ceiling fans first.
• Keep the cage in a bright, calm area where the family spends time, away from constant noise.
• Introduce new people and new toys slowly.
• Never leave a bird in a parked car or in direct harsh sun.
• Always speak to an avian veterinarian about your bird's wellbeing.

Common mistakes

• Expecting instant results. Time, practice and patience are the keys to success.
• Giving up too soon. If a trick is not working, you probably need a new game, better suited to what your bird likes. You do not need a new bird.
• Training for too long. Birds tire quickly, so a few minutes works better than an hour.
• Keeping a single bird alone all day. Birds need company, so plan your time or consider a pair.
• Raising your voice. Calm and kind builds trust faster.

More reading for new pet parents is on our new pet parent hub. If you also have a cat at home, see how paws and claws can share a house, and our guide to communicating with your dog has training ideas that apply across species, such as consistent cues and calm rewards. Looking for a companion that is easy to bond with? Pawsitively happy celebrates the joy pets bring.

Frequently asked questions

Are birds good pets for small homes?

Many people with limited space find birds a good fit. Still, they need a roomy cage, regular time outside it and daily attention.

Do birds get lonely?

Birds are flock animals and like having companions around. Many pet birds want a friend as much as you do.

Can every parrot learn to talk?

No. Not all parrot species can mimic words, and even among those that can, some individual birds never do.

What is the first command to teach a pet bird?

"Step-up". It is the foundation for most other tricks, and it is useful in daily care.

How long should training sessions be?

Keep them short, a few minutes at a time, and end while your bird is still interested.

By Team Stepevoli.