If you’re new to parrot parenting and need a little help in mastering the art of gaining your bird’s trust, we’ve got seven steps to get the journey started. Here’s how:

1. Set up a happy environment: Make sure your parrot feels safe and comfortable in her environment. Is her cage or enclosure big enough? Is it positioned correctly in your home (not too isolated, but also not right in the middle of the noise and busyness)? Does she have enough toys and enrichment in her cage or enclosure?
2. Get used to each other: Spend 20 to 30 minutes a few times a day just sitting calmly and quietly next to your parrot’s cage or enclosure. Talk calmly to her, or read aloud to her, and offer a treat or piece of fruit every now and again. Become the source of tasty experiences.
3. Use their name: Parrots can learn their name quickly, so be sure to address your parrot by her name and offer her compliments. She might not understand the words immediately, but the energy or ‘vibe’ you give off will help the trust along. Go at her pace.
4. Open the door: If there is no risk of your parrot escaping outside, open the cage or enclosure door and just sit with her until (one day) she feels safe enough to come out.
5. Let them come to you: If your parrot is allowed to free roam in the room you are in, place her food and water bowls near to where you are, which could help to encourage her to come close to you for access to necessary resources. Don’t react or make any sudden movements. Prove that you are safe.
6. Play it cool: Offer your parrot a treat from your hand. Don’t make a big fuss about her taking a treat from you. Slowly but surely, you can encourage your parrot to eat from your hand, which is a solid trust-building experience.
7. Build a routine: Feed your parrot at the same time/s each day. Clean her cage/enclosure at the same time. Sit and talk with her at the same times. Try to maintain a consistent routine so that your parrot knows what to expect and when…this will all form part of her ability to trust you. Note that this process can take weeks, as trust from a parrot can take a long time to build, but when she trusts you and that trust is reinforced, it can be for life.

Content by Pet Hero.

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