Before going any further, I would like you to know that I am a proud owner (parent) of a 17 year old male blue headed pionus parrot. His name is Pete.
I adopted my new friend Pete when he was just five months old. He came from exceptional and highly trained breeders.
Through the years, I have gained quite a bit of knowledge about the pionus parrot. With that said, I’m choosing to share one of the most important things I’ve learned.
Teaching Commands to Your Bird
There are many commands that a parrot should learn. There is one command, however, that all parrots MUST learn. It is the “step up” command.
Why is this command so important? The step up command lets your parrot know that he/she will need to step up onto your cupped hand to be transported by you.
You will need to learn how and where to place your hand in front of your parrot. You will say “up” to your parrot who then steps onto your properly placed hand.
This allows you to transport your parrot anywhere in your home.
I personally would never transport my parrot outside this way. A travel cage is perfect for outside transports.
If you purchase or adopt a parrot you should be shown how to properly hold a parrot.
Most parrots will not step onto someone’s hand if they see or believe that a person cannot properly hold him/her.
I’m sure any parrot owner will gladly show you how to properly hold your parrot. Also, don’t forget to buy a book on basic training for your parrot.
Practice With Your Pionus Parrot
Your parrot must step onto your hand when you give him/her the “up” command. This is important at leisure time and especially in an emergency.
Why am I stressing this? If your parrot will not step onto your hand during an emergency, it may be necessary to carry the entire cage.
If you have to grab your bird, do so as gently as possible. Use a large folded towel and place him/her into their transport cage.
You should practice this command as part of your emergency evacuation plan as needed.
In conclusion, the “step up” command is necessary. It allows you to safely and comfortably transport your parrot at any time.
Although this command is most needed in a emergency, it may be used whenever you feel necessary. It may also assist in training your bird to behave.
