Birds are not meant to be ‘locked up’ in cages all day long. They should be able to move around freely and, ideally, you should teach your bird something that will stimulate his mind. Giving him something to do in return for food could be very rewarding for him. So, why not teach him to play fetch?
Let’s play
Playing fetch isn’t only for dogs. You can also teach your cat and pet rat to play fetch and, of course, your bird too. As with any animal, you need to be patient and teach your bird in his own time. Whenever he loses interest in a session, let him be and try again later on.
What you need
- Small treats that your bird loves
- Patience
- A toy or something that your bird can easily fit in his mouth and carry around
Step by step
Step 1 Place the small toy in front of your bird and let him play around with it if he wants to, or let him simply investigate it. Give him a small treat for interacting with the toy and say something like ‘Good bird’.
Step 2 As your bird plays around with the toy, place your hand close to his chest and underneath his head. This will hopefully allow him to drop the toy in your hand, most probably by accident.
Step 3 When your bird drops the toy in your hand, immediately give him a small treat and praise him for doing it. You can use the cue ‘fetch’ every time he drops the toy in your hand. You want your bird to understand that the toy should be placed in (or very near) your hand. Repeat this action several times, so that he gets used to it.
Step 4 Once your bird understands that he must place the object in your hand, start moving your hand away from him slowly, bit by bit. Every time your bird brings the toy to your hand, use the cue and give him a small treat.
Step 5 Put the item down and then move your hand a few centimetres away, so that he has to walk a very short distance to place the toy in your hand. Gradually increase the distance that he has to walk to place the toy in your hand.
He’s got it!
Remember to practise each step until your bird fetches the toy without hesitation. You can then swop this toy for different items and have lots of fun playing fetch.
Would you like to read similar interesting articles to train small pets? Get the #346 Winter edition of Animaltalk magazine from retailers or order a digital or printed version from www.coolmags.co.za.
