Why a Parrot Should be Taught to Step Up
A Hand-Trained Hookbill is Much Easier to Control
Apr 11, 2009
This article discusses why a parrot should be taught to step up onto a hand when instructed to do so.
Parrots are intelligent creatures that can be taught to step up on command, responding to consistent verbal and physical signals. An owner should undertake hand-training because a well-trained parrot is much easier to control.
A authority-based relationship that includes interactive behaviors will help to offset potential aggression problems that could develop in a mature parrot. A parrot should be taught to step up to foster a relationship that is peaceful and sustainable over the long-term.
Why a Parrot Should be Taught to Step Up: Pecking Order
Parrots, by nature, seek to understand their place in the pecking order. When they become part of a human family, that family becomes the parrot's perceived flock. It is important to teach a parrot that it does not rule the roost. Teaching a parrot to step up helps to curb dominant and aggressive behavior by establishing the desired power hierarchy and is one of the main reasons why a parrot should be taught to step up.
A Parrot Should be Taught to Step Up to Build Avian Trust
Step-up training helps to foster trust between parrot and owner. A parrot is incredibly sensitive to its surroundings and to the humans it interacts with. Psittacines are prey animals and, as such, should be made to feel secure in their environment. Establishing mutual trust is a factor that plays a role in why a parrot should be taught to step up.
A Parrot Should be Taught to Step Up to Strengthen Avian-Human Bonds
A parrot's instincts will drive it to want to be with its owner twenty-four hours a day, engaging in side-by-side type activities. Establishing a loving relationship is good reason why a parrot should be taught to step up willingly and spend time with its owner. Receiving pets and food treats helps a parrot to build a warm and loving relationship with its owner. It becomes far easier to satisfy a parrot's need for companionship and attention if the human is able to handle the bird.
Why a Parrot Should be Taught to Step Up: Socialization
A socialized parrot is much easier to live with. In the course of each day, a parrot will need to be taken from its cage to its play area, from room to room or in the car. A parrot that has learned to step up when required and is comfortable with humans is also more likely to interact peacefully with visitors. Guests will be curious and fascinated by a parrot and delighted if it is willing to step up onto a hand, over lunging or biting at them.
A Hand-Trained Parrot and Vet Visits
One of the most important reasons a parrot should be taught to step up is that it may be necessary to take the bird to a veterinary clinic. A well-trained bird is easier to control in strange surroundings and when stressed. A parrot that has been taught to step up may be easier to handle if a veterinarian needs to examine it.
It can be seen that there are good reasons why a parrot should be taught to step up when required. An owner that spends time teaching a parrot to become trained to hand builds a foundation for a solid and mutually satisfying relationship with its avian companion.
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