Pets Help People, but Can You Potty Train Your Bird?

According to the 2008 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63% of American households include pets. They are acquired for many reasons including teaching responsibility to children, companionship for adults, assistance to the handicapped, and therapists for the ill.

Emotional and physical well being is often enhanced by having a companion animal. Dogs that need to be walked daily force the owner into a healthy exercise program. Grooming and petting provide tactile connections that human beings need and often don’t get as they reach old age. Pet owners in general develop an understanding of what it means to give and receive unconditional love, loyalty, and sympathy. Caring for animals encourages kindness and understanding. Service animals lead the blind across streets, help the deaf hear alarms, provide warning signs for those living alone, and give an overall feeling of safety. In addition, companion animals help lessen the feeling of loneliness, lowering blood pressure and even cholesterol levels.

In discussing the advantages of pets, one of my friends told me about her Double Yellow Head Amazon Parrot. She keeps the cage open and lets her bird fly around the house without being afraid of poop being dropped everywhere. She claimed that she was able to “housebreak” her parrot and teach it to relieve himself in the proper spot. Wow! I found that statement hard to believe so my staff and I did some investigative research to find out if that was possible.

What we found was an overwhelming affirmation, especially with “hookbill” birds. You can in fact train a bird much as you train a dog but you do need a lot more patience and attention. Start by paying close attention to signals that the bird may give before relieving himself. These clues may include a ruffling of tail feathers or a look in the eyes. When you have selected the spot you want the bird to relieve himself (many choose the cage itself). Follow up by taking the bird to the spot when it is time to go potty. Say “go potty”. If he moves from the spot, take him back until he goes. Play time can follow for 7-10 minutes before returning the bird to his perch where you will start the cycle all over again. When the bird follows through correctly he needs to be praised with words and treats.

There may be a few accidents on the way but with a lot of attention to body language and schedule you can succeed with a great reward for doing so. Once the bird is conditioned there is no need to perch him. You can start training him to “poop on command”, over wastebaskets and garbage cans.

Taking care of your bird requires daily maintenance, good nutrition, play time, toys, and interaction. Pay attention to common foods that can poison your bird. Among the culprits are chocolate, avocado, apple seeds, salt, caffeine, and alcohol. House plants such as daffodils, jasmine, lilies, ivy, parsley, and holly are a sampling of those to avoid placing near your bird.

Never punish your bird by withholding food, hitting, or holding a grudge. Birds are very intelligent and respond to frowning expressions, soft speech, and being put back in their cage. Lastly, if you are purchasing a new feathered friend make sure that it is legal and not a kidnapped bird on the endangered species list.

If you give such attention to a bird or any animal you will start to understand why emotional attachments get formed. Museum Tour Catalog encourages you to understand your animal and to have fun with your pet. We are confident that pets can help you learn, grow, and become a more satisfied person!

Our book series, Why do Dogs have Wet Noses?, Cats HaveWhiskers?, Horses Have Manes? is a fun read to learn unusual animal facts. Dog Tricks will teach you how to train a dog, and Fun With Your Dog, Fun With Your Cat actually has you making food to test their taste buds, teaching them to sit, and learning fun facts about these pets.