How to Train a Parakeet not to Bite

To train a parakeet not to bite, it is important to get your parakeet to trust you so that it does not attack you. So you need to get it used to you. Make sure that it recognizes you and that you show it affection. To get your pet to trust you, start by talking to it every day, so that it starts enjoying your company. Offer it treats with your hand and encourage it to come and take it with its beak. First, do this from a distance and, as you notice it becoming more comfortable with eating from your hand, you can move closer.

It is true that parakeets are trained best when young. Ideally, they should not be older than 6 months. Bear in mind that, the older they are, the harder it is to teach them. So you should start your training as soon as possible.

To do so you can put into practise the following steps.

• Try not to scare it with quick movements when you change its food or try to pet it.
• Never shout at it.
• Make your parakeet get used to climbing on your hand with treats.

If you pick your parakeet up too forcefully, the animal will react by pecking because it will try to defend itself. Remember to handle your pet gently and carefully; don't squeeze it when it's in your hand.

There are times when, although the parakeet trusts its owner, it starts pecking because it wants to play. The best approach here is not to react strongly by shouting or gesticulating wildly. This will only encourage it to continue pecking you as they will soon realise that doing so means you pay it more attention. When you can, retrieve your hand gently so that it doesn't become nervous. In addition, you should never shout at your pet.

What to do if your parakeet continues biting you, even if in play? The most effective thing to do when they do this is to leave it on its perch and continue to ignore it. If you do this, your parakeet will learn that it hasn't behaved appropriately for whatever reason. With time, it will stop biting you just to avoid being ignored. Remember that you should be patient with your pet when using this method, but, we assure you, it works.

There are other effective techniques to rectify the situation. Patting its beak very gently with your finger tends to work. You must use a light, soft touch - don't hurt the parakeet. If the parakeet pecks you again, show it your finger whilst holding it close to its beak. If it understands, it won't peck you again. However, it will take a few attempts before it recognises your form of punishment.

If it tries to do it again, lightly tap its beak once again. Show it you finger again until you notice that it's stopped trying to peck you. At this moment, remove your finger and it will soon realise that you no longer bother it because it has stopped biting you.

Another option that will help you with this problem is to say "NO" in a neutral tone, without raising your voice, when the parakeet bites. Repeat as many times as necessary, i.e. each time it does it to you. What typically happens is that it stops biting a few times and then tries to do it again later on. If this is the case, repeat the process. If it insists on doing it again and again, put it back in his cage and ignore it as previously mentioned.

It will also learn that its behaviour is unacceptable if, when it bites you, you blow in its face gently. Then place your hand near him to see if he does it again. Usually this technique must be repeated ten to twenty time consecutively so that the parakeet understands you.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Train a Parakeet not to Bite, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

• Get to the bottom of the reasons why your parakeet is biting you. Are you treating it too roughly? Does it want to play? Is it hungry? Is it nervous? The answer is the key to the solution.