Because baby birds are dependent on their parents not only for food but also for instructions on how to be a bird, it's best for the little one to stay with its parents. So, if you find a baby bird on the ground, try to bring it back to the nest rather than looking after it yourself. If you cannot return the bird to its nest, contact a rehabilitation center that can take care of it.

Sometimes you might have to jump in though, when raising domestic birds for example. Then it’s important to know how and what to feed baby birds — and sometimes, even learn how to make DIY baby bird food.

Consult the experts if you think a baby bird isn’t being fed

If you spot a baby bird that seems to be neglected, wait for an hour or two to see if its parents return to provide food again. Note that the mother bird only needs a few seconds to feed her baby, so inattentive observers could miss several feeding cycles.

If the parents are around, you can be sure that the baby has its needs met, and there is no unnecessary intervention, assuming the baby bird does not appear injured or sick. However, if you can confirm that it's orphaned or the nest has been abandoned, there are a few things you should do.

Step 1: The first step should be to find a licensed rehabilitator to provide, or guide you through, the appropriate care.

Step 2: Very rarely, you may be tasked with helping the baby bird even just until someone can come pick it up. In these circumstances you'll need to offer something similar to its natural diet. While each wild bird eats slightly different types of food, a few staples can serve as an emergency ration if necessary.

What to feed a baby bird

In nature, baby birds eat the same things that their parents eat: Worms, insects, fruit, and seeds. But the little ones have very different nutritional needs than adult birds, which is why the moms and dads chew it up first and spit back a meal high in protein.

Foods suitable for baby birds in your home include:

• Boiled eggs
• Moist dog food
• Wet cat food
• Raw liver (without seasoning)

What not to feed a baby bird

Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that mixing together bread and milk makes for an ideal feed for baby birds. Unlike mammals, birds do not drink milk and their digestive systems won’t tolerate it. Milk can be toxic to birds, so avoid feeding it entirely.

Foods not suitable for baby birds in your home include:

• Water
• Milk
• Bread and bakery products
• Kitchen scraps

How to make DIY baby bird food

One easy recipe for feeding baby birds involves just two ingredients: pet food and water.

• Soaking dog biscuits or kibble in water will create a mushy consistency that’s easy to take and digest for young birds. This mimics the texture of the food given by mama birds in the wild and is also a high-protein option, which is extra important for nestlings.
• To forgo the mixing and mashing, a canned pet food like the Cesar brand is another great option. You still might want to stir in a tiny bit of water if your bird is particularly young, though.

How to feed a baby bird

Step 1: If you need to feed a wild baby bird, remember to offer foods that have a spongy consistency instead of dripping with water, which can suffocate or drown it. All dry food should be softened first.

Step 2: Food should only be offered at room temperature, never heated or refrigerated.

Step 3: Keep food pieces small and proportional to the size of the bird — tiny birds need tiny bites. Cut or crush food properly to fit the size of the bird.

Step 4: When feeding the bird, be as careful as possible to minimize the risk of additional stress or injury. Never force a bird to eat its food.

How can you tell how old a baby bird is?

You'll want to adjust your feeding habits depending on the baby bird's age, and that can be tricky to determine. First, look at the feathers and try to figure out if you see down or adult plumage or both. Next, listen to its bird calls — older birds make a stronger sound. Lastly, pay attention to their behavior and movement.

As the bird grows, it'll literally stretch its wings and hop around more. Here too it helps to know what species you have brought in so you can adjust your expectations accordingly. To put it more simply, a sparrow will leave the nest at just 3 weeks old while an eagle might stick around for up to 12 weeks with its parents (and while we're at it, eagles and other protected birds have special rules that you need to know before touching one).

Tips for feeding baby birds

There are a few more things you need to know before you can handle a baby bird successfully. Here are five tips to help you along your care journey.

• Research your avian and try to discover which foods its species prefers to guide your feedings.
• Once the bird grows up a bit (or if you find an older animal), you should offer whole food, like a bug or a seed, with tweezers.
• Always wash your hands before and after feeding, so you don't catch anything or contaminate the meal.
• Keep your new baby bird somewhere safe and quiet in between feedings, away from other pets.
• Look to rehome the little one as soon as possible into the hands of a professional.

Finally, remember that feeding a baby bird should be only an emergency measure. If one is abandoned and needs care, it should be taken by a bird-rescue organization or an experienced rehabilitator as soon as possible. They will both feed baby birds with a diet suitable for its type and also teach it to live independently, avoid predators, and master other skills to return to nature successfully.

Parrots are hilarious and clever birds that make for a wonderful pet. They will fill your home with well-timed squaws and maybe some funny catchphrases. They also have one of the most incredible body languages in the animal kingdom and are often recognized for their peculiar head bobbing.

Bird owners spend hours observing the many messages these guys send with their movements. So, why do birds bob their heads? We’ll explain why parrots head bob and also why other types of birds do it as well.

Why do wild birds bob their heads?

The natural cause of the head bobbing tracks back to a wild and outlandish early life. Youngsters of many species bob their heads to tell their mother they are hungry. When the mother realizes the movement, she provides food, and the behavior is rewarded. As they grow, this head bobbing will evolve into an attention-seeking behavior that is mostly positive and fun to watch.

Additionally, head bobbing is how birds learn to stabilize their visual surroundings, according to the Library of Congress. Just as humans use their eyes to navigate what’s around them, birds use their heads. Being a natural behavior found both in wild animals and birds born in captivity, this is rarely a sign of true distress or something to be alarmed about.

Are birds happy when they bob their heads?

Why do pet birds bob their heads?

For domesticated birds, head bobbing is a normal way to communicate with their owners. When a parrot wants your attention, they will start bobbing and moving side to side. As soon as they feel ignored, they will do their best dance to get you to look. Listen to their cue and give them some love. They are trying to bond with you. In some cases, they might want to tell you something more specific. Below, you will find some of the most common reasons why a parrot bobs their head. 

Polly wants a cracker

One top reason: hunger. This behavior might continue with adult birds once it’s clear that you are their caregiver. By establishing who feeds them, they know who they need to call in case they feel a craving. If they are low on food and need a refill, they will do their funny moves to get you to feed them soon. Another possibility is that they are trying to get a treat out of you. If they are being trained, they will sometimes try to bribe you for a freebie. Don’t be surprised if your parrot starts tricking you into feeding him more by busting some moves.

Getting their emotions out there

Birds are sensitive animals that make their feelings known. Many of their behaviors express a need or warn you of their emotional state. Remember that being in an enclosure for extended periods of time will stress your bird. If they haven’t been able to stretch out their wings and move around, they will start bobbing to get your attention. For parrots, excitement and anger are expressed with head bobbing that looks more intense and frantic.

If they feel threatened or afraid, they will show their size and bob their head to assert their presence. Make sure you console them if they seem distressed. Sometimes leaving them alone or removing other birds from their surroundings is enough to calm them down.

They just want to dance 

Parrots and cockatoos are famous for bobbing their head to the rhythm of the music. They are pretty good at following a tune and enjoy it. Some have even become internet sensations for their dancing talents. We are looking at you, Snowball! 

Neuroscientist and researcher Dr. Aniruddh Patel confirmed that parrots really can keep a beat. After studying the movements of a famous dancing parrot named Snowball, he discovered that the bird synchronized his movements to the beat of a song. There was doubt at the time that the parrot was only copying a trainer during their performances. The study concluded that although Snowball fell out of rhythm often, he could definitely adjust the speed of his movements to the tempo of a new song.

Listen to your bird

Understanding what your parrot is trying to tell you takes time, practice, and patience. They are really good at communicating with humans and their personalities are complex and fun to discover. Listen to them and bond. This is the best way to establish the connection needed to train them, care for them, and make them members of your family.

It starts out with a group of four birds, two green and two yellow who somehow know their teammates and how to play. In fact, Noris Buzdugan commented, “Bro they even have matching teams,” which certainly adds to the flavor of the game. There’s no need for jerseys when you can determine your teammates just by the color of their feathers. The happy birds run back and forth, put the ball through the hoops, and play tug with their opponent. After the basketball game finishes, they squeeze a quick version of volleyball in, tossing the little ball over a net. While the human viewers seem delighted, it’s nothing compared to how happy and proud the birds look (we’re still not sure who won though).

Viewers were entranced by the clever birds and many cheered them on in the comments. General Žare decided that we really need to rename the sports association: “NBA: National Bird Association.” This could surely take off. Scrolling asked the question that we were all wondering: How does one teach this to them? Many others questioned the rules of this sport with johntapley73 remarking, “Come on ref, travelling violation surely? wth! I had big money on this game.” Lastly, mettdredhme took this a step further and suggested we all get in on it, “How can we bet? looks safer than football.”

How do you teach birds games?

We love to teach our animals tricks, and birds pick up a lot of these games quickly and happily. Many seem to enjoy learning new things and showing off. In order to get your pet to this level though, you have to start small. The goal is to begin their bird training from a young age and keep it up with daily practice sessions. To start, you might not even use a ball, since you want your bird to learn things like perching on your finger (roughly the avian equivalent of teaching a dog to sit). Then introduce toys — fetch, catch, and throw will become the basics for your sport. Eventually, your animal might be able to graduate to impressive moves like dodging and dunking, but it’s also fun to watch what they come up with themselves. Since birds are smart and social, they’ll design their own games if given the tools.

Before you ponder how to help a poor flyer, make sure the bird is actually hurt. Some animals fake injury to lead you away from a nest. If you’re certain the avian needs help, it’s time to spring into action.

How to tell if a bird has a broken wing

In order to determine if the bird's really hurt, you need to pause for a minute and take stock of the situation. First, try to figure out if you're actually watching a young bird that's learning how to fly. At first glance, it might look like the little birdie is hurt, but in reality, they're testing their wings.

Other birds sit for long periods of time, even on the ground, and also don't need any intervention. After you've monitored for a few minutes, slowly walk up to the bird and gauge their reaction. One that attempts to fly away but can't make lift off, probably needs your help.

Can a bird survive a broken wing?

Yes, a bird can go on to live a long and happy life after their broken wing heals. One of the biggest threats during this time is predators, which is where you come in. A bird that can’t escape on its own needs a safe space, and you can provide it. But you don’t want to tame the animal (it’s not a pet, after all) or accidentally break the law (we’ll get to this part).

Can a bird’s broken wing heal on its own?

Just as we’re designed to heal after a break, the average bird can recover from a minor wound without any intervention. Often it will be starvation or a predator, rather than the injury itself, that ends their life. However, a major break will need human help, including surgery, to get it back to normal and prevent infection along the way.

How long does it take for a broken bird wing to heal?

You’ll be surprised how quickly a small bird heals once you take care of the affected area. They could be ready to go after just one week. However, recovery can take up to a month for a more serious injury, and by that time, birdie will have lost some of the muscle definition needed to fly, so they’ll need some rehabilitation. Sadly, breaks can be so severe that they defy recovery, and the humane thing to do will be to put them down (but make sure you have an expert take care of this).

How to help a bird with a broken wing

Now that you’re ready to take action, you need to figure out what to do to assist your infirm friend. Remember that there may be laws in place here, as strange as that sounds. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and a few other rules, actually prohibit you from taking some birds out of the wild, even if you’re just trying to help. Do the proper legal research before picking up an animal and bringing them home. Then, follow these four steps to take care of the avian.

Step 1: Call a vet or rehabilitation center.

You may be able to find a local center with tons of experience that will take in the bird from start to finish. It’s crucial to know exactly how bad the break is and whether it needs surgery, both of which require a vet.

Step 2: Capture the bird and transport them to a safe location.

Hurt birds go into shock very easily, so watch them carefully and don't do anything that might scare the bird, even unintentionally. It can help to wrap them in a towel so as to prevent further damage, and make sure they stay warm and comfortable. Get a small cardboard box (with plenty of holes) and use that for transportation.

Step 3: Set the wing and bandage it.

The wing should be against the little body in a natural position, but don’t force it in and make things worse. Then, secure a bandage around the wing and body to keep it still. Sometimes all the bird needs is a little swaddling and then resting time to get better.

Step 4: Release the bird back into the wild.

There’s a chance that the wing might merely be strained, and your feathered friend will be back out ready to fly off in no time. Otherwise, it can take a few weeks to get them on the mend.

It’s important that they bird doesn’t become too domesticated, so it’s good for them to eat from an outdoor feeder on the ground when possible.

A few things can cause broken wings in birds, namely cars, windows, and cats or dogs. Adjust your care methods depending on what got them — if you see cat scratches, you may decide to treat those first (don’t use chemicals though). Also, an injured animal means a scared animal. Wear protective gloves and be careful not to get yourself scratched or nipped while you help them get better.

What is a budgie?

If you said, a little parrot, you've got that right. While similar in theory to the African Grey and other large pet birds, you'll find the personality of a budgie to be quite different. They likely won't do much talking but can sing and chirp happily. As with any pet, they need the right food, plenty of exercise and play, and a proper house. We'll cover that part first.

How to set up your budgie's cage

Every type of bird needs a slightly different arrangement, so it's crucial to pick up parakeet items specifically and not those intended for an unrelated type of animal. Choose a cage that is at least 18 by 18 by 18 for one animal and nearly double that for two (which you'll probably need). These steps might apply more broadly but they'll work perfectly for your new budgerigar.

Step 1: Buy the materials.

There's a reason this one always comes first — it's important to get everything together before you officially bring home your pet. Finding yourself without the right items could easily become stressful since then you'll have to rush to pull everything together as it comes up.

Step 2: Pick a spot for the cage.

In some cases, you'll do this before you buy the cage because you need to measure a particular area carefully. However, many houses have plenty of room for a full-sized cage that you can then put in different places to see which one clicks. Budgies love natural light but don't set it up so they get too hot or can't find shade.

Step 3: Add the necessary items.

The first thing to think about is your liner, which is whatever you'll put on the bottom of the cage and change out regularly. Then you also need food and water dishes. Under necessities, you also can't forget somewhere for your bird to hide, though this can be something fun to design.

Step 4: Add a few perches.

Buy a couple of shapes, sizes, and materials. You'll notice quickly which ones your birdies love and which wind up unused. While you can make your own, don't ever put sticks in without treating them first.

Step 5: Give them some toys.

Here's the fun part! In truth, you will probably wind up changing things frequently, realizing your particular pets gravitate toward one type of toy over another. But it's good to have a few basics like a swing and puzzle to start. Don't forget treats.

Step 6: Introduce your bird.

At last, they arrive. While your instinct may be to play with them for hours on the first day, experts recommend putting them gently in the cage and leaving them to adjust. They need time to settle in before you make yourself known (with a treat of course).

How to care for your budgie

It will take a bit of time to acclimate to their new surroundings, about two weeks. Make sure you're interacting frequently since you don't want them to lose familiarity with people. After you set a routine, you'll care for your birdie with ease.

Step 1: Get your bird a companion.

One rule we need to establish at the outset: Never get just one of these birds. You need at least a pair or your new flyer will become lonely and depressed. If you don't want a whole flock, get one fixed or stick with two of the same sex.

Step 2: Feed daily.

Even if you invest in one of those refilling feeders, you still need to change it every day. Food can spoil and sometimes you might mistake old shells for full seeds. Water will quickly fill up with poop if you're not careful as well.

Step 3: Give them time outside the cage.

While a big home will allow them to fly around, it's great to have a dedicated playroom where your birds can have some supervised exercise time with a little more room.

Step 4: Clean regularly.

We mentioned the daily water and food changes. The rest of the cage should be scrubbed down about every week with liner replacements in between on an as-needed basis.

Step 5: Take them to the vet.

You might think of the animal doctor as a thing only for dogs and cats, but your bird will live longer and happier if you get them regular medical care.

The great thing about budgies is that they can live up to 10 years if you do all of these things and make sure they never want for anything. They also bond closely with humans — that must be why they rank as the third most popular pet. Plus, in addition to a companion, you also now have a musician in the house.

Sometimes, these animals make great pets, too. But is a holiday the right time to gift a pet? We think all potential pet owners should consider some important, realistic facts, especially if they’re considering owning or gifting a baby animal for Easter. This is a big decision, after all! Here’s what to know first.

Pet ownership is for their whole life, not just the baby phase

As precious as baby chicks and ducklings can be, they’ll grow up into chickens and ducks one day. You’ll only get a few months of babyhood to enjoy, though even those early months will be filled with chores and messes of all kinds. Remember, caring for a baby animal is still caring for an animal!

You’ll also want to consider how your potential pet’s needs will change as they grow. If you have pet rabbits, for example, you’ll need to neuter or spay them between 4 and 6 months of age (via Calder Vets). You also need to set up a rabbit hutch either indoors or outdoors, and you’ll need to keep up with all necessary vet visits.

No matter what species of animal you’re thinking of getting or gifting at Easter, or any time of year, consider what they’ll be like as an adult as well as a baby. So many pets end up in shelters — or worse — because their owners couldn’t handle their adult needs. Other times, animals are abandoned simply because the novelty wears off.

For animal lovers who aren’t ready for the commitment, consider visiting a wildlife sanctuary or symbolically adopting an animal through a charity.

Even small pets take up a lot of space (and money)

Pet ownership is expensive no matter what species you own. You’ll be purchasing things like food and cleaning supplies on the regular, and vet visits can break the bank, too. A potential pet owner might not be ready for the financial or spacial commitment, especially if they don’t know the surprise is coming.

Pets like ducks and baby chicks need plenty of space to roam and play, too. Depending on their age, you might need to keep your new bird indoors until they are large and strong enough to fend for themselves. Special equipment like heat lamps might even be necessary for the early days, but in a few weeks, you can think about setting up an outdoor space.

The warmer months are busy: Are you able to care for a pet?

Easter marks the unofficial beginning of springtime and the warm months. School is getting intense as finals loom near, and even adults are stressed with Tax Day. True, summer vacation might give some folks extra time to spare, but will you have enough time to make a pet feel safe, healthy, and loved?

You might need to dedicate more time to your new pet when you first bring them home, but you’ll always have to set aside time for your animal friend. Even routine things like vet visits and meals take time, so you’ll need to be ready for a long-term commitment.

If this sounds like a lot to take in — it is! Pet ownership is nothing to take lightly, even when Easter festivities make it look like a walk in the park. It can be incredibly rewarding to care for a pet, too, but thinking through this big decision is always the way to go.

Having a pet bird can be expensive, so strike out and try making your own perches using natural resources around you. But you don’t want to grab any stick off the ground and bring it inside. Here are details you need to make a DIY bird perch.

How many perches do I need?

The exact number depends on your bird's species, setup, and the size of her housing, but probably more than you think. And it’s not enough to simply shove sticks inside — you want perches at different heights and in strategic locations.

Make sure there’s one up high for sleeping and one placed near food and water. Also, put perches at different heights and on opposite sides of the cage. Why? You want to encourage your bird to fly between them to maintain wing strength and get regular exercise.

What can I use as a bird perch?

Size, shape, wood type, and placement will vary based on your bird and his cage. You don’t want to overcrowd the housing and inhibit flight. Additionally, birdies love having options, so choose a little of this and a little of that: different types of wood or different thicknesses, for example.

Follow your pet’s lead. You’ll quickly discover which perches are the hot spots and which are ignored. (When in doubt, find the one with the greatest number of droppings — almost certainly the fave.)

Which wood is a bird perch made of?

Luckily, there are a lot of options here. Try out a few different kinds and see what sticks. If you have a smaller breed, consider starting with softer natural woods, like apple, bamboo, or cork.

Graduate to maple or birch for a hardier or larger avian as needed. In terms of other options you might find in your yard, add elm, ash, and willow to the list. Don't use pine, as nice as it may smell, because of the residue.

How to make a bird perch

Now that you know which branches to look for, you’re ready to start constructing your first batch of perches.

Step 1: Select your stick.

Have a good idea of size and shape in mind when you start your hunt. Gather a few sticks that fit your plan and are at least relatively straight. It will help to first measure your bird’s cage and tentatively plan your spots.

Step 2: Disinfect the wood.

Remember, there could be bugs or invisible microbes, bacteria, even fungi in future perches, which you’ll need to eliminate. You may want to disinfect a stick outside or in a secluded space, like the garage, so that no pests get inside your home. Either soak in a 10% bleach solution or heat the wood to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Or both.

Step 3: Let it dry.

Immediately after disinfecting, bring the stick inside and let it sit and dry for an extended time. It can be hard to tell when the inside of the wood is fully dried, so give it longer than you think.

Step 4: Whittle and shave it down.

Start by trimming the ends with a saw and then shape as needed. Some choose to remove the bark, but others say it’s the best part. Play around until you figure out what works best for you and your feathered friend.

Step 5: Notch into the cage.

Hopefully, you have a few choices and can try out each of them to discover which your bird likes best. You won’t always understand why your pet loves one over the other, but birds have preferences, too.

Perches don’t have to be solely for a cage. You can add them to your bird’s playroom or to the shower if he bathes with you. Once you complete this DIY project, don’t be surprised if you put other items to your to-do list. Try making bird toys and snacks or provide your pet with a cage full of homemade accessories. Your pet will love every gift from you.

Luckily, most pet birds are diurnal and enjoy squawking along to our favorite tunes during the day, but get quiet at night when they sleep. Unless you’re housing a pet owl, you most likely will not need to worry about a nocturnal bird, but that doesn’t mean your avian won’t chirp half the night and prevent you from sleeping. Don’t worry — there are a few steps you can take to bring peace and quiet back to your house while also ensuring your bird’s happiness.

Why do birds chirp at night?

Some of the racket you hear from these animals is because of us. Birds who are outside may stay up late because of city noise and light pollution. In the house, you have similar issues.

The television or other nighttime noises could be what’s keeping your bird up, as well as household lighting. Avians also chirp if they feel stressed or lonely, which means they might just need some comfort.

What can you do to if your bird won't stop chirping at night?

Try a few of these tricks to see if something seems to settle them. Once you’ve got a good routine down, you’ll be getting plenty of sleep, and so will your flyer.

Step 1: Find the source.

You may need to figure out what’s causing your pet to tweet late at night because it could be any of the things we mentioned. Sometimes eliminating the source will be easier than working around the issue.

Step 2: Cover the cage.

Get this one out of the way first since it’s the easiest to implement. While the goal is to block out light and muffle sound, you don’t want to completely close off your pet as they still need to breathe properly.

Step 3: Talk to your bird.

We already mentioned that your animal might feel lonely or stressed late at night. You can give them a quick good night to try to remind them that you’re still there and will be ready to play in the morning.

Step 4: Train your pet to stop.

Invest in some training time to get them to cease their nightly chorus. Practice calming or quieting your bird and giving them a treat when they comply. Better yet, try to persuade them to stay silent for a few seconds and then provide the reward.

Step 5: Find a good room.

It’s nice to have your feathered friend around while you hang out during the day, but the location of the cage may not be suitable for bedtime. Do a walk through your pet's area a few times to listen for noises and look for light sources that you may not know about. Find a spot that’s far away from those distractions and from you.

Step 6: Keep your noise down.

Your nightly routine makes more noise than you think. The TV playing, your toothbrush buzzing, your hairdryer blowing, your shower running — all these things will keep a bird wide awake wondering what you will do next.

Giving your bird their own room will certainly help, but you’ll still want to be mindful of your activities. Close doors as much as possible and shift particularly loud activities (like laundry) to earlier in the day while they are still awake, if possible.

Step 7: Get a white noise machine.

When all else fails, get yourself a white noise machine or some earplugs to block them out. Just ensure your bird can’t hear it, too, as that could make the whole problem worse. Don’t feel guilty about it — your pet is mostly talking to themselves anyway.

Like kids, birds thrive on routine. If you’re teaching them commands and words, tell them good night before you leave the room and hope they get the message. Sometimes, one bird of the flock is the bad influence, and you have to find the culprit. Try setting up a phone or pet cam for a night to see who’s making the noise and maybe even what’s causing it. While we don’t recommend splitting up a pair, you might get some valuable information here that will help guide your plan. Or embrace their chatty ways and let their songs help you drift off to sleep.

Posted to the Party Parrot subreddit by u/LeSpatula, this TikTok video is definitely one you’ll want to share. While many birdies enjoy a round of Peekaboo, the two ringnecks in this funny bird video have got it down. Of course, they have to get in sync and spend the first few seconds chattering in a pidgin language that seems to be part English and part Parrot. However, by the end, they both know exactly what’s about to happen. The two singers dip their heads together, beaks almost touching, and pull up in perfect unison, shouting “Peekaboo.” They go in one more time before walking, or maybe strutting, their separate ways.

Top commenter u/Manu_Pacos gave some insight into these sweet animals remarking, “Seriously, ringnecks are too funny. They are such clowns.” It’s true these parrots are well known for loving fun. u/CrinchNflinch added, “Bird: ‘Glad, that we clarified this. Now, let’s strut.’” which shows on their determined faces as they walk away. It’s certainly one of the most rewatchable as u/Cynthus68 said, “Love this video. Makes me smile every time I see it. Never gets old.” Finally, we couldn’t agree more with u/UnitZerOne, who mentioned, “Someone please call a surgeon! I’m in dire need of a heart transplant! –because mine just melted.”

How to teach your parrot to talk

If you have a bird at home and want her to play Peekaboo too, you’ll have to start a few steps back. Begin with very easy words such as “Hi” or “Mom.” Like humans, they’ll pick up the shorter, simpler sounds first. You will probably want to say these to your birds in a cute or interesting voice to get her attention and then immediately praise her when she tries to say them back. Parrots are smart social creatures, so they enjoy interacting. While a seed will be great for positive reinforcement, you also want to practice talking to each other so that she begins to understand the communication style.

No matter how much work you’re willing to put into training your bird, it really comes down to her style. Some don’t ever take to it because they’re interested in other things, like games and toys. Others will start to pick up everything you say, and suddenly you have to censor your speech a little bit to make sure they aren’t learning anything bad. Hopefully, you’ll wind up with a little guy who loves Peekaboo just as much as we do.

While you might have a few tricks up your sleeve, taking your animal to bird training classes will go a long way to teaching them to follow the rules. Remember, a pet trainer gives you the tools to help your bird along just as much as they work with your feathered friend directly. Here’s how to find a class that suits both your needs and gets results.

What classes can I take?

You’d be surprised how much is out there and how many options are available to help you and your flier. Get expert advice on grooming, playing, or wearing a harness. Basically, whatever problem you’re having with your little guy, someone has already been there and will help you get through it.

First, decide what you want to focus on so you can choose the right program, and then tackle it. Do you need your bird to understand the basics? Do you want him to learn a few words? Do you think he’d be into bird agility? Start small and work your way up until you have a well-trained showoff flying around.

Where can I find bird training classes?

The good news is you have a ton of options. Many companies offer classes online that you can access from anywhere at any time. If you’re in an area with a good breeder or pet store, you might find some local options as well. This allows you to train in one-on-one sessions or with a group of like-minded avian enthusiasts and can help your bird make big strides.

Research a few different ideas and then decide which will best suit your family. An in-person class helps with the particulars of holding and communicating, but online programs can happen anywhere without having to move your animal or invite strangers in who could scare him. Check for free options too on YouTube that will help you master Bird Training 101.

How should I train my bird?

Step 1: Start young.

A hand-raised chick will always have more affection for humans than one who’s isolated from people.

Step 2: Use food.

If you’re working at raising chicks yourself, do some feedings right from the start, otherwise, find a creature who has been handled consistently. Then offer treats as rewards throughout your training.

Step 3: Be consistent.

It doesn’t stop at babyhood though. If you go too long without holding and petting your little guy, he could become fearful again. Instead, you want to practice every day with perching or feeding.

Step 4: Cover the basics.

Stepping on a perch or learning to fly on command will come naturally to your creature. Get him familiar with the easy ones before attempting something performance worthy.

Step 5: Work up to it.

You can increase the difficulty of your tricks by building on the basics, such as waving and cheeping. Introduce toys only when he is ready for them and with supervision.

While these tips will absolutely help your bird learn a few things, not all parrots are destined to be circus-ready. Many of the smaller species won’t likely get into the really advanced stuff and will have trouble speaking. So know your pet’s limits before you embark on anything too difficult. You don’t want to kill his confidence or wind up disappointed.

Alternatively, you may find yourself stumbling into maneuvers you would never even have thought of because he comes to it on his own. For example, some birds are naturally acrobatic and will take to the swing as easily as they do the air. While a few simple commands are essential, you can take your time to branch out into the extras when he’s truly ready and you have a better sense of his abilities.