How to Potty Train a Parakeet

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Parakeets are small birds and very adorable. Many pet owners let them fly around the house once they're trained, but they leave droppings everywhere. This wikiHow will show you how to potty train a parakeet.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Making Sure Your Parakeet is Ready

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  1. Be sure your parakeet is perch and hand trained. Otherwise, you won't be able to take them to their potty area without them flying like crazy around your house.
  2. If they are very young, they cannot control their bowel movement and it may be difficult to train. Some people say that they can control it when they are one year or older, but it’s best to have them trained before they turn one.
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  3. This way, they will understand how to get to places and will feel natural outside their cage.
  4. If they are too old, they wouldn't be as bright and will be harder to train (but still possible).
    • By old, this means more than a few years. The ideal age for training and bonding would be anywhere between two to seven months, but don’t fret if your parakeet is 3 years or maybe even more, it just takes longer to train and work.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Potty Training Your Parakeet

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  1. Does your bird raise its tail slightly or back up before they do their thing? Try to find cues.
    • Chances are, when you spend at least ten minutes with your parakeet, it'll potty at least once in that time frame. They do potty very often. Younger birds potty more frequently than older birds.
    • Parakeets also potty after waking up and after eating.
  2. If your bird shows the sign, move them above a paper towel or a paper plate so they can do their thing. You may also choose to move them to their cage. (Just make sure they know the way in so they can go by themselves!)
    • You will need to hand train them before you move them places. If they are not trained, they shouldn't be out of their cage in the first place.
  3. You could say "potty please" or something else. Just make sure it is not inappropriate. If it is, your parakeet may repeat it in public and embarrass you.
    • Make the phrase short so your parakeet will remember it better.
    • Do this every time your parakeet shows the sign.
    • Be aware they may not distinguish between certain objects. For instance, if you are asking them to potty on newspaper, it does not know whether you have read it or not. Be careful. A way to avoid this is to simply take paper plates that you need to a different room or put the unread newspaper in an area where your parakeet cannot see. Or, you could tell them to potty in their cage.
  4. You can use a treat such as millet spray, or another treat they like. You can also give them a compliment or a stroke. It will recognize that this is where you want them to potty.
  5. This is very important, and in the beginning you may need to practice for longer amounts of time. Your bird will get used to the idea of every time they potty, they need to go to the area. However, don't train your bird for more time than it can handle. Different birds have different personalities and like to be trained for different amounts of time.
    • Try to train them whenever they are playing outside of their cage, if possible. They should always be supervised when they're outside, so you'll be near them anyway!
  6. This may stop them from doing it. If they have already done it, clean up and try again.
  7. Parakeets are very intelligent, and they learn things easily (especially younger ones).
    • However, potty training is a bit more difficult then teaching them to step up or step down . Be patient.
  8. Whether because it is too old, too afraid, or too young, sometimes you should pause for a few months or so. Some parakeets cannot learn this trick at all. Just clean their droppings up and know that it is not their fault. Be forgiving. Take them out of their cage right after they potty.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My parakeet's cere is turning brown and she is molting. Can I still teach her easily?
    Community Answer
    That sounds like she might be a little difficult to train now, because she is maturing. If you are bonded well, she might learn, but if you are not bonded, it will take a lot of effort.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can you train two parakeets at the same time?
    Laura
    Community Answer
    Yes but it can be more difficult to do. And it will take a longer amount of time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Is this the same thing for bigger birds like African Grey parrots?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can train African Grey parrots if they are tame. It is the same for many different species of parrots.
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      Tips

      • Younger birds will learn better and be easier to train than old birds. [1]
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      • Parakeets can repeat words, but it is a bit harder than other parrots. They may repeat your potty training phrase.
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      • Extremely young baby birds cannot learn this. This means if they are only a week or so old. Once it gets to a few months old, you can try teaching them. However, you can definitely bond when they are just babies!
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      Warnings

      • Be sure your bird does not get stressed out. 15 minute sessions of training may be enough for some parakeets.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.petcoach.co/article/housetraining-birds-teaching-your-bird-to-poop-on-command/
      2. https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-potty-train-pet-bird-390284
      3. https://www.parakeetsecrets.com/training-your-parakeet/
      4. https://www.aviatorharness.com/blog-feed/potty-training-your-bird-72-hours

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