- 1). Choose the behavior you want to reinforce in your birds. The behavior will usually be opposite the problem you encounter with your pets. For example, if you own screaming parrots, then you will need to reinforce quieter sounds. If your birds bite, you will want to reinforce gentleness. In these cases, you could use the words "quiet" and "gentle" to indicate the behavior you are rewarding.
- 2). Wait for your birds to spontaneously exhibit the behavior you want to reinforce. For example, if your birds sometimes bite when you ask it to "step up" onto your finger, reward the birds each time they step up without biting.
- 3). Immediately respond to the good behavior by saying the word for that behavior and speaking kindly to the birds. In the example of the biting birds, you would say a phrase such as, "Yes, gentle! Good birds!" Use the same warm and enthusiastic tone of voice you might use when interacting with small children.
- 4). Offer additional reinforcement by giving the birds a small, healthy treat or petting them. If you offer food treats, choose something your birds enjoy and do not get to eat regularly. A single sunflower seed is a popular choice, but your pet birds will benefit from lower fat treats such as half a grape, a small piece of apple or an unsalted, popped popcorn kernel.
- 5). Reward the good behavior you want to reinforce as consistently as possible, and never reward bad behavior. The most effective way to discourage bad behavior is by ignoring the birds entirely. If the birds are outside of the cage, you should put them in the cage first, and then leave the room. Turning your back on the misbehaving birds is also effective.
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