How to Train a Parrot to Go to the Toilet

Parrots, especially large parrots like Macaw and Cockatoo, usually go to the bathroom a lot. With a little effort, you can train your parrot to defecate in the right place. Choose the command and specify the toilet area. Encourage correct behavior with favorite treats and praise. Never punish or scold your parrot as this will only stress them out.

Table of Contents

Set up command sentences

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Observe the parrot’s natural behavior. To potty train your parrot, you need to pay attention to its behavior right before it goes to the toilet. You should also note how often your parrot goes to the toilet. That way, you’ll know when and how often you need to bring your parrot to the restroom. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Most parrots usually lower themselves a bit and raise their tails when they go to the toilet. Watch the bird to see what it does when it’s about to go to the bathroom.
Also, you need to monitor how often it has bowel movements. Parrots can defecate quite often, about every 15 minutes. After a period of observation, you will know how long it takes to bring the parrot to the restroom.

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Select the command. You should choose a command to encourage behavior in your parrot. You will say something every time you see the parrot lowering its body to warn it to need to go to the toilet area. Choose a simple sentence like “Go to the toilet” to teach it where to go. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Create a toilet area. You should set aside an area in the birdhouse for it to defecate. Most people use things like trash cans, newspaper liners, or tissues somewhere in the house. You can also use paper discs. Make sure to choose somewhere the birds can easily reach. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Encourage behavior in birds

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Take the bird to the toilet when it needs to go. Watch the bird as it comes out of the cage. Memorize natural behaviors that indicate it needs to go to the bathroom. If you see your parrot showing signs of needing to go to the bathroom, such as lowering its body or shaking its tail, immediately bring the bird to the toilet area. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Initially, you need to use commands to ask the bird to step on the arm or finger. Then, bring the parrot to the toilet area and keep it there until it has finished defecating. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Say commands when your parrot has a bowel movement. Watch the bird closely. When it has a bowel movement, you must say the command. This will make a connection between the behavior and the imperative. The parrot will realize it needs to defecate in that exact area. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Some people use the imperative “Hurry up” if the bird takes a long time to defecate. For example, if the bird has been standing on the toilet area for a while, say “Hurry up” and give it a treat as soon as it has finished defecating.

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Reward the right behavior. Each time the bird goes to the toilet in the right place, reward it. Parrots respond best to positive encouraging behaviors. Praise and give good food every time the bird goes to the toilet in the right place. Choose a specific food to reward your parrot when it defecates in the right place so it understands why it’s being rewarded. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

You can also reward him by letting him out of the cage for a few minutes each time he goes to the toilet in the right place. Then, confine the parrot back until it defecates in the right spot again.

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Bring the bird to the toilet area as often as necessary. Watch the bird closely both inside and outside the cage. As soon as the parrot lowers its body, take it to the toilet area. Do this for a few weeks until the bird knows where to poop. Always say the command and reward the bird when it goes to the toilet in the right place. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Be persistent. It will take a lot of time because you have to bring the bird to the toilet every 10-15 minutes, but most parrots will gradually learn this behavior.

Avoid common mistakes

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Do not train too early when you first buy birds. If you just bought a parrot, it will take time for it to get used to your home. Toilet training or any other skill can be overwhelming for a parrot if it is taught too early. Give the bird time to get used to it. Once your parrot is calm and friendly, you can start training. ^{[9] X Research Source}

The time it takes for your parrot to get used to the space in your home will depend on the individual parrot’s personality. Some get used to it very quickly, but others take a lot of time.

Advice

Always have a trash can on hand whenever you release your parrot from the cage.

Steps

Set up command sentences

Encourage behavior in birds

Avoid common mistakes

Advice

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