Can You Potty Train a Parrot?

Parrots are known as very fun pets and quite intelligent creatures. They are adored all across the globe, in all their various sizes and colors. But, as many parrot owners know, they can be messy with how and where they poop. And often, it can require a lot of cleaning up. So it is only natural that owners are wondering - can you potty train a parrot? While this might seem like a daunting task, with a bit of patience and consistency, it is actually doable. These birds are smart and are capable of learning behaviors, including where and when to poop. Now, keep in mind that training them won’t be the same as with a dog, but with the right approach, it can be a simple process.

How to Potty Train a Parrot: Step by Step

Before you tackle this process of potty training your bird, it is crucial to understand how parrots behave. Naturally, these are rather clean animals. In their wild, natural habitat, parrots tend to relieve themselves away from their nests, as to avoid attracting predators. And this exact instinct can be utilized during potty training. However, keep in mind that parrots don’t have control over their bowel movements like humans do. They often relieve themselves every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on their size and diet. Knowing this, you can plan your training sessions accordingly.

#1 The first step in your potty training process is to choose a specific command or cue. This could be a simple word, such as “poop” or “potty”, or even a specific hand signal. The key is consistency - use the same command each time. 

#2 Next, you want to pay close attention to your parrot’s natural behavior. Notice when they are about to relieve themselves - common signs include tail lifting or squatting. Understanding this routine will help you anticipate when they need to “go”.

#3 Decide on a specific spot where you want your parrot to go potty. This can be their perch, a spot in their cage or enclosure, or a paper-lined area. By repeatedly taking your parrot to this spot when you see they need to “go”, they will begin to associate the area with the act.

#4 Parrots respond well to positive reinforcement. When your parrot successfully uses the designated spot, immediately reward them with praise, a favorite parrot treat, or extra playtime. This positive association will encourage them to repeat the behavior.

#5 Like any training process, potty training a parrot takes time and patience. Don’t expect immediate results. Consistency is key: keep reinforcing the desired behavior and gently correcting accidents. Never punish your parrot for mistakes, as this can lead to fear and confusion.

#6 Once your parrot starts getting the hang of using the designated spot, you can slowly increase the time between potty breaks. Gradually extending the time will help them learn to hold it longer, though it’s important to remember that each bird is different, and some may never be able to hold it for extended periods.

Of course, potty training a parrot can present some challenges. Certain parrots might take longer to get a hang of it than others, and accidents are bound to happen. Also, smaller parrots like budgies or cockatiels may have frequent breaks, while larger birds like Macaws and African Greys will have longer intervals between poops and will be easier to train.

Whatever the case, all you need to have is plenty of patience and a good plan. With that, and a bit of consistency, you too can achieve success in this straightforward training process.