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How to Potty Train a Parrotlet: A Simple Step-By-Step Guide
If you’ve stumbled upon this blog, you’re probably wondering if a parrotlet can be potty trained. The answer is yes! You don’t have to live with droppings constantly on your hand, shoulder, couch, countertop, or anywhere else you don’t want them. With a bit of knowledge and patience, you can easily navigate this aspect of parrotlet care. This article will highlight two different methods to potty train a parrotlet.
How Often Do Parrotlets Poop?
A lot! Depending on age, parrotlets will poop about every 15-45 minutes throughout the day. The younger the bird the more often it will poop. As parrotlets age, the pooping frequency lessens…but only slightly. In other words, you’ll have many chances throughout the day to potty train your bird.
Parrotlets Like Routines
Parrotlets are vibrant little creatures that, like most pets, thrive off of consistent routines. A consistent routine provides a sense of security and predictability and can aid in training and behavior management. Parrotlets are quick learners and flourish when given clear expectations and instructions.
By incorporating training sessions and interactive activities, like stimulating toys, into their daily routine, you can help stimulate their minds and keep them engaged…even when it comes to pooping and potty training!
Steps to Potty Training a Parrotlet
Potty training your parrotlet is not unlike teaching any other skill—it requires observation, action, consistency, and positive reinforcement. There are two main methods that you can try.
Method #1
Step 1: Pay Attention
Start by paying close attention to your parrotlet’s pooping habits. Every bird is unique, and factors like age, diet, and even individual preferences can influence their pooping schedule.
Take note of when they tend to go, how often, and any behavioral cues they exhibit beforehand. Watch for things like squatting, lifting their tail, and fluffing their rump feathers as a signal that they are about to go.
Step 2: Choose a Prime Pooping Location
Once you have a good grasp of their routine, it’s time to introduce the concept of potty training to your parrotlet.
Choose a specific spot where you want your parrot to do their business. This might be a small tray, a perch, or a playground. Place them near this spot whenever you sense they need to go. The more you do this the better.
Step 3: Verbal Cue
When your parrotlet successfully poops in the designated area (this will be on accident initially), immediately speak the verbal cue aloud. Use a consistent word or short word or phrase like ‘poo’ or ‘potty time’ to associate the action with the word/phrase. Over time, your parrotlet will learn to recognize this command and will begin to associate it with the act of pooping. When this happens, you are well on your way to having a potty-trained parrotlet!
Optionally, you can also reward your bird with a treat right after they do their business in the designated spot, however, we recommend trying without a treat first. Many birds are perfectly happy with verbal praise and you don’t have to worry about always having a treat handy.
Step 4: Stay Consistent
As with any other training session, consistency is key. Try to stick to the routine and reinforce the desired behavior every time your parrotlet goes potty in the designated spot. It may take some time for them to fully grasp the concept, but with patience and persistence, they’ll get there.
Method #2
Step 1: Pay Attention
Just like with Method #1, start by paying close attention to what your parrotlet does before pooping. Do they squat, lift their tail, or turn around in a circle? Every bird is unique, but squatting and lifting their tails are common cues to watch for.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the clock and document about how much time passes between each poop.
Step 2: Verbal Cue or Command Word
Once you have a good understanding of when your parrotlet is about to do its business, you’re ready to use a command word or verbal cue. When your parrotlet squats or starts to poop, say your command word or phrase at that exact moment.
They will eventually start to associate pooping with that word (remember to always use the same word or phrase).
Step 3: Set a Timer During Free Time
Potty training your parrotlet is most convenient when you have them out of their cage, free-flying around the house. Set a timer for the typical interval between poops for your bird. When the timer goes off, hold your parrotlet over a tissue, playground, tray, etc., say your verbal cue, and they should do their business.
Again, it might take a while for them to fully grasp this concept, but being the intelligent birds they are, they’ll understand eventually.
Reward your bird when they go with verbal praise or a small treat. If using verbal praise as a reward, use a lot of enthusiasm. Go above and beyond with your praise in the beginning so your parrotlet really understands they did something good. You can lesson this over time, but in the beginning, be over-joyous.
Step 4: Stay Consistent
Consistency is key with potty training your parrotlet. You can start with 30 minutes per day and work up as needed. Always use the same word/phrase and give praise.
Accidents Will Happen When Potty Training a Parrotlet
Accidents are bound to happen, especially during the early stages of training or when your parrotlet is still adjusting to their new routine. When accidents occur, refrain from scolding or punishing your parrotlet. Instead, gently redirect them to the designated pooping spot and reinforce the desired behavior with praise. Then simply try again next time.
As your parrot becomes more accustomed to the potty training routine, you can start to introduce the concept of bowel control. This phase requires even more patience and consistency. When you notice your parrot exhibiting signs that they need to go, gently guide them to the designated spot and give the command word. Over time, they’ll learn to hold it (for a reasonable amount of time) until given the cue.
A Word on Myths
Some believe that potty training your parrotlet may cause them to hold their poop to the point of harm or death. This is simply untrue. If your bird needs to poop and is not near their designated pooping place (or you didn’t give the verbal cue), they will poop anyway.
Just as a dog is trained to poop outside, if they are left alone long enough in the house, they will inevitably have an accident in the house.
Summary of How to Potty Train a Parrotlet
Remember, potty training is a journey, not a destination. It may take some time for your parrotlet to fully grasp the concept, and there will inevitably be setbacks along the way. But with patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement, you’ll soon find yourself with a well-trained bird who knows when and where it’s appropriate to go potty.
So, embrace the journey of potty training your parrot, and enjoy the bond that forms as you work together to navigate this aspect of parrotlet ownership. With patience, love, and understanding, you’ll both come out on top…and with less poop around the house!
Have you successfully potty trained your parrotlet? What method did you use? How long did it take your bird to learn? Share with us in the comments below.
