Teach a willing step onto a steady hand, rewarding progress rather than moving your parrot before both feet arrive.
Begin with a comfortable bird
RSPCA recommends calm movements, rewards immediately after attempts, and working at the bird's pace. Stop if your parrot seems distressed; avoid punishment.
Reward the approach in stages
Following RSPCA Australia's step-up exercise, offer a small favourite-food reward while saying the cue. Begin with an easy reach. Next, position your steady hand between the bird and reward: reward a foot touching it, then one foot stepping onto it, then both feet. Increase the reach gradually, without forcing the transfer.
Keep the hand reliable
Medical Center for Birds advises offering a firm hand slightly above the feet. Wait for both feet before moving; do not grip them. Individual birds may prefer another hand or a perch. Refusal calls for patience, not pushing through.
Decide whether to continue
If biting is becoming a problem, seek your veterinarian's help. This is voluntary training, not emergency capture.
Notice the last willing response and pause there. A successful step-up does not establish readiness for travel or restraint. For a separate equipment task, see arranging bird perches.
