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How to get my parakeet to perch and be affectionate without food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

i got a parakeet 4 weeks ago and I really want him to be affectionate and enjoy being petted and perched on my hand or shoulder. He has no problem and is eager to perch on my finger if I have a treat in my hand but if I do not have a treat he walks away or ignores me or even bites (not hard or aggressive or anything). I can tell he is gaining weight. He is a huge foodie! How do I get him to perch without food? And how else can I interact and play with him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 23rd, 2018

I see that you posted this question a while back, and I answered it there, so I'll repost my answer here for you to be sure you get it. Patience and time! Until he's 100% on his training, be sure to always reward with a treat. However, if he's perfect at it with a treat every time, you can start to wean off them. You can try luring him with the treat to get him to perch, and then start only giving him treats intermittently. If he doesn't know when he's getting a treat and when he isn't, he may be more inclined to keep trying in the hopes he gets one sometimes. You can also use a favorite toy to play with, a gentle pet in a place he enjoys, or some of his regular food instead as a "treat" while you're phasing out the real ones.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 20th, 2018

    Patience and time! Until he's 100% on his training, be sure to always reward with a treat. However, if he's perfect at it with a treat every time, you can start to wean off them. You can try luring him with the treat to get him to perch, and then start only giving him treats intermittently. If he doesn't know when he's getting a treat and when he isn't, he may be more inclined to keep trying in the hopes he gets one sometimes. You can also use a favorite toy to play with, a gentle pet in a place he enjoys, or some of his regular food instead as a "treat" while you're phasing out the real ones.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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