How to Train Your Bird to “Station” (Stay Put!)

Photo by Dave Location: Orlando, FL Training: Hyacinth Macaw "Hymie"

When I took on a 4 year old hyacinth macaw named Hymie, I had a good idea of what I was getting into. This bird was not shoulder-trained so he went up there anytime he pleased and refused to come down until HE wanted to. The cure? Stationing. I taught him to “station” which meant “go to your place” in which I used a T-stand training perch that came to about my waist or lower in height. When I told him to station or pointed to the perch he would fly to it. That’s how I was able to get him off my shoulder willingly.

For keeping his manners in check, I taught him to allow me to hold his feet while being held as previously he was always kept loose on the owner’s arm where the person had no control over where the bird went. However lately I’ve read a lot about people who keep fully flighted parrots in their house and constantly have to put them away because they fly around too much or won’t stay on their perch. I want to point out that this is the case with everything, and it’s not just your bird trying to bother you. Notice they make doggie gates for houses, even baby gates? Notice most dogs have fenced yards and most kids have play pens? This is to keep said creature in a controlled area because it can’t get out.

Birds, however, have wings, they can get to anywhere unless they are confined to a cage which most of us don’t want to have to do to them. I will say clipping is a lazy “solution” (not really a solution at all) that benefits NO ONE. If your bird develops a fear of heights then maybe it won’t go anywhere anymore and wah-la problem solved. But in a horrible way, I’d say. You can teach stationing and extend the amount of time. At first you have to start small, especially if your bird is really motivated to go elsewhere. But there are other things you can do to get your bird to stay busy in one place.

  1. Don’t expect your bird to stay put all day long. No one does that. Lower your expectations, please. That way you can be happily surprised and not disappointed.
  2. Provide foraging toys. Take your bird out when he hasn’t already stuffed himself inside his cage all day. Provide all his food in foraging toys and put them about on his tree stand for him to find. If you want him to be there a long time, put 1-2 pellets per foraging toy. If you want it to be quick, put lots of food in each foraging toy. However fast you want him to be done, provide it.
  3. Fly your bird first. Let your bird get its energy out before you expect him to just stay still and not go anywhere. A caged up bird all day is going to want to get out and do something. Let him get it out before you get mad he won’t stay put when it’s the first time he has been out of his cage all day!
  4. Cue flights. When you see your bird wants to go somewhere, work with that motivation and cue it so that you can eventually get to the point where he is waiting for your cue. This will become fun and interactive for both of you.
  5. Be understanding of your bird’s needs. If you’re just coming home and want to do something while your bird self entertains... well, is it selfish of you? Think about it. Spend time with your bird FIRST and then let him self entertain. Really think about things from your bird’s perspective and not your own of a long day at work. I promise it will change how you interact.
  6. Be grateful. A lot of birds don’t fly or want to be with their owners, the fact that you are wondering how to get your bird not to exercise, not to come to you and follow you around... count it as a blessing. You have a bond other bird owners may never know.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.

6 comments

Traci

I need your help. I have a 2 year old Blue and gold he loves free flight, however between socializing him he now things its ok to see who ever he wants and neighbor complains. Now I am being told he’s not aloud out unless I can train him not to go to people

Traci
Tina

I got two cockatiels; male and female. They both are wonderful birds and your YouTube videos helped me getting them use to me and training them. Now they are happy members of the family that fly around the house that love to follow me around and attempt to help me clean. 😂

Tina
Kandi

Great advice! Thank you. Yes… I guess all things considered, this is the “problem” I can work/live with! She wants to be with me all the time, poor me 🙄

Kandi
Eric Steiner

Hi, Jamieleigh. Thank you for all you and your husband do. The videos you posted are so informative. I have a parakeet that’s about 8 mos old, and who knew you could love such a little creature so much?!? Ayat’s learned a couple of tricks, is starting to say a few words, and now that his flight feathers have grown in, he is fine tuning those flight skills! It’s times like these that I find your videos and articles so helpful. Again, thank you for all the education you provide and may you and your loved ones be safe during these uncertain times.

Eric Steiner
Alison

Hi Jamieleigh I love watching your videos, as a new bird owner to a green cheek conure your wisdom is so helpful! Venus is just 3 months old and she can step up great. She loves to climb on me and snuggle…our bond is wonderful already! She will only stay on her playstand for a few minutes at a time. Is she too young for me to try and train her?

Alison
Lynda

Thanks Jamieleigh, my Sun Conures are Young and handreared at home with us. They are busy nosy fellows who are very affectionate (in their own special way)and they love to fly. I was feeling very discouraged as they are super at stepping up and flying to a designated spot but we haven’t mastered stay put yet. Your post has given me the encouragement and some suggestions to try.

Lynda

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