Recall Training: Teaching Your Bird to Come When Called

Recall training teaches your bird to fly or walk to you on command. This is not just a fun trick — it's a safety skill. A reliable recall can prevent escapes and help in emergency situations.

Prerequisites

Before starting recall training, your bird needs:

• A reliable step-up command
• Comfort being out of the cage with you
• High-value treats ready — recall training needs the BEST rewards

Teaching Recall: Step by Step

1. Start close. With your bird on a perch just 6 inches away, hold out your hand with a treat visible and say "Come!" (or use your bird's name).

2. Reward the approach. When your bird steps or leans toward you, mark ("Good!") and reward immediately.

3. Increase distance gradually. Move to 1 foot, then 2 feet, then across the room. Only increase distance when your bird succeeds 8 out of 10 times at the current distance.

4. Add flight recall. For flighted birds, once walking recall is solid at 3+ feet, your bird will naturally begin short flights to reach you. Reward generously!

5. Practice in different rooms. Generalize the behavior so your bird responds regardless of location.

6. Add mild distractions. Gradually practice with the TV on, other people present, etc.

Critical Rules

Never call your bird to you for something unpleasant (like nail clipping or going back in the cage). The recall command must ALWAYS predict something wonderful. If you need to return your bird to the cage, walk over and use step-up instead.

Use a unique word or whistle for recall — something you don't say in everyday conversation. This prevents your bird from getting confused by hearing the cue accidentally.