Best Training Treats for Parrots and Small Birds

Parrots are smart, eager learners, and the right treat makes training easier and more fun for both of you. The best training treat is something your bird really loves, that's small enough to eat in a few seconds, and that you only use for training.

What makes a good training treat?

  • High value. It should be something your bird gets excited about.
  • Tiny. A small piece is eaten quickly, so your bird stays focused and doesn't fill up.
  • Special. Save it for training so it stays exciting.
  • Healthy in small amounts. Training means lots of treats, so keep pieces small.

Best training treats by bird size

Small birds (budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, parrotlets)

  • Spray millet: a quick nibble from the stalk is a perfect reward.
  • Oat groats: a single groat is the right size for small beaks.

Medium parrots (conures, greys, Amazons, small cockatoos)

  • Pine nuts: small and loved by most parrots. Shell them for faster rewards.
  • Pistachios: break shelled pistachios into halves or quarters.
  • Nutri-Berries: break one apart into small pieces.

Large parrots (macaws, large cockatoos)

Training tips

  1. Keep sessions short. Five to ten minutes once or twice a day works well.
  2. Train before meals, when your bird is a little hungry and more motivated.
  3. Reward immediately. Give the treat the moment your bird does the right thing.
  4. Start easy. Step-up and target training are great first lessons.
  5. End on a success so your bird looks forward to the next session.

Watch the extras

Treats add up, especially nuts. On heavy training days, cut back on other treats, and keep your bird's main diet balanced. See best nuts for parrots and spray millet for birds for guidance.

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