How to Litter-Train a Parrot

Behavior & Training πŸ“… August 8, 2026 πŸ‘ 5474

πŸ“ Summary

Parrots can be taught to poop on command and in one spot, best started young. Use a verbal cue, train after meals when they're about to go, and exploit their love of high perches.

1 How to Litter-Train a Parrot

How to train a parrot to poop in one spot

1. Train it to respond to a cue

Younger birds train easier. Pick a cue word like ‘potty’; say it when the bird looks ready, and it learns by conditioned response to go on command.

2. Time the training well

Train about 30 minutes after eating. Before pooping a parrot suddenly sticks its tail up and quivers β€” watch for that. Put it on a perch before it wakes each morning and give the cue, since they usually go once then; also after meals, watch for the pre-poop signs and cue repeatedly.

3. Teach a fixed spot

Parrots prefer to relieve themselves up high (wild birds use high branches). Put a perch in the cage and use that instinct: cue each time you place it on the perch so it learns to go on cue, or treats the perch as its toilet. More successful perch-poops means training is working; eventually it flies to the perch on its own.

Training takes real patience and persistence β€” stick with it and the parrot will succeed.

Want to learn more about pet health?

Explore our pet health channel for more science-based care guides

Read More Articles β†’