How To Teach Parrot Training Tricks: Discover The Play Dead Trick [Part 3]
Now that you have taught your parrot to step UP consistently and used that behavior as the basis to teach it to shake hands, let’s teach a trick that is just a little bit more complex: PLAYING DEAD. See this video from YouTube where you can see this trick:
Step-by-Step Trick Training: The Play Dead Trick
This trick is easiest to teach to a young parrot because in the nest, parrots often lie on their backs when fed by the parents when they are very young. But, a parrot of any age can master this behavior on request.
However, do not attempt to require your parrot to play dead for more than a few seconds because it is slightly harder to breathe in that position. Content yourself with asking for the behavior for only a few seconds unless your parrot happens to really enjoy lying on its back as some do.
Step One: Position Parrot on Finger or Arm
First, simply ask the parrot to step UP onto your hand, or for a large parrot, onto your arm.
Step Two: Allow Parrot to Become Familiar with One Hand on the Back
In this step, simply position your hand so that it is on the parrot’s back in a posture which will allow you to comfortably and safely support the parrot when you later teach it to lie still on that hand.
Step Three: Speak the Command
After your parrot becomes very comfortable with a hand on its back, which may require several sessions or only one, depending on the parrot, it is time to say the command and continue to Step Four.
As with all previous behaviors, the command you select is not important. What is important is that you BE CONSISTENT. If you want to use “play dead” as the command, use those same words every time. If you want to say “go to sleep” then always use those words. Never confuse the parrot by changing the command tied to a desired response.
Step Four: Flip Parrot onto Back While Supporting Its Feet
Step Four is in interim step to achieving the desired result. Make your parrot feel safe when it is flipped over by supporting its feet with your finger or hand so that it does not fear falling. For some birds, you may need to work on this step several times while other birds will take right to the behavior.
Step Five: Remove Supporting Hand While Praising
Once the parrot seems comfortable lying on its back on your hand, remove the hand which is supporting the feet. Do this gently and speak loving words of praise while the parrot performs the behavior.
Step Six: Allow the Bird to Stand Up
After only a few seconds, offer your free hand to the parrot so that it can return to an upright posture. Some parrots simply love lying on their backs and are more than willing to lie there for a longer time, but when first teaching this behavior, never ask for more than a short response. Some parrots never really love lying on their backs and you should be pleased if your parrot will only lie there for two or three seconds.
Step Seven: Reward
After the parrot has completed the trick, it is time to provide a reward. If you have been working with food treats, then offer the treat now. If you use only praise and petting rewards, then provide extra-special praise and scratches because you want your parrot to know that you understand he is doing something that is not totally natural just because he or she loves you.
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About the Author: Nora Caterino, known as the Mississippi Bird Lady, or just Bird Lady for short, has trained, raised, and lived with birds for over 30 years. You can subscribe to access news, articles, videos, forums, and receive unlimited one-on-one advice and coaching for one full year. For one-on-one coaching and advice, simply join the Elite Parrots Club at
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