Training a Nervous Major Mitchell's Cockatoo to Step Up!

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Training a Nervous Major Mitchell's Cockatoo to Step Up!

Published on October 25, 2025

I'm training a nervous Major Mitchell's Cockatoo to step-up on my hand. In 30 days he has transformed from a terrified bird that would not be anywhere close to hands to stepping up onto my hand voluntarily. See all the prior videos of how I have been gradually getting him to be more comfortable and trusting. With that trust built up, the step up training is finally working. I use my clicker and target stick along with a treat to direct the parrot to step onto my hand by himself.

This Pink Cockatoo would much rather be on his training perch or better yet remain in his cage than be on my hand. But, little by little, I have been gaining his trust and teaching him that he's got nothing to lose. Positive reinforcement parrot training in action.

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