This is a trick for birds of all sizes. It is easiest to begin on a “T” perch, but can also be adapted to a flat surface if your bird doesn’t feel the need to wander off and explore.
1. Begin with your bird facing away from you and hold a small treat between your thumb and index finger. Try to maintain the treat at a distance which keeps your bird’s interest, but cannot reach it.
2. Choose a key word like “spin”, “dance”, or “circle”, and while repeating this, attract your bird’s attention with the treat and move it around your bird and to you, allowing him to follow it. When it has completed the half-circle to face you, quickly reward him with the treat!
3. In the beginning, or if your bird loses interest quickly, you may want to focus on the half-circle. It may be easier to learn 2 half-circles at first, and then put them together for a full circle. Once it has associated this activity with treats and is responding well, then try for a full circle before rewarding.
4. After enough practice, try completing the trick without a treat; just your finger and the key word. Remember to be ready with a treat when it completes the circle though!
Remember to have patience and plenty of time to practice! Make training sessions short and end positively so it is a good experience for you and your bird!