How can I train my lovebird to go back into its cage by saying "home"?

Question

After letting my bird out of the cage, I want to be able to say "home" and have him fly into his cage.

I am aware that this will take time and patience, I just want to know how to train him. Should I have him perch on my arm, put him in his cage, and say "home", then give him a treat? That seems like a way...

Answer 1

The easiest way to get him trained to go home is at night. Have his favorite treat in the cage. Dim the lights if possible or turn off the radio as cues that it is time to go home. Then wave your arm and say "go home". If he goes home, make a big fuss and tell him what a good boy he is and give him his treat.

If he doesn't go in right away, turn more lights out and make sure the room is quiet and then try it again. He will soon learn the cues, both verbal and visual. Be consistent. It shouldn't take too long before he gets the idea.

Answer 2

Let him out for a while. When you want him to go back inside, say "home" and put him in his cage. Give him a treat.

After a dozen (or more) times of doing this, test his intelligence. Put him in the cage and say "home". Wait a minute. He should get excited because he knows he's getting a treat. If he does show excitement, he's starting to learn.

After a week or so of saying "home" and waiting for a response, try putting him in front of his cage. Say "home". He should scurry inside the cage.

Now, every few days, move him a bit further away from the cage when you say "home".

Soon he'll be flying to the cage from the other end of the house.

Good luck. =)