Advice needed - encouraging independence

[FlyingFreeNJ]

My female Blue and Gold macaw is about 8 months old (give or take a couple of days) i originally joined this forum for help with her hyper nippy behavior which I learned was not uncommon for her age at the time and is now greatly improved. We are still working on things like eating a more varied diet, taking a shower, and being nice to the dog LOL.
My biggest issue though is how to encourage her to be more independent. Shes very attached to me and she wont sit on a stand or her tree if im in the room. She flies to me over and over. I have tried to unceremoniously put her right back on the stand but it takes about 30-35 repetitions before shell stay put. Even then its only for a few minutes and if I stand up from where Im sitting or walk around the room shell fly on me again. Shes full flight and recalls very well . I spent so much time teaching her to come when called that I forgot to teach her how to stay put. Shes not yet food motivated (im hoping that will change when she gets a little older and is off formula ) and she isnt very fascinated with toys when shes out. She would pick me over a toy any day so dressing her stands up with toys doesnt seem to be doing the trick ( she does destroy the toys inside her cage though)
Thanks for reading everyone, I look forward to hearing your advice. Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[JerseyWendy]

I'm sorry, but you had me laughing a little when I was reading the part that after 30-35 reps she'd stay put for a while. WOW! You surely ARE diligent! Kudos to you!!!

She's still so young, and therefore still quite 'needy'. Believe me, she will outgrow this period as well, and with your diligence, I'm sure she'll 'get it' rather sooner than later.

Why bother with toys and/or foods when she can be with mommy/daddy confused instead. She will continue to test her boundaries which is all part of 'growing up'.

Sounds like you're having a blast with her!!

 

[FlyingFreeNJ]

I really am! She is so funny and sweet and she is a fantastic talker, which I find weird because I never encouraged her to mimic or repeated any specific word to her. I wish my significant other wasnt afraid of her! It makes him a little stressed at times but hes getting better LOL. She is full flight as I said and her recall is PERFECT, but she still is super attached to me so Im hoping she becomes a little more independent as she gets older. I really make a conscience effort not to spoil her too much and Im hoping its working!