Getting an older bird to step up

[kozykitty]

So we've had 31 year old Gloria just about a year now (adopted her on Jan 9, 2016). She still does not step up on a hand, arm or stick. She's a mellow old girl, content to go in and out of her cage and she likes her play top. She doesn't respond to too many toys but does enjoy shredding corn and baby pumpkins and such. She clearly loves our company and she loves it when I sing to her. Not sure how to proceed with the stepping up. She doesn't bite --though if approached too quickly, she'll act like she's going to bite. Daily I put my arm up to the edge of her play stand a few inches from her and I attempt to bribe her with a pine nut. She used to go quickly in the opposite direction but now at least she stays put and attempts to reach for the pine nut so I guess that's progress.

I don't know much of her background other than she was well loved with her original elderly couple. When the mom went to a nursing home the son attempted to care for Gloria and felt he couldn't so she was rehomed. I think she was probably somewhat neglected the last year or so before we got her.

I'm retired so I spend most of the day in her company. I know some birds don't like to be held. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks and happy new year!

 

[wrench13]

You got it! Bribing is the #1 wy to get Amazons in particulr to do stuff.
If she is leaning in to get the nut, then every time make her lean in tht little bit more. And the pine nuts are ONLY to be for this. She has other treats I'm sure. Sailboats on here, is our #1 ;zon expert, especilly older ones, I hope he chimes in. 'Boats, where are ya buddy?

 

[SailBoat]

Thank-you, for bring this older Amazon into your home!!!

First: Contact the family member that you got Gloria from. You will need to get the following information:
a) The name of the Vet that Gloria was seeing.
b) Get a signed document (or have him call the Vet's Office) to release Gloria's medial history over to you and/or your Vet.
c) If you do not have an Avian Certified or Avian Qualified Vet use Gloria's past /current Vet until you find either near by you. If the current Vet is one of the other stay with that Vet for at least the next year or so.
d) Get any past information regarding Gloria
e) Be kind, ask if the Mom would like Gloria to visit her. Yes, Nursing Homes are very open to this kind of visits. Understand, it could be six months before you are ready. My Mother loves it when our DYH visits her!
f) Did you change the Amazon's Name or had it always been Gloria. I am a strong believe in not changing names, but that just me.
g) Set up a Older (Sick) Parrot Health Examination.

Second: We will be starting like it is day #1, not day 378 or whatever, Okay?

Third: Visit the Amazon Forum and read or re-read the Thread at the top of the page titled: Amazon Body Language. Since you have the time, please read this Thread to your Amazons at minimum of twice a day out loud to your Amazon for at least a couple of Weeks. Also, involve everyone else that will be interacting with Gloria in this process. This is part of the re-start and also Amazon's love to be read too! At the same time, you and the others, learn Amazon Body Language and you learn it cold, i.e., I could put a photo in front of you and any of you could tell me what the Amazon is presenting.

Fourth: Now, as a short break from reading Amazon Body Language, add in the following readings from I Love Amazons ... Find; Re-Starting a Shutdown Amazon and then find; Getting Your Amazons More Active. NOTE: Do not start getting your Amazon more active until you have been to her Vet and gotten a solid examination!!! You want to know the condition of Gloria's Heart and Air Sacks! Is Gloria Health well enough to become more active.

Fifth: Remember it is NEVER the fault of the Amazons! It is ALWAYS the fault of the Human. This approach will allow you to see what you are doing wrong and make changes.

Six: Bribing does work, but it is a step by step process in which you get her to move step by step ever closer. Provide a Treat with every small movement!

Seven: Every step as part of any part of all of the above is rewarded with either the treat or tons of praise!

Eight: Your Amazon has likely forgotten the joy of Human interaction. You and your family will be bring that Joy Back to Her! Position: Only Good Things Happen When Humans are Around!

Nine: Step-Up is a known Request by Gloria!!! The problem with Humans is that we slide over time, i.e. we do not always use 'Step-Up.' Lets hold-off on targeting Step-up and work with getting her comfortable with getting much closer to you by using the Bribing process to get her to a point that the next movement would be Step-up.

You have lots to do with getting basic information and understanding in place prior to move to Step-Up.

I need you and any others to fully understand Gloria's Body Language before we really move ahead.

Time Line! As Long As It Takes To Get Gloria comfortable with you and all of you comfortable with her!

 

[wrench13]

"Boats, you are my hero!

 

[Kentuckienne]

Sailboat, that is some sweet advice. Nominating you for Patron Saint of Amazons in Need.

 

[kozykitty]

Hi Sailboat!
We got Gloria through a pet store that rehomes pets for people just about a year ago. I was lurking on here for a couple of weeks prior. The son of the original owner was the one taking care of her (for about a year) after her owner was put in a nursing home. The shop had no other information other than the diet she was on (which was bad). Her cage had 2 metal perches and was pretty bare bones. We upgraded it with java wood and other perches and bought her a larger cage with a play top a month or so later. She has gone to an avian vet as I wanted her to have a complete work up. Vet found her to be in good health but was a little concerned that she showed some fat in the blood--most likely due to the all seed diet she had been on for 30 years. The shop that rehomed her was trying to move her to pellets--mixing a Kaytee seed blend with Zupreme fruit flavored pellets. I've since mixed her zupreme pellets with Roudybush and only give her a couple of teaspoobs of the seed blend in her dry dish. She gets a lot of fresh chop and other fresh food treats--I'm baking sweet potato chips as I type this! She also enjoys things like banana spinach smoothies and other goodies.

My main concern is that she doesn't want to be touched. She loves our company and I wheel her into the kitchen with me when I spend a long time there. She was clearly well loved but I just don't have a way to find out if she was handled. She seems to respond to men more than women so I suspect she may have been the husband's bird and he predeceased the wife who went to the nursing home.

She calls me "mother" and calls out whenever I leave the room. She says a few other things. She's very mellow and not aggressive at all. She does startle easily. She shows little desire to leave her playground--which is probably a good thing given that we have cats. I keep the nesting box door on her cage open for her to go in and out as she pleases. I talk to her throughout the day and sing to her often. She keeps me company as I'm home alone during the day, being retired.

So--I guess I just need to keep up the bribes and moving closer and closer. Pine nuts are reserved only for this purpose.

I refer often to the Amazon body language thread above, It's a great resource! Is the I Love Amazons you referred to here in the forums? Restarting an Old Amazon sounds like it would be right up my alley! Thanks for your advice.

 

[SailBoat]

"I refer often to the Amazon body language thread above, It's a great resource! Is the I Love Amazons you referred to here in the forums? Restarting an Old Amazon sounds like it would be right up my alley! Thanks for your advice."


The "I Love Amazon ...." Thread is locate either just above or below the Understanding Amazons Body Language Threads at the top of the Amazon Forum, Highlighted in Light Blue.

At this point, where are you regarding understanding Amazon Body Language (your comfort level)?

Some Amazon are just not that much into being handled, others love it. More commonly its an issue of the level in which the trust bond has been developed.

Once you have her coming to you for a treat, you will be ready to start Step-Up training. Older Amazons that have been left pretty much on their own have lost a want /need to Step-Up since they may have forgotten the advantage of being transport around. Once you obtain Step-Up status, she is going to really open-up as her World opens up around her.

Contact Calls: Clearly, she is calling out to you. You need to create a return call from you to her. The reason for contact calls is a method for keeping in touch with each other; I'm okay, are you okay? I'm here, where are you? I'm in here, what are you doing? etc. I keep in contact with our Amazon as I am moving about our home. Our Amazon is "Free Roaming" and have a working series of Contact Calls allow all of us to know where each other is.

Once you begin contact call communication, you will quickly come to hear different sounds from her that will have different meanings! This is the starting point of understanding 'her' verbal communication.

Amazon's Have More Fun!

 

[SailBoat]

Sailboat, that is some sweet advice. Nominating you for Patron Saint of Amazons in Need.

Experiencing the Spring Time, 'Blessing of the Animals (Pets)' with our Amazon and the general 'concern' our Priest has as he approaches 'that' Parrot - hmmm, not sure I would be so blessed! That said, I will be sure to pass that on.

 

[wrench13]

Ah, what foine an sturdy parrot ya have there me son. In the Name of the Father, the Son, an the "CHOMP".

 

[SailBoat]

Ah, what foine an sturdy parrot ya have there me son. In the Name of the Father, the Son, an the "CHOMP".

Love it, LOL, etc...

That would be easier, its the verbal comments made by a certain Parrot while being blessed that (Not Kidding) fills the place to standing room only!

 

[kozykitty]

It sounds like we're on the right track. I feel pretty comfortable reading her body language and the various sounds she makes to the point of being able to predict them in certain situations. As far as contact calling goes--she started doing that about the third day she was here--almost a year ago. She called out "mother" when I left the room. I always answer her--either saying "Gloria" or "mother's right here" or something to that affect. I talk to her constantly.

I found your I Love Amazons thread and read the whole thing. What a wealth of information.

I was interested with the part about feet. Gloria's original cage had 2 metal perches--maybe about a half inch or 3/4 inch in diameter. They were taken out and she was given quite a variety of perches in different sizes immediately. She seems to like the smaller diameter ones. Could this be because that's what she's used to? I suspect she may have spent most of her life with that cage. She chewed about 6 inches of her wooden perch on her new playtop so she can sit on the metal bar that supported it. Her preference inside the cage are the two rope perches (both a medium and large one) and she chooses to sleep on those as she's always in the same place when I get her up in the morning.

Reading your posts tells me I'm on the right track in terms of diet and sleep as well. I'm beginning to think that maybe she is just a bird that doesn't want to be held. She's been taking treats from my hand for months but she just doesn't want to get near my arm or my hand when I put it near her feet. I hand feed her food often during the day. Maybe I need to be trying to get her to step up more frequently.

 

[SailBoat]

It sounds like we're on the right track. I feel pretty comfortable reading her body language and the various sounds she makes to the point of being able to predict them in certain situations. As far as contact calling goes--she started doing that about the third day she was here--almost a year ago. She called out "mother" when I left the room. I always answer her--either saying "Gloria" or "mother's right here" or something to that affect. I talk to her constantly.

I found your I Love Amazons thread and read the whole thing. What a wealth of information.

I was interested with the part about feet. Gloria's original cage had 2 metal perches--maybe about a half inch or 3/4 inch in diameter. They were taken out and she was given quite a variety of perches in different sizes immediately. She seems to like the smaller diameter ones. Could this be because that's what she's used to? I suspect she may have spent most of her life with that cage. She chewed about 6 inches of her wooden perch on her new playtop so she can sit on the metal bar that supported it. Her preference inside the cage are the two rope perches (both a medium and large one) and she chooses to sleep on those as she's always in the same place when I get her up in the morning.

Reading your posts tells me I'm on the right track in terms of diet and sleep as well. I'm beginning to think that maybe she is just a bird that doesn't want to be held. She's been taking treats from my hand for months but she just doesn't want to get near my arm or my hand when I put it near her feet. I hand feed her food often during the day. Maybe I need to be trying to get her to step up more frequently.

Sounds, Like you are already there and need to start 'Step-Up.'

Assure that you are communicating that you are coming to her. Like when you enter the room.
Assure that you have her attention as you are midway to her.
Directly in front of her with your arm or hand between you her her: State Step-Up as you move your hand into her lower chest!

Assure that you are watching her Body Language during this entire process. If you get the impression that she is considering a Bite, state clearly No Bite, move a step away and set-up for a retry.

I always use this process as the foundation for a Step-Up. When you get a Step-Up, state Goooood Girl!

FYI: My Amazon is calling, later!!!

 

[kozykitty]

I'll keep trying. She tends to back away when an arm gets near--unless the beloved pine nut is there. Then she reaches for it. I guess it took 31 years to get to this point, I should expect it to take a little while! I'll try to do it throughout the day and hope she doesn't have a pinenut overdose! LOL

 

[kozykitty]

Okay. So I've made a discovery. Gloria has always taken food from my fingers--If I'm holding something between my thumb and forefinger--with no hesitation. Pine nuts are hard to hold that way. When I offer her one like that, she takes it. If I out the the pine nut on my outstretched hand or palm, she whines and moves away. So now I've started offering it on my fingers of the outstretched palm. She quickly snatched it after pacing back and forth. I tried this again with a sweet potato chip and she paced and pecked at my hand (not biting) as if to warn me. She didn't want my hand near her yet she will willingly take the chip if held between my thumb and forefinger. She seems to have an aversion to an outstretched hand. I feel relieved that she made no effort to bite--only to peck. I didn't move my hand, I just spoke reassuringly to her while continuing to offer the treat. She finally took it when I moved it to the tips of my fingers on my outstretched hand. She talks and kisses and calls the second I walk out of the room but she just doesn't seem to want open hands near her. I'm guessing this is what I need to focus on now before moving to "step up." Thoughts?

 

[SailBoat]

Okay. So I've made a discovery. Gloria has always taken food from my fingers--If I'm holding something between my thumb and forefinger--with no hesitation. Pine nuts are hard to hold that way. When I offer her one like that, she takes it. If I out the the pine nut on my outstretched hand or palm, she whines and moves away. So now I've started offering it on my fingers of the outstretched palm. She quickly snatched it after pacing back and forth. I tried this again with a sweet potato chip and she paced and pecked at my hand (not biting) as if to warn me. She didn't want my hand near her yet she will willingly take the chip if held between my thumb and forefinger. She seems to have an aversion to an outstretched hand. I feel relieved that she made no effort to bite--only to peck. I didn't move my hand, I just spoke reassuringly to her while continuing to offer the treat. She finally took it when I moved it to the tips of my fingers on my outstretched hand. She talks and kisses and calls the second I walk out of the room but she just doesn't seem to want open hands near her. I'm guessing this is what I need to focus on now before moving to "step up." Thoughts?

Only if you want her to step on to your palm. Since you will likely have her 'Step-Up' onto to the side on your hand with your thumb tucked into your palm. Start with the treat placed between the finger and the thumb in both hands. Right Handed: Lead with your right hand to offer her a treat. When you have her in a position that a 'Step-Up' is possible, offer the treat. If taken, drop the right hand into a 'Step-up' position. At the same time bring the left hand in to offer a treat with it, but to get the treat, she will have to Step-Up on to your right hand! Apply pressure with the right hand to her lower chest as the left hand sets the treat in front of her ready to offers the treat. Say 'Step-Up'.

Body Language, Body Language, Body Language! Watch her for any sides.

You do understand that a bite maybe possible! But that part of this process. YOU are very close to a 'Step-Up.'

 

[kozykitty]

Thanks. I'll work on that. She has always acted that way with hands but I never tried offering her a treat that way. I had my share of nips the first week we had her. I'm always ready for that as she's proven that she's not trying to really hurt me or she would!. I'll keep working with this. I tried what you said with a stick and she'd ignore the pine nut and work on attacking the stick, pushing it away. So I figured I'd risk some minor bites and use my hand. She also doesn't let us scratch her head. She puts it down like she wants to be scratched but the minute you attempt to put your hand near, she pulls back. I always tell her what I'm going to do as I approach the cage. I've not ever met an Amazon that didn't allow head scratches.

 

[wrench13]

Gotta give Gloria credit - she is stubborn. At least that Amazon trait is holding true. But you are close!

 

[SailBoat]

Thanks. I'll work on that. She has always acted that way with hands but I never tried offering her a treat that way. I had my share of nips the first week we had her. I'm always ready for that as she's proven that she's not trying to really hurt me or she would!. I'll keep working with this. I tried what you said with a stick and she'd ignore the pine nut and work on attacking the stick, pushing it away. So I figured I'd risk some minor bites and use my hand. She also doesn't let us scratch her head. She puts it down like she wants to be scratched but the minute you attempt to put your hand near, she pulls back. I always tell her what I'm going to do as I approach the cage. I've not ever met an Amazon that didn't allow head scratches.

You continue to prove that she knows these things, they are setting just below the surface! Once, she starts 'Step-Up' and as she becomes more comfortable with being transported around other interactions will follow.

Keep working at it! Your doing Great!

 

[kozykitty]

Stubborn she is! She holds firm and tells me to "get to work." LOL