He won't step up for noooooobody!

[StephenAndKyleigh]

A lady reached out to me via my blog about a green wing she inherited. I typically don't do this, but the bird is 41 years old and had one owner for 34 of those years. He hadnt stepped up for his new owner in 7 years. Thankfully, after some target training, praises, and giving him treats my trusty sidekick (my wife) and I were able to have him step up and were able to give him some scratches.

***I made sure the bird had a clean bill of health before handling him.

 

[GracelynNBirds]

Wow, this is amazing! Target and clicker training can do amazing things! I think all birds should be taught target/clicker training.

 

[chris-md]

Noooo, you weren't meant to do this at aaaaaalllll (says sarcastically).

I don't post much in you're posts Stephen but have been watching your progress with kyleigh, and training in general. I really do think there's something in this for you! You've got quite a gift.

 

[Christinenc2000]

That is great Will he step up for the owner now ?

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Noooo, you weren't meant to do this at aaaaaalllll (says sarcastically).

I don't post much in you're posts Stephen but have been watching your progress with kyleigh, and training in general. I really do think there's something in this for you! You've got quite a gift.

I really appreciate that! Thanks so much.

It's something that I didn't expect to be good at. It just kind of came naturally and I really really love doing it. I'm learning how to make it a career and have had the opportunity to speak with several trainers that are able to do it full time.

 

[junglenutcracker]

Noooo, you weren't meant to do this at aaaaaalllll (says sarcastically).

I don't post much in you're posts Stephen but have been watching your progress with kyleigh, and training in general. I really do think there's something in this for you! You've got quite a gift.

I really appreciate that! Thanks so much.

It's something that I didn't expect to be good at. It just kind of came naturally and I really really love doing it. I'm learning how to make it a career and have had the opportunity to speak with several trainers that are able to do it full time.

Couldn’t agree more! You really do have this special gift. Do what you love!

 

[Flboy]

You do have a special gift! If I remember, you are prone to panic attacks, this may put you a bit more in tune with your fids! My baby has been teaching me about OCD!

 

[dhraiden]

Wow, great job! Hopefully it's not as daunting as it sounds. Mochi will scramble all over you if you give her half a chance, whereas Mango still needs treats to be enticed out of his cage (but once he's out, he's happy to step up...it's just the getting him out!)

 

[Birdman666]

STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS BEFORE, RIGHT?!

Correction: "Won't step up for anyone who backs down when he buffs... "

I still think there is a "macaw gene" and the bird's themselves know which of us have it, and which of us don't...

And they treat people differently when they have it.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Stephen, I agree with the majority of the others..you do have a "gift"..now if you only lived closer you could teach my Amy a thing or two lol.


Jim

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

You do have a special gift! If I remember, you are prone to panic attacks, this may put you a bit more in tune with your fids! My baby has been teaching me about OCD!

I find that I am able to cope more in public environments with one of my birds around. Of course they draw attention. But its good knowing that the attention is on them and not me. I know, its weird.

STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS BEFORE, RIGHT?!

Correction: "Won't step up for anyone who backs down when he buffs... "

I still think there is a "macaw gene" and the bird's themselves know which of us have it, and which of us don't...

And they treat people differently when they have it.

EXACTLY! That was the case with this bird. He tried to flex his muscles at me a bit to show me how tough he was...Yeah right...My approach to "mean birds" is the same as my approach to nice birds. Firm and confident...This is what I want you to do...if you do it..good things will happen. Its about being confident in your ability to make the bird comfortable with you and with what you're asking. You can't be scared.

I think the macaw gene definitely exist. Some folks just have a natural way of handling macaws...Or some people have sent messages to you and Wendy no less than a thousand times. Lol

 

[Anansi]

Just seeing this thread. I think it's great that you took the time to help this lady with her macaw. Sometimes guiding someone to a breakthrough like this triggers a domino effect that will lead to a much more fulfilling bond between the two.

How have things developed since then, Stephen? Is she able to interact with her macaw, now? And have him step up? Or is it still a work in progress?