Hello :)

[ShannenH93]

My name's Shannen, and I received my very first GCC conure almost a month ago now for my birthday. I named him Loki, although we're not sure that he actually is a boy :")
I don't know what his background is, but his band has a 10 on it, so I'm assuming he's 4 years old? Anyway, this little bird just refuses to step up! I thought it was a natural thing when you press on their stomach, they stepped onto your finger, but he just walks backwards?
He's pretty friendly, albiet a little flighty and loves a face rub.
Any ideas?

 

[thekarens]

Welcome! Have you tried luring him into your finger with a treat?

 

[Nathan1]

Welcome to the forum.

No, not all birds understand how to step up. Many are hand raised and learn how to step up very young, others aren't.

If your bird is letting you touch him, that's very good. Like previously mentioned, try to lure him onto your finger with a treat. Say the phrase you want him to relate it with(Example "step up") when he comes up, give him the treat and verbal praise. He should pick it up pretty quick.

Good luck.

 

[antoinette]

Welcome to our wonderful forum
Love the name Loki

 

[ShannenH93]

He'll let you pick him up (although he doesn't particularly like it and runs away sometimes) and once you have him on your chest and are patting him, he's so happy. So I don't know why a finger would be scarier than a whole hand picking you up haha

 

[MikeyTN]

Welcome to the forum!!!

Just keep on working with him on coming out multiple times per day and have him sit with you while you practice step up over and over. He will get a hang of it and eventually wanting to come out on his own.

 

[ShannenH93]

I must admit it's very frustrating. He just will not step up! We've tried every day for a month and he just doesn't do it. He simply walks backwards or flies away. We've sort of given up. You can pick him up anyway so it doesn't bother me too much.

 

[MikeyTN]

Pick him up! Bring him to a separate enclosed room and work with him there! I have done this countless times, it does work!!!