Help needed for a newbie U2 guy--cockatoo won't "step up."

[Captsteve]

Most any bird will step up from the floor. they feel vulnerable then. Toos take a lot of time to understand their body language. they do not have the one tell tale sign that you will get bitten that other birds have. you cant see when they are pinning their eyes. That leads a lot of people to call them psycho.

Watch his body language and study it. once you begin to understand Too, you will move faster with him.

 

[psycmeistr]

So far he's bitten me (and drew blood) once--only because I didn't want to show him a reaction. Not that he hasn't tried more--I've studied his body language quite a bit and have avoided bites. It's kind of like being a lion tamer--you have a healthy respect for that beak, and you never let your guard down or look away.

 

[Captsteve]

It is ok to show reaction when they bite, Just not fear. A great reaction is a firm, WIDE eyed NO BITE! They read your eyes. while you say no bite, turn your back on them and grab a interesting toy and play with it, but ignore the bird.

Treat him just as you would a two year old. Psych 101

 

[Betrisher]

Just wanted to chime in and say what an absolutely gorgeous bird your Moses is. I love his name - it suits him. He looks wise and resourceful: a leader of men.

 

[Scott]

I've never lived with a U2, but am aware of their reputation. Seems you have the correct attitude, posture, and a receptive bird, the best possible combination!

 

[Captsteve]

I've never lived with a U2, but am aware of their reputation. Seems you have the correct attitude, posture, and a receptive bird, the best possible combination!

I have a Rescue U2 and a Goffin. Believe it or not, the goffin (my hand raised baby) is louder and more obnoxious than the U2, bites harder and is just as animated!!!

 

[Scott]

I have a Rescue U2 and a Goffin. Believe it or not, the goffin (my hand raised baby) is louder and more obnoxious than the U2, bites harder and is just as animated!!!

Oh, I believe it! I have 3 Goffins hand-raised in my home, and their parents. They are all individuals with a variety of temperaments. The oldest offspring is the sweetest, though he has his tantrums. Middle one can be cuddly but is somewhat neurotic. Youngest is the largest and most independent, but still enjoys cuddling. The parents are wild-caught but are now separated due to male aggression. She has become very tame and ironically is the least likely to bite/pinch and has never broken the skin.

 

[Siobhan]

If you turn your back on a 'too after a bite, do it out of reach. LOL Rocky thinks it's amusing to sneak up and grab from behind.