Honeymoon over!

[Lis]

Reading this thread I just have to throw in my 2 cents

Yes your bird should learn how to step up, this is better to do if they want to and are not forced to. Offer treats and get them to enjoy and want the process.

Please do not use a water bottle or squirter to correct behavior

For the new birds or ones that have not been trained to step up, I know there are times where you need to get them out, please keep working with them positively.
Every owner should know how to towel a bird or emergencies and their own safety, plenty of you tube videos out there. I don't like towelling and never use it, but I would in a heartbeat if I needed to!!

I just want to clarify I have NOT used a spray bottle for correction. However, Duke's previous owner did for something only on occasion. I would assume not often as he had no reaction to my use of a spray water bottle on ly hair. So what would you do for negative behavior like biting.

I'm knocking on wood, he's still stepping up when ever I've asked and even when I put my hand in his cage. I found out the other day after I took him in the shower he likes the towel as I wrapped him in it while I dried off.

Anyone have a book to recommend?

 

[tlfisher]

Wylie steps up, but on her terms. She used to flinch when I was getting her to step up. She bit alot too. As her and I have bonded she no longer flinches and gives me warning to her bite. I learned to just put her down wherever we are when she bites. I think she was using it as a way to say she wanted to go back to her cage. Now she is trained to tell me "go back" when she wants to go back to her cage.
I don't know who is training who... lol. She is talking alot more then when she lived alone with my husband. He was surprised that she no longer bites all tbe time too. This forum and many websites have helped me learn her behaviors and ways to ignore behaviors... biting... so she gets no fun response from me.