New to the forum, and meet Punky! GW

[dknight8919]

The guy i got him from said if i say step up and he raises his leg he's ready to be picked up, but if he dont he isnt in the mood. ive done this and he has yet to raise his leg.

 

[JJones1719]

If your Macaw is giving his foot when you say the phrase step up command, then by all means pick him up. Macaws present their foot when they want to be picked up.
I find it always best to make a fist so no fingers are seen, use my forearm, say the command step up and press on their lower belly, this does two things, it teaches the command step up and knocks the Macaw off balance so the only choice they have is to step up onto you so they don't fall.
You really need to know how to handle a Macaw, GW can put a lot of power into a bite, so you really have to be careful.
If you are not sure of yourself, you need to find a rescue, bird club or someone who can help you get your GW onto your arm.
GW are very smart and need to learn that you are not a threat to them but part of their world.
You have to learn how to pet your GW, they love the back of the head called the nape rubbed in circles and against the skin not just their feathers.
Some like petting under their wings or upper belly. Some like their face where the tiny feathers are.
Remember, always give treats when they allow you to hold them, pet them or perform a task that you ask of them.
There are many videos on youtube to teach you how to stick train so if your not sure of yourself, this maybe the best option for you.
If I were you, I would just reach into the cage and have them step up and remove them from the cage, the more they stay in the cage the harder it will be to get them onto you.
Keep us posted. Joe