Some Questions on Reggie

[Skybird]

Hi all.....just going to ask a few questions. You all know Reggie is a rehomed bird that in my honest opinion was not treated very well....not physically, but emotionally. We have had him now for almost 3 months. He is gaining my trust, will let me rub his head, scratch his wings when he leans up on the cage and will almost stand on his head when I do this, in fact he will put his whole head in his food bowl while I am rubbing him. I would love to hold him, but we have not got that far yet, he won't even come out of the cage when we leave the doors open, his wings are clipped from the previous owner. He started taking food from us by opening the door and he would take it....well one night my husband gave him something and Reggie lunged and bit him...I know this will happen. The previous owner told us that the only way to get him out of the cage is to grab him with a towel, that is how she did it the day we went to get him and she called him a choice name that I won't repeat here. I just don't know where to go from here. He is about 15 yrs. old she said. She said if it didn't work out she would take him back, well I said "you are never getting him back"!!
She said she gave him fruits, veggies....but he won't eat them for me, so I am going to make it interesting for him, guess foraging and carrot strips weaved in the cage wires. We also bought him a bird kabob so we can hang the veggies and fruits. sorry this is so long.....
Overall he is doing great, I love this bird with my whole heart.....I want him to be happy forever....so any advise would be appreciated.....
thanks, Jody and Reggie

 

[JerseyWendy]

Jodie, I think you'd make quicker progress if you were able to get Reggie out of and away from his cage.

Will he step up on a stick/perch? If he does, coax him out that way. He sounds a bit cagebound to me, unfortunately. What happens if you offer him your arm/hand to step up to? Does he automatically bite/lunge? If he doesn't get on a stick, you could perhaps wrap a towel around your arm to prevent him from nailing you too hard - but it's imperative he gets out of his cage. The more time he spends out and away from it, the better.

Playing games with the food is a fabulous idea! Kabobs work well, as do foraging ideas. Try cutting them into different shapes and sizes, and hopefully Reggie will be tempted to try them then.

3 months really isn't very long at all, if you think that you will have a lifetime with your buddy.

 

[Skybird]

Jodie, I think you'd make quicker progress if you were able to get Reggie out of and away from his cage.

Will he step up on a stick/perch? If he does, coax him out that way. He sounds a bit cagebound to me, unfortunately. What happens if you offer him your arm/hand to step up to? Does he automatically bite/lunge? If he doesn't get on a stick, you could perhaps wrap a towel around your arm to prevent him from nailing you too hard - but it's imperative he gets out of his cage. The more time he spends out and away from it, the better.

Playing games with the food is a fabulous idea! Kabobs work well, as do foraging ideas. Try cutting them into different shapes and sizes, and hopefully Reggie will be tempted to try them then.

3 months really isn't very long at all, if you think that you will have a lifetime with your buddy.

Thanks so much for your reply. She never got him out and she told me so.....she said he was not her cup of tea, she inherited him and she has cockatoos that she said were more interesting than him. He will lunge when you try to coax him. I will work with the towel and see....I need to get him out of there. Yes, he will be my forever buddy....I know 3 months isn't a long time and I feel we have come a long way as it is. I don't have a stick perch are these something you can make or purchase? Or I guess I am not sure what they are, just regular perches like you have in the cage. We never went through this with out CAG we adopted....no problem with her coming out. I thought with giving him treats with the door open we were getting there and then the biting started.
Aww...different shapes with the food is a good idea....
I will say I will never give up with him.....I am determined. I didn't take him if I didn't think it would work.
Thanks again...so appreciated.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Jodie, YES, you can absolutely make your own stick perch. You could even use a plain dowel. If Reggie seems afraid of the dowel, try and get a natural branch (if you have safe trees, cut a piece off). If he doesn’t like to be approached with the ‘stick’ from the front, try from the back. Another trick: If neither the front nor back work, get 2 stick perches. Approach him with the sticks from front AND back, so that he has no choice but to step up on one. As soon as he does, move stick with Reggie out of the cage and walk him into an entirely different room.

Once he’s out, you can put him either on the back of a chair or a simple T-stand. From there you practice the ‘up’ and ‘down’ command. This may sound boring and/or too simple, but I promise, once Reggie knows the up and down command, it will make everything else so much easier. J

LOVED reading that he’s there to stay.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

What I did with my rehomed zon [was the stick thing ] Great idea !! I would take her out every night with the stick and sit with her in the bathroom [try that ].As for the diet thing. She may have been telling you [what sounded good]. Keep offering the good stuff

 

[henpecked]

try feeding favorite foods in a certain dish. (when you do find those favorite foods. ) Try placing that special dish on top of the cage once he figures out that's where the goodies are. I'm afraid that since he's been toweled already that the towel on your arm might not work very well. Maybe a long sleeve shirt over a ace bandage that's wrapped around your arm. The step up stick is a great idea. Good luck

 

[KevH]

Try touch training with him use a chopstick and clicker and use his favourite treat guarantee it will work

 

[SoCalWendy]

Jodie, I think you'd make quicker progress if you were able to get Reggie out of and away from his cage.

Will he step up on a stick/perch? If he does, coax him out that way. He sounds a bit cagebound to me, unfortunately. What happens if you offer him your arm/hand to step up to? Does he automatically bite/lunge? If he doesn't get on a stick, you could perhaps wrap a towel around your arm to prevent him from nailing you too hard - but it's imperative he gets out of his cage. The more time he spends out and away from it, the better.

Playing games with the food is a fabulous idea! Kabobs work well, as do foraging ideas. Try cutting them into different shapes and sizes, and hopefully Reggie will be tempted to try them then.

3 months really isn't very long at all, if you think that you will have a lifetime with your buddy.

Thanks so much for your reply. She never got him out and she told me so.....she said he was not her cup of tea, she inherited him and she has cockatoos that she said were more interesting than him. He will lunge when you try to coax him. I will work with the towel and see....I need to get him out of there. Yes, he will be my forever buddy....I know 3 months isn't a long time and I feel we have come a long way as it is. I don't have a stick perch are these something you can make or purchase? Or I guess I am not sure what they are, just regular perches like you have in the cage. We never went through this with out CAG we adopted....no problem with her coming out. I thought with giving him treats with the door open we were getting there and then the biting started.
Aww...different shapes with the food is a good idea....
I will say I will never give up with him.....I am determined. I didn't take him if I didn't think it would work.
Thanks again...so appreciated.

IMHO I personally wouldn't use the towel unless it's an extreme emergancy. He seems tramatized already and you may lose the progress you have made with him if you try and towel him at this point (unless it's an emergency.) A perch using a dowl would be much better and safer.

Leave him be, and go about your regular routine. I'd place some a millet sprig or nurtiberry on top of his cage or on a near by stand that he can easily get to and see what he does. Love the kabob idea and usually birds love them.

Maybe 3 months isn't long enough for him. Why not just allow him to come out on his own terms. Don't make a big deal about it. Just talk to him, ask him if he wants to come out, and open his door. Use what you know he likes to your advantage.

 

[thekarens]

If he's cage bound he most likely never will come out on his own. I agree with getting him away from his cage with either a wrapped arm or the sticks.

 

[Skybird]

Jodie, YES, you can absolutely make your own stick perch. You could even use a plain dowel. If Reggie seems afraid of the dowel, try and get a natural branch (if you have safe trees, cut a piece off). If he doesn’t like to be approached with the ‘stick’ from the front, try from the back. Another trick: If neither the front nor back work, get 2 stick perches. Approach him with the sticks from front AND back, so that he has no choice but to step up on one. As soon as he does, move stick with Reggie out of the cage and walk him into an entirely different room.
Thanks for the advice.....we have a play stand that my husband made from our apple trees a few years ago and Skylar our CAG uses all the time.....today is going to be the day he comes out....at least I hope! I will put him on the stand and go from there.....this is got to work! Keep you posted.
Jody

 

[Skybird]

IMHO I personally wouldn't use the towel unless it's an extreme emergancy. He seems tramatized already and you may lose the progress you have made with him if you try and towel him at this point (unless it's an emergency.) A perch using a dowl would be much better and safer.

Leave him be, and go about your regular routine. I'd place some a millet sprig or nurtiberry on top of his cage or on a near by stand that he can easily get to and see what he does. Love the kabob idea and usually birds love them.

Maybe 3 months isn't long enough for him. Why not just allow him to come out on his own terms. Don't make a big deal about it. Just talk to him, ask him if he wants to come out, and open his door. Use what you know he likes to your advantage.[/QUOTE]

I was thinking the same thing about the towel.....I can't seem to get anything close to him that resembles a towel. I am going to see what happens today with the door open and coaxing him out, if that doesn't work then leave the door open and I will talk with him and set in the room, but far enough away that he won't think I am going to grab him if he does come out.....thanks for all the advice....everyone is great here. I don't want to lose the progress we have made.....will keep you posted.
Jody

 

[Skybird]

try feeding favorite foods in a certain dish. (when you do find those favorite foods. ) Try placing that special dish on top of the cage once he figures out that's where the goodies are. I'm afraid that since he's been toweled already that the towel on your arm might not work very well. Maybe a long sleeve shirt over a ace bandage that's wrapped around your arm. The step up stick is a great idea. Good luck

Yeah I am afraid the towel will set him back. Good idea about the ace bandage and long sleeve shirt.....
Love the step up stick....thanks for the advice....will let everyone know!
Jody and Reggie

 

[Skybird]

If he's cage bound he most likely never will come out on his own. I agree with getting him away from his cage with either a wrapped arm or the sticks.

Thanks so much.....going with the wrapped arm for now if the open caged door again doesn't work.....have to get a step up stick made.....thanks keep you posted.
Jody and Reggie

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Jodie, YES, you can absolutely make your own stick perch. You could even use a plain dowel. If Reggie seems afraid of the dowel, try and get a natural branch (if you have safe trees, cut a piece off). If he doesn’t like to be approached with the ‘stick’ from the front, try from the back. Another trick: If neither the front nor back work, get 2 stick perches. Approach him with the sticks from front AND back, so that he has no choice but to step up on one. As soon as he does, move stick with Reggie out of the cage and walk him into an entirely different room.

Once he’s out, you can put him either on the back of a chair or a simple T-stand. From there you practice the ‘up’ and ‘down’ command. This may sound boring and/or too simple, but I promise, once Reggie knows the up and down command, it will make everything else so much easier. J

LOVED reading that he’s there to stay.

I have a stick/branch for Amy I got in my yard YEARS ago..she knows it all too well and gets right up on it..Jonesy on the other hand...wellll :52:

 

[SailBoat]

There is no question that the majority of the recommendation for encouraging Reggie out of his cage are spot-on. However, one of the major problem we all face is not seeing the Amazon, the cage, and the interaction with his new owners. As Reggie's owner you must understand this and be willing to back away if something is not working, adjust and try again.

There is no question that 'freeing' Reggie from the cage is very important to the next step in your overall relationship. Understanding that trust development is just as important and possibly more important than freeing Reggie from his cage. Judge your actions based on whether this or that action will develop trust or weaken it. In addition, your emotional state will also play into all of this. Amazon's key into our emotions. If what you are doing has you stressed, the Amazon will key into that and be as stressed.

The cage is a major player in all of this. If Reggie has a large cage (example: 23 x 32 x height range), which has a removable bottom pan and grate and an upper pan and grate. Try the following: Clearly, make sure the door is open prior to beginning. Now you are in the position of really opening the cage and that will allow for less cage security. Please remember to be mindful of how Reggie is reacting to all of this. Make this cage opening as part of your normal cage clearing process or as part of upgrading Reggie's toys. If the upper pan is in place, remove it and watch for any reaction from Reggie. Next target removing the upper grate. Walk away at this point and watch his reaction. Leave Reggie to investigate the new changes. Next step is to remove the bottom pan and set it under the cage on the floor to catch droppings (leave the bottom grate in place). Once again, leave Reggie to investigate. If Reggie shows no interests in these major changes to his cage, now is the time to use stick training. If Reggie steps-up and you can easily move him out of the cage, great - time for the next step. If he moves away, which is likely. Work to slowing move Reggie up with in the cage first near and than out the top. Since, Reggie is likely to move away from the stick, use that action to move him up in the cage. Depending on Reggie's and your emotional state, this maybe the goal for today. If all is fairly stable and he is on top of the cage, use the stick and work on step-up / step-down.

NOTE: Use watching time to clean the pans and grate, since this will keep you busy and Reggie less stressed since this was likely a normal event in the past.

If this is not the type of cage you have, put it on the list of need to get items. Also target wide full height door. This type of cage makes this process (including cleaning) much easier. Determine if the above is even possible with the cage you have and if so, try a like process base on your cage.

NOTE: At this stage, the last place you want your Amazon is on the floor. That is why I left the bottom grate in place. Working with an Amazon on the floor is just dangerous. And is something to be avoided until you have a solid trust relationship in place. At the same time, having an Amazon at face level or higher is also something your want to avoid. Use a two step stool or ladder when working with your Amazon on top of the cage. Also, slowing down the process, as commented by others and is great advise - move only as fast as Reggie and you are comfortable!

Winning the trust of a rehomed Amazon and further developing the life long bond is worth every bite. However, the deep pain of the bite(s) make it very hard to see past. By taking the time to think though what you are doing and how to avoid getting bitten in the first place will help everyone get to the next step quicker.

 

[Skybird]

There is no question that the majority of the recommendation for encouraging Reggie out of his cage are spot-on. However, one of the major problem we all face is not seeing the Amazon, the cage, and the interaction with his new owners. As Reggie's owner you must understand this and be willing to back away if something is not working, adjust and try again.

There is no question that 'freeing' Reggie from the cage is very important to the next step in your overall relationship. Understanding that trust development is just as important and possibly more important than freeing Reggie from his cage. Judge your actions based on whether this or that action will develop trust or weaken it. In addition, your emotional state will also play into all of this. Amazon's key into our emotions. If what you are doing has you stressed, the Amazon will key into that and be as stressed.

The cage is a major player in all of this. If Reggie has a large cage (example: 23 x 32 x height range), which has a removable bottom pan and grate and an upper pan and grate. Try the following: Clearly, make sure the door is open prior to beginning. Now you are in the position of really opening the cage and that will allow for less cage security. Please remember to be mindful of how Reggie is reacting to all of this. Make this cage opening as part of your normal cage clearing process or as part of upgrading Reggie's toys. If the upper pan is in place, remove it and watch for any reaction from Reggie. Next target removing the upper grate. Walk away at this point and watch his reaction. Leave Reggie to investigate the new changes. Next step is to remove the bottom pan and set it under the cage on the floor to catch droppings (leave the bottom grate in place). Once again, leave Reggie to investigate. If Reggie shows no interests in these major changes to his cage, now is the time to use stick training. If Reggie steps-up and you can easily move him out of the cage, great - time for the next step. If he moves away, which is likely. Work to slowing move Reggie up with in the cage first near and than out the top. Since, Reggie is likely to move away from the stick, use that action to move him up in the cage. Depending on Reggie's and your emotional state, this maybe the goal for today. If all is fairly stable and he is on top of the cage, use the stick and work on step-up / step-down.

NOTE: Use watching time to clean the pans and grate, since this will keep you busy and Reggie less stressed since this was likely a normal event in the past.

If this is not the type of cage you have, put it on the list of need to get items. Also target wide full height door. This type of cage makes this process (including cleaning) much easier. Determine if the above is even possible with the cage you have and if so, try a like process base on your cage.

NOTE: At this stage, the last place you want your Amazon is on the floor. That is why I left the bottom grate in place. Working with an Amazon on the floor is just dangerous. And is something to be avoided until you have a solid trust relationship in place. At the same time, having an Amazon at face level or higher is also something your want to avoid. Use a two step stool or ladder when working with your Amazon on top of the cage. Also, slowing down the process, as commented by others and is great advise - move only as fast as Reggie and you are comfortable!

Winning the trust of a rehomed Amazon and further developing the life long bond is worth every bite. However, the deep pain of the bite(s) make it very hard to see past. By taking the time to think though what you are doing and how to avoid getting bitten in the first place will help everyone get to the next step quicker.

Wow....thanks....great advice also. I tried on Sunday to coax him out, I wrapped my arm with an ace bandage and long sleeve shirt.....he completely backed away and was screaming, I backed off and was thinking was this the right thing to do, now I feel better in that decision of backing off. I have to always consider how is acting and re-acting to me. I don't want to lose the trust we have built up over this last couple of months. He will be with me forever and we have time. I would love to buy a new cage as I feel this one is just not right for him.....its big, but its also old. That is on our list of getting for him.
His cage has the grate and pan only. When I do take out the pan or grate to clean and leave the other one in, he is not curious about getting to the bottom of the cage. So apparently the next step would be stick training. I know this won't happen quickly with him, but we are here for the long journey me and him! Will keep you posted and thanks again for this advice.....so much appreciated!
Jody and Reggie

 

[Skybird]

I have a stick/branch for Amy I got in my yard YEARS ago..she knows it all too well and gets right up on it..Jonesy on the other hand...wellll :52:[/QUOTE]

Thanks....my hubby is going to make one for me from the apple trees.....our CAG, Skylar, has a great tree stand that he made from the branches of the apple tree....

 

[Birdman666]

The only way I got Sally out of her cage when she was that cage bound was with a towel...

After the first week or so of doing that, it got better, as I recall, and she started perching on her cage door. (I left the cage door open 24/7 SHE STILL WOULDN'T COME OUT...)

It took me a good two months of working with her every day, to get her trained to come out, step up, etc.

I couldn't use a stick on her. Her former owner used to beat her with a stick, when she "disobeyed" the command (a command that she didn't know!) to get on the stick...

 

[Doublete]

Omg who could be so horrible as to beat a bird with a stick?
I mean I know it happens... But I can't comprehend that level of cruel.

I am so lucky my amazon was well loved and handled.

Good luck!

 

[Mariar]

Doolie was caged bound. I kept the door open all the time. The first time we got him out was with a towel after that he took to a stick and would step up. Because he had one eye..due to abuse..his balance was off so picking him up with my arm was almost impossible..he'd squirm, I'd squirm..lots of scars lol. Give it time..your Amazon will get curious and come out of his shell.