Step Up Preference

[StephenAndKyleigh]

When training your macaw to step up, which method is preferred?
4 Straight Fingers with the thumb tucked or the forearm method?

I've seen both methods within the last week. I met a bird that would step up on my forearm, but did it without hesitation on my fingers. Same vice versa with another bird.

 

[Captsteve]

Go with what works for you and the bird.

Some birds see fingers as intimidating some don't. My B&G loves playing with my fingers but prefers stepping on my arm (because it is more solid?)

 

[ToMang07]

My Too will do either, but she definitely prefers my wrist. I also have massive forearms, lol

 

[Therush]

I have a recent adoption and I'm having a problem with him stepping up onto my hand. He'll perch on my arm no problem but the issue there is that he runs up my shoulder and doesn't want to come down so I'm trying to discourage that as much as possible by only letting him step on my hand any advice?

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Don't force anything...place him on a perch..and just sit your hand VERY STILL somewhere at a distance of the bird....reward him for letting you sit your hand there...back off when he is uncomfortable...repeat this and get slowly closer and closer...He may just be scared of hands and need to know that they will not harm him in any way..

 

[JerseyWendy]

Stephen, since Kyleigh is so young, teach her to step up any way you want to. Hand, forearm, wrist. Forwards and backwards. It will come in handy at some point.

All of mine step up easily, but I've made it a point NOT to let them step up right onto my shoulder.

 

[Anansi]

Excellent advice by Wendy! This is one of the advantages to working with a baby, Stephen. What will be deemed acceptable by him is somewhat malleable at this point, and can be greatly influenced by you and how you handle him. Teaching him to accept a variety of ways to step up now will make for a more adaptable bird going forward.

 

[Anansi]

I have a recent adoption and I'm having a problem with him stepping up onto my hand. He'll perch on my arm no problem but the issue there is that he runs up my shoulder and doesn't want to come down so I'm trying to discourage that as much as possible by only letting him step on my hand any advice?

You're just going to have to establish boundaries where your shoulder is concerned. And how do you do this? Same as you would with any other boundary. Consistency and repetition.

When your bird makes a run for your shoulder, you should block the way with either your hand or forearm. When he steps up onto said hand or forearm, lift him up and away before he can scramble up and over and race up your shoulder.

Now, believe me, he's going to try again. And again. And again. You'll likely have to end up laddering him here and there. But eventually, he'll get the message. Just don't switch up on him. That will just confuse things.

Consistency and repetition.

 

[Birdman666]

Short answer: Which ever one your bird is the most comfortable with.

 

[Christinenc2000]

BB started out on my arm. Worked down toward wrist now when he steps up he has one foot on the wrist and one on my hand. with my thumb over his foot.

To be honest what ever he feels secure in I am fine with.