Stepping Up

[SharonC]

After getting to know Freddie better this week, I've come to the conclusion that Freddie associates stepping up with unpleasantness. He gave the previous owners trouble as well, so it's not just since he's been here. I have no problem getting him back in his cage though...I try to get him to step up, and although he refuses, he immediately goes into his cage. He knows what I want, and would rather do it on his own, than step up. That's OK....but is there a way to encourage stepping up, to help him get over this. I'd like it if he were to see it as a pleasant experience. I've tried treats, and he's having none of it!
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[antoinette]

My suggestion, Freddie will step up when he is ready.
As you mentioned he associates stepping up with unpleasantness.
Give him time to settle down, and get used to his new "human flock" and surroundings.
At a later stage, when he begins to trust you, he will give you a big surprise

 

[Spiritbird]

Are you sure the treats you are offering are his favorites? Parrots work for treats. Try something new in the way of a treat such as cheese or yogurt or somethng else. Sometimes they like a piece of chicken wing. My Rosie even likes a bit of dried fruit, papaya or mango. You just never know. Like Ant. said go slowly and he will come around.

 

[Oogies Mom]

You could always try using a different word or phrase like "sube" pronounced (soo- bay)
It's just the spanish word for get/step up!

 

[SharonC]

I'm a little confused with some of Freddie's behavior. This afternoon, he looked as if he wanted me to step him up, and he kept saying Step up, come on. So I asked him quietly to step up and offered my hand. He stepped on willingly, and as I moved towards his play area, he chomped down, several times. He's not biting as hard as he can, but he leaves the print of his beak in my arm. He's done this before, and I assumed it's because he finds my arm a little unsteady, but I don't think that's it. While I was cleaning up the kitchen later, he flew to my shoulder. I immediately sat down, talked quietly to him, and he preened me. He asked for and got head scratches. Then, out of nowhere he grabbed my ear, not hard at first, but then he tightened his grip. I yelled at him, which I know I'm not supposed to do, but it is a little disconcerting. He stops the biting when I react loudly to him. He then gets in his cage, and scolds himself loudly, with things such as Freddie, NO...Get in! get in!!!...not learned here. I do believe the previous owners were loud with him, from other things he has said, including....Paul, Put that *****bird in!!!!

Freddie has an amazing vocab, so I know they've given him a lot of attention. I have Freddie on a one month trial. Do you think what I'm seeing is an indicator of worse thing to come...???

 

[Mel]

I'm sure someone else with more experience could give you a better insight but I would think he is testing the boundaries and trying to see what he can get away with. You are new to him and it sounds like things weren't very harmonious in his old home.

I wouldn't let him up on your shoulder until he has settled in - not because of a dominance issue but because you're still getting to know each other and as you've learnt it hurts when our ear gets bitten. I also think he should earn the privaledge of being on your shoulder and only allowed up there when you say he can.

You could try using a perch while he is unsure of the step up. As for bad behaviour if my guys do something undesirable - dep on what it is - I will walk away immediately and not give them any attention at all, they work out pretty quickly that it doesn't get them anywhere.

 

[SharonC]

The shoulder is a big problem for me. I'm not comfortable with it at all. When I step him up, I don't allow him to go to the shoulder. When he flies up there, I can't see him, and I hesitate in putting my hand up to take him off, because I can't see him.

He hates the stick perch, but I'll keep trying with that...

I do agree that he's testing me, and I hope I don't screw up...I have to admit I'm always a little wary of the unpredictability of his "bites" ....

 

[Mel]

I know it's hard but try not to show any fear - bites hurt. Chicka was very nippy when she first arrived, I wore a thick jumper and didnt give her any fingers so I could handle her with confidence.... they really pick up on that.