Train Galah to stay on hand?

BillyGoat

New member
Nov 26, 2009
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I have just bought a 10 week old Galah. It is extrememly friendly and without any training it will hope onto my hand and let me stroke him.

When I take him out of the cage he starts on my hand but then always starts working his way up the arm. I would prefer he stays just on the hand as my arms are now covered in small cuts from the claws! I can of course wear a jumper to protect myself but it would be good if he just stayed on the hand!

Is that realistic? If so how do I train him to stay on the hand and not immediately start walking along the arm?
 
Hi BillyGoat
My AG Mishka now 2 years old did exactly what your birds is doing.
They may be small cuts but they really are sore and burn.
When talking her out the cage, I used a stick and said uppies. She gladly stepped on it. Then tried to climb up my arm. I placed her back on the stick, time and time again. When she got used to the stick, I offered my hand. She was reluctant at first, but got used to the hand only.
Your bird is still so young, the claws are extremely pointed and sharp.
Many bird owner's here in S.A. follow this procedure.
If you use the following method "SAND PAPER FOR PERCHES"
Purchase a few sheets of soft sand paper. (Purchased mine at the hardware).
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure it's soft sand paper and you must file it down properly. Use another piece of the sand paper to file it down. It must be almost paper soft when filed down. If not filed down properly, the claws may become cut and start bleeding. I used a special glue (purchased it from the pet shop). Glue down a piece at each end, about 3 inches depending on he sizes of the perches. Make sure they are glued on firmly, let the glue dry properly before placing them back in the cage.
Thankfully Mishka does not try and ripe the sand paper off.
Soon the sharp pointed claws were a thing of the past.
To-date I have not replaced the sand paper, and her claws are fine.
The sand paper is like a nail file in reality.
Hope this bit of info was helpful.
Take care
 
Hi BillyGoat,
Here is my suggestion. It might be too simple but here goes. I say 'step up' - the bird does... then as they move their way up to my shoulder I don't let them get past the elbow (that is my rule and cut-off point). When they reach the elbow and make the turn, with my other hand I 'motion' for them to step up (onto my other hand) - which they do. Then if they try it again, I repeat the same behavior. I don't say anything... I just repeat the behavior. They will soon learn than they cannot get PAST my elbow and the don't try.

I hope that helps. Please let me know.

Elena
 
You can train a Galah to do anything.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrP78k1IKeI]YouTube - Proff trust[/ame]
Professor is 4 now. He can do lots of stuff.
 

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