training help

[bazarocks]

Hi I'm new on here, but wondering if anyone could help, I've had henry(amazon parrot) for 4 months now, he's always been jumpy, the previous owner said he was about 3yrs old, she kept him with other pets, dogs cats etc, he will feed from hand but won't let you touch him, he will come for food, but doesn't like change not even the way i hold it, i do sit with him and talk to him, I've just started to use the clicker method an he does seem to respond, but when i add a stick, for touch training he climbs round the cage and doesn't come anywhere near it, I'm guessing he's either been hit before, or just not handled, do i persevere with this method ?
before i started the clicker i was getting him to take treats out of my fingers, and i was then touching his foot, but he would move soon has he had the treat.

what is the best way to get him to let me touch him, and get him to step up ? either on perch or finger ?
thanks

 

[94lt1]

You've had him for four months, but how much time have you been able to really spend with him??

I only ask because it makes a difference, but also the birds attitude makes a difference.. you amazon sounds a lot like my macaw. He wanted nothing to do with me after he figured out his first owner wasn't going to return.

It took time to gain his trust and it was over the course of months... he's always right lol... and don't argue with a macaw..amazons are just as opinionated in my experience... just be patient but persistent to a point.. don't push too hard too fast.. good luck.

 

[MonicaMc]

Have you tried a natural perch? What about a rope perch in a loop?

Is he willing to come out of the cage to hang out with you?

With target training, you might try using something less scary... maybe a bamboo kebab? Popsicle stick? Anything that's not frightening or scary! If the bird is afraid of it, put it near the cage in a non-scary place and over a course of several weeks, move it closer to the cage.


All interaction with parrots doesn't have to be hands on. Sometimes, interaction can be as simple as watching a movie together with the bird on a stand, on the arm of a couch or even on the back of the couch.

 

[SandyBee]

We got Bosley about 2 months ago, he didn't want to step up or be touched.
He still doesn't step up consistently but I did get him to do it twice now. I started by letting him come to me and gaining trust/bond. I can now touch him, stroke his wings, touch his feet and scritch his head. He will climb on my shoulder and sometimes walk down to my arm. He is also started to let me pick him up with my hands, but only on occasion. I haven't forced the training yet.

 

[bazarocks]

Thanks for your tips, to answer the first question, i guess i wasn't spending the time with him at first but now the winter is here I'm spending more time with him and we are both enjoying it.
Thanks Monica I've tried the popsicle stick tonight and he didn't seem as frightened of it, he did touch it a few times which seems great progress to me, but he jumped when i tried to give him the treat, and he never took it, is this normal for first stages ?
I'm pleased so far we seem to be getting somewhere, thanks again

 

[bazarocks]

This is a pic of Henry, we think he's a orange winged do you agree ?

 

[MonicaMc]

Looks like an orange wing!

Glad the popsicle stick worked! As far as treats, maybe just moving slower and trying different treats? Large millet, safflower seed, sunflower seed, dried fruit, etc.. something he'd be willing to take by hand? Of course, it can also be a phrase that he enjoys hearing, getting scritches, a toy, etc.

I used to have a conure that wouldn't take treats either unless I dropped them into a dish... so using a treat dish might be an option? Or perhaps something like a spoon? (plastic or wooden if metal is scary).

If you can find a way that he'll take treats, you can then work on getting him to accept your hands easier.

 

[bazarocks]

Sorry probably didn't explain that very well, he will take treats out of my hand, but after he touched the stick i fred to give him the treat but he was a bit jumpy and moved away.