When will Percy move on from merely tolerating me?

[MomtoPercy]

If he's biting when he's on top of his cage then try not force him to get off of it. Instead, while he's on there, whenever you walk by, give him a valued reward. Let him eat it, then walk away. Next time you walk by the cage, give him another reward, etc. Keep this up until he looks forward to you going by his cage. Next step is to have him walk over to you for a treat. He doesn't have to get off his cage, he merely has to go to you to get his reward. Repeat. Then, you can try getting him to step off the cage by either putting your hand flat on top of the cage or flat against the top. Reward him with treats each time he comes closer and closer to your hand. If he touches your hand with his feet, reward him. If he places a foot on your hand, reward him. If he places both feet on your hand, give him lots of goodies! But, don't move your hand! Keep teaching him to get onto your hand for rewards. Once he's good about getting on your hand while at the cage, then you can try moving your hand.

MonicaMc - I just wanted to report back and THANK YOU for this advice! We have not reached the stage where he will get onto my hand but he is not lunging at all anymore, it is almost like he sits and watches me, waiting for the clicker! And when he's insdie his cage and I am fiddling around in there to hang up his foraging and shredding goodies for the day, he sits quietly and chirrups all the time. I couldn't be happier with the progress! Thanks again, your advice has made a marked difference in my relationship with my precious Percy :

 

[MonicaMc]

Glad my advice has helped! Let us know of any more progress you make with him!