Sitemaps

Compainion Bird trianing question2007-11-24 17:19:09

Sarabie, my 3 year old cockatiel, a very nice one(He can draw blood if he's trying to defend soemthing)

And, I am trying to train him. I ahven't even thought him the Step-Up command.

I will put my hand and nudge to his cest, but he thinks I want to rub his neck.

He'll jsut stand there with his head down, not movving as if he's dead; jsut waiting for me to pet him. Is there any way I can stop him from doing this?

Answers:

Complete the "step up" command.

It should be one continuous motion. Don't stop when he puts his head down. Say "step up" move your hand toward his chest. With one smooth motion, gently push him off balance a little, then scoop up with your hand so that he is suddenly off of what he was standing on. He has to right himself and the only thing to hold onto is you. Now he is sitting on your hand and the "step up" is complete. He will flap around and may scold a little, that's just part of learning. Praise like crazy, give him a treat. Say "good (use his name), good step up"

Soon, saying "step up" will get him directly on your hand, no flapping around or scolding.

HINT: Start with your hand in a slightly elevated position, let him see you coming. Remember, birds can't see down by their feet unless they tilt their heads, you gotta start within his eyesight, or he might not even see your hand.

HINT #2: I think you may have taught him that "step up" means "I want to pet your head" by accident. It may take a little longer to re-train him, be patient.