Stepping up...

[Dulphinz]

Hi,

I'm the proud new owner of an adorable male eclectus named Coco. We purchased him about 2 months ago when he was about 6 months old from a local reputable pet shop. We speak french at home, therefore to him. I've been trying to have him step up without much luck. If he's on his perch or the counter or on his shower perch he will step up. I cannot get him to step up from inside his cage. I have been putting my hand behind him to "help" him...but I'm being told that it is forcing him and I certainly don't want to do that... He seems content when he's out, likes the scratches, kisses and cuddles. He has not bit once. He seems to like playing with my fingers and nails with his beak but has not yet tried to hurt. I'm guessing that's a good sign? He started chit chatting...not much but he whistles, said his name once and sounds like he laughs once in a while :) He's eating pretty well, he's been to the vets and she said he's a healthy bird (blood work, graham stain test).

I'm not sure how to go about this. I guess he's happy in his cage but I feel so guilty when he's been in there all day, that I'd like for him to come out and interact with us when we get home.

Any advice, help and past experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[Heather]

I have heard of some birds stepping up from behind if that makes sense...putting your finger behind and having them step backwards.
I know with my amazon and my macaw I sometimes use my i'm serious voice( not yelling but more stern) and that works if they are being stubborn...with Kieko I even say I mean it some times too...lol

[keepsmiling]

I will reiterate what I said in your thread about getting a macaw. If you set up and make his environment outside of his cage interesting, he may be more inclined to spend time out. So playstands, boings, rope roadways, atoms, etc. Is he clipped or flighted? Having a perch on the inside of the door is the best tool for taking a bird out or placing him back in his cage. This one little simple thing can help with cage aggression,shyness,and refusal to go back or come out. You might also consider stick training him, and possibly clicker training him.

[Dulphinz]

He is clipped. I will definitely be putting a perch on the door! It's hard. He won't step up from inside his cage or when he's on top! I don't want to be pushy but I want him to have some outside playtime. I set up his table top java tree with toys and he does seem to enjoy it...

[coltfire]

Hi Dulphinz , just wondering how your going with coco, is he stepping up for you now, hows the progress going.

[Dulphinz]

Coltfire- Things are going much better. He still sometimes doesn't step up so I just let him be and try later. I think a little is still my fault as sometimes I open his cage and let him come out on his own. I have to say though a lot of times he'll perch himself on the open door cage and will step up from there. A work in progress :) He's come a ways though. He wasn't eating much fruits and now he goes to town with them, he lets me swing him, he does good with some touch training with the clicker... He really is a great little ekkie:)

[coltfire]

glad to hear he coming along for you , the more you put in the more he will give back, it is a slow road but a very rewarding one,one thing i find my eckkies enjoy is when they are on my hand i fly them around the room they flap i do the moving for them and i get a kick out of it too, have you started him doing tricks yet , high five/four, shaking hands ect, these are easy one's to teach

[Dulphinz]

I am so happy to say that stepping up is no longer an issue....well for the most part:) He is now stepping up on his own. Only sometimes when he's at the top of his cage do I need to help him up a little LOL! He is such an awesome boy! He's great with the adults and the kiddos alike.

[Blancaej]

Great news Dulphinz! Thanks for the update! :th_biggrin: