Training U2s

We have 2 U2s, Bonnie and Clyde, who I am attempting to train. Clyde came to us already stepping up. Bonnie, on the other hand will not do it. I am getting her to perform other acts in exchange for treats, and she is very, very loving. But she will not step up. She will not bite me, she just refuses to do it. She lowers herself down and backs away if I put my hand under her chest.

I have gotten her walking down a ladder to get a treat. I make her step over my wrist to get to the treat and I say "step up" when she walks over it. She's making progress... but I wonder whether she will ever decide to do it.

She is far smarter than Clyde and Boozie, our Amazon, so I wonder if she has just made the decision that she is just not going to do it.

First, is it possible she will never decide to do it? And second, does anyone have an idea of how to encourage her in a better way?

I am not a 'too guy (anymore ) but when Smokey was with us (being wild caught MAY have had an impact on her) she absolutely refused to step up...even after 28 years
Well let me rephrase that..Smokes WOULD step-up,if it was her last resort,and could not find another alternative..she would tell me "good girl" as she reluctantly lifted one of her footseys and climbed onto my hand...BUT..as soon as she saw an opportunity..FLAPFLAPFLAP...and off she'd go!
But her zaniness...and cuteness..and mischievious nature,made way up for her not stepping up

Sorry I couldn't help you out there,Boozie's parront. Maybe other well-learned 'too parront's will have more definite advice.


Jim

Check out this thread and my response in it.

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/72600-fostering-lulu.html


Training step up should be a positive experience for both you and the bird. If it's not positive for at least one of you, if not both, then something needs to change!

AmyMyBlueFront said:

I am not a 'too guy (anymore ) but when Smokey was with us (being wild caught MAY have had an impact on her) she absolutely refused to step up...even after 28 years
Well let me rephrase that..Smokes WOULD step-up,if it was her last resort,and could not find another alternative..she would tell me "good girl" as she reluctantly lifted one of her footseys and climbed onto my hand...BUT..as soon as she saw an opportunity..FLAPFLAPFLAP...and off she'd go!
But her zaniness...and cuteness..and mischievious nature,made way up for her not stepping up

Sorry I couldn't help you out there,Boozie's parront. Maybe other well-learned 'too parront's will have more definite advice.


Jim

Click to expand...

Bonnie is oh so smart and loving. She won't step up, but she will climb down from her perch and climb up where my wife or I are sitting and snuggle and nuzzle like mad. She also learns words and phrases quickly, and not when they are intended for her, just when she hears us talking to each other. She now shouts "have a good day" to whoever leaves the house, because she hears us saying it. She's a real joy.