Sept-up

My 3 yr old rescue QP knows how to step-up but does not want too. -especially in the cage. He will let me pick him up with cupped hands and move him to the kitchen counter. I try to get him to step-up and he resist or backs away-even with treats. Occasionally, he will step-up on my arm to go to my shoulder. Perhaps I should slow down but if I do he remains in control. I know he wants my company because each time i approach the cage he starts talking and also wants to be scratched or take treats from my hand. Any suggestions. If I continue to force him to step-up he goes to flight which means I have to go after him. This stands in the way of a positive relationship. Thanks

Welcome!

I don't press the step-up here on Planet Rickeybird, as he is also flighted and fearless, and pretty much does what he wants. We have a quiet, parrot-safe environment here, so we can do that. Meanwhile, I'll join you in awaiting afficionados of step-ups. They will likely want to know how long you've had him, and any other possibly relevant details.

He sounds like a really sweet bird!

Try to get run over?


no- I am serious- get a toy or something he looooves to snack on, put your hand flat on the counter (or wherever you decide to do it) and let him chase after it.
Then let him chase over your hand.

Sometimes it's just a case of 'too much human, too soon'.


Sunny was being difficult in wanting but not wanting to get on my friends jeans-encased leg -- the more she was hesitating, the more stress and pressure she built - till the point where she almost decided to bite (just to do something she was comfortable with and release the inner conflict).
At that point we decided to get her toy out - and she ran all over us and the sofa in between, to and from without thinking about it - and also without stressing herself out.

So, make it a no-brainer: it is *not* about the step-up, it's about getting something they want and the hand/fingers/etc are just a minor step in that direction.

If they do regularly that you might comment "step-up" just to celebrate.
(we did)

You should have seen Sunny's face when she realised what she had done!!
(and *then* she ran away - because well... scary stuff / rather belated of course )
We never let her get away with getting all worked up again, we know that she can do it, and she knows that we know ... so now she can choose to climb on his lap or not, but no way she can stress herself out about it anymore.

Thank you. He can be sweet when he wants too. I have only had him 20 days.
Maybe, I am expecting too much too soon. It took my parakeet a full month to come out of the cage. step-up and fly to me. Now he follows me and my wife around the house Thanks

Have you worked on target training at all with him?

What is his diet?

He was on seeds when I got him and now I am slowly switching him over to Zupreen Natural Pellets. He likes grapes and Bananas and I am trying to introduce other fruits and veggies. Does not like any thing red to eat-he attacks it. I have also tried some Lettuce-he ate a little. some unsalted crackers. Today going to try Broccoli and Peppers. Just started Target Training. Thanks

If you get him onto a pelleted diet, then seed treats may be more valuable to him.

Got a lot of fresh veggies and fruit today. I found a treat that he really likes- Honey Nut Cheerios. Thanks for your help