Ekko won't stay off the floor

[Terry57]

Ekko was allowed in his last home to be on the floor whenever he wanted. We are trying to get him to stay on his stand or his cage, but he is constantly going back to the floor. He will step up as long as there is a treat involved, but I can't figure out if I am rewarding good behavior (stepping up) or rewarding him for going to the floor. He now will go back to his cage after stepping up, then immediately head back to the floor after he finishes his treats
What is the best way to train him to not go constantly to the floor???

 

[Freespin]

Rather than rewards for stepping up I would reward for being on his perch or cage. Sit him on his perch and reward. Then step back and then reward again. Gradually increase the pause between rewards and if he gets down just put him straight back.

 

[MikeyTN]

Do you have a playstand where he can not climb down??? My pair does it as well, can't leave them alone un the room for even a second cause they would jump off and come looking for me....silly birds....

 

[Terry57]

@Freespin - Thank you for the advice! I am going ot try that

@Michael - He can easily get off the play stand we have now...looks like I am going to look for another that will make it harder on him to get to the floor.

 

[MikeyTN]

My pair does it to look for me as they don't want me to stray too far....did ekko just want to explore and be naughty?

 

[Terry57]

He wants desperately to be on Darwin's cage with her...so he goes down to the floor and sneaks over to her cage..she is not interested in bonding with him..lol. You should see him run when he knows I see him!

 

[MikeyTN]

LoL....Darwin is a gorgeous bird so I don't blame him.....perhaps I'll have one like Darwin one day.

 

[Terry57]

You totally should Michael...she is amazing! She has the sweetest voice you ever heard.
And I thank you very kindly for the compliment..I will pass that on to Darwin

 

[MikeyTN]

I know you don't see them around often and they're pretty expensive.

 

[Terry57]

We were in the right place at the right time...she had to be rehomed and so we got her for $1300...such a great deal
There is one for sale here now on Kijiji for $3500.
I had only seen one before we got her, and was so excited!!!

 

[MikeyTN]

Yea I know they're hard to find as I've looked for them for years....