Working on taking treats

[pacoparrot]

My Double Yellow Headed Amazon, Paco, was 7 years old when we first adopted him in 2009. He has always been so angry! He usually will not actually bite me but will lunge and carry on. I feel like my attention is unwanted. He does not tolerate any touching aside from stepping up. He also doesn't talk, just makes various noises. I love Paco and we've had him for a long time. I want to get closer with him. How can I teach him to take treats from my hand? He usually just drops whatever I give him. I know that if I had something he wanted maybe he would work for it and we could make some progress. He is my only large bird and I want him to bond with me. He is nicer to my mom but she doesn't really interact with the birds. Advice anyone?

 

[henpecked]

Give him a bowl with pieces of his favorite foods. What ever he picks out first or eats the most of,, that's what you use as a training treat. He NEVER gets any of it unless it's from your hand. I'd go 4-5 days before offering him a decent size piece, hopefully he'll take and eat it. I wouldn't make a big deal out of it, just hand it to him and walk away.maybe the next day,when you know he might be hungry , give him a small piece, if he eats it ,tell him ,"good boy" and leave him alone. After a few days, reward him when he steps up with a very small "tidbit". By now you can "read" your bird and know when the best times are to try and work with him. Keep the interaction short and end things before he gets bored. Always leave him wanting more of your attention.You can win him over.
PS try working with him when the other "more favorite" person is NOT close by. You don't want to turn it into a contest.