Step-up How To w/pics; Rookie Style!

[BirdsAreGrey8]

There is a very informative sticky on the step up command in this forum. Here is my experience with my 6mo. old Grey and what worked for me. These pics are not the best and were taken with my cell phone while I tried to handle the bird and photo tips for my fellow Grey Forum members. :cool:

 

First, expect to be bitten. The bird is just checking to see how stable your finger is. My Grey was in a fish tank with some newspapers on the bottom and did not have any interest in the perch he had other than chewing on it. Needless to say stepping up just wasn't happening. I picked up the bird by cupping my hand underneath each side of his claws and used my thumb to hold down one wing to keep flapping and falling to minimum.

You may get one or all of the following:

The beak grasp onto something..

The palm bite to stabilize on something since he's no longer on the ground..

Here totally off the ground and lightly biting my pinky, the claws are exposed and I slide my other index finger underneath. He may flap his wings while grasping your fingers to get balanced.

After the flapping stops keep your arm and hand as still as possible. Now you might notice that the bird is somewhat unbalanced and not too secure on your hand; and maybe out of breath. Let him catch his breath by petting his head and calmly talking to him. I lightly pin the foot that he has the most weight on for two reasons; it makes him and you feel more secure, and if he falls or tries to fly away you will have some control to pull him in tight to you and keep him from falling and hurting himself.

My goal here is just to show the bird that my finger is stable. I held him on my hand for as long as he would stay, and talk, pet his head, etc. This is trust building and it's best to keep on alert not to let him fall. I kept my other hand nearby just in case he got spooked or off balance. For two days this was about the extent of the routine with the exception of saying "Up!" when I placed him on my finger and cheered/praised when he gripped onto my finger.

 

Day three I attempt to pick up him up with my index finger. I chose to start on the floor since the danger of falling is a short distance. I assertively say "Up!" while stroking the feathers on his lower abdomen. This should happen:

Yes, a good snug bite to test the waters and see how you'll react. If you flinch back and pull away, you're taking steps back and showing him that this will keep your hand away from him. Be assertive and go in for the pick up! You may get the bite and foot up at the same time. This is good news because he's attempting to get on your finger!

He may be a little skeptical about committing the second foot but give it time. Notice how straight and sturdy the finger stays.

 

Here the claws aren't really pinned, but the thumb is over the claws just in case. After a couple of days your bird will be more stable on his feet and more trusting with your hand and you can begin slowly walking around with him. Continue with the "Up!" command with consistency and gives lots of praise when they do it! Now if biting continues issue a stern "No!" each time.

 

Before long you'll have a successful stepping up bird! The last step is telling your success story to the great members of Grey Forums! Duece recommends logging on every day!

Edited February 22, 2011 by BirdsAreGrey8

[judygram]

You might be a rookie but you did this just fine and I love the pictures as reference, looks like Duece is learning how to step up like a good bird should, thanks for taking the time to do this for us.

[BirdsAreGrey8]

You guys are very welcome, hope it helps!