vdineff Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Hello all, My Grey seems to step up on my hand but not because I am using the command "Step up". Obviously Paco is not afraid of me. He simply does that when he wants to. Now why is he like that? :huh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Char Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 You should still use the Step Up command so that it becomes second nature. Whisper will step up to anyone who says it even though she does not really want to. You can tell she is uncomfortable but I am proud of her that she does it anyway. There may come a time when your bird will have to step up for someone else.<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/02/09 19:49 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaxtersMom Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I think it's good for them to know the step up command because if they are ever in any danger or have to be moved quickly by someone other than you, then they can say step up and the bird will know what to do and perhaps find some comfort in "knowing the language" Mine will step up even when I don't say step up to them also. I just want to keep it enforced in their minds for safety reasons. If one of my flock members got loose outside and if a bird person found them and said step up, atleast he would understand and hopefully do it instead of flying away. That's my theory anyway:whistle: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane08 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Could be the fact that you have a cue that your bird knows for stepping up. So everytime you raise your hand up to him that is his cue to step up and he has learnt this cue. Sometimes with our male I don't say anything and I raise my hand for him to step up and he is the one who says "up" sort of reminding me that I didn't say it. Our female has also taught me with a cue as well. She waits until I am looking at her and if she wants to go somewhere she raises her foot and this is my cue to go over and pick her up. Our training works both ways in our house, they trian me and I train them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vdineff Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Thank you all for your thoughts! I guess we should continue training until it comes as a routine but what bothers me still is that Paco sometimes just stays there on the perch or the cage and don't want to step up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaM Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Continuing the training will help that. Up to this point, you have left it completely up to him whether he wants to step up or not. In some cases, this is doesn't seem to be a big deal. There are times, however, when you will need him to step up (at the vet, going to bed, etc...). What I have tried to do is read the body language before even going for a "step up". I can tell if my parrots are just wanting to hang out in their cage and instead of battling it or telling them to step up and get bitten or walking away when they don't, I don't even try. I want to only go in with it when I feel there is a good chance of success. That way, they don't learn that it's an option, but it's not "forcing" them. That said, if they're on their playstand and they need to go to bed and don't want to step up, I do "make" them (gently, of course) by pushing up into their tummy so they lose their balance a little. Then they step up. I have never walked away after an unsuccessful step-up as I think that would reinforce that it's an option for them. Also, try reinforce the step-ups with a little of his favorite treat. Not every time, but fairly often. And really make a big deal out of it when he does it "Oh, GOOD BOY...what a good Paco...etc..." everytime he does it. He needs to associate stepping up with good things! Good luck! I hope this helps a bit. Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janfromboone Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 When Tobie wants to come to me he uses the "step up" command. I guess I know who is in charge around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockysMum Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Rocky was using the Step Up command when we got him,but over the past few months he wont do it for me? i just keep getting bitten:pinch: Although he will do it for my partner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Char Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 One of Whisper's favorite things to say right now is "Step up, stepup", "come on, step up", "you wanna step up?" she seems to be obsessed with it right now.<br><br>Post edited by: Char, at: 2009/02/12 21:22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vdineff Posted February 13, 2009 Author Share Posted February 13, 2009 haha I guess she really wants to talk now Paco seems not interested in the words I telling him. He only says Alo (which is hello when you pick up the phone in Bulgarian) Thanks for the extend comments, Lisa!I will go for that direction! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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