[debbielabella]

I have an Alex, she was 2 yrs old when I got her. It took about 6 months before she stopped biting. I still cannot touch anything in her cage and she's not fond of hands. You have to go slow and build trust with these birds. They can bite pretty hard so I can sympathize. They warn you pretty good though and if her eyes are pinning I just don't push it. If I know I have to go out, rather than putting her back in her cage I put fresh food in a little while before I have to go then close the door when she goes in. That way she doesn't associate stepping up with getting put back in her cage. When she's looking like she wants to step up that's when I offer food and ask her to step up. I noticed she goes to certain perches and leans forward when she wants to step up. They are not at all the type of bird you can control, they are very independent. They are more the type that like to watch you from across the room than to be on your or handled much. They are also very devoted though, it was worth the bloody bites in the beginning. The yahoo group recommended above is excellent, Alex's are not like other birds and they can help you understand how to work with him. Good luck! don't be discouraged, it takes patience but you'll have your reward.