[The Outlaw]

Lesson #4

Teaching your baby to step up.

A good breeder will usually teach a baby bird manners. However, many baby birds forget their manners and need to be re-educated in proper etiquette. The "step up" command is one that you have to constantly drill into their cute little heads. It could be the difference between life of death in an emergency.

You must remember this: birds aren't balanced perfectly. Some are quite top heavy, in fact. Consequently, many birds will happily step up, but not down. They are often too off balance.

The correct way to teach the step up is to place the side of your hand up against the chest of your bird, giving a slightly upward motion and saying "step up". He may or may not oblige you. If he does, praise him to high heaven and move away from the cage and even the sight of the cage. You will now have his individed attention since he's not consumed with his cage and the goodies therein.

If your little angel decides he doesn't WANT to comply, you may have to force the issue. Assuming you are right handed, you would be offering your left hand as a perch. Taking your right hand, go under the perch and tilt his tail upward gently. This will force him to step forward or do a very unceremonious nose dive. Most will opt for the hand. As soon as he complies, again, praise him while removing him quickly from his cage.

I suggest that you then do a series of stair steps, having him step from one hand to the other, each one raised a bit higher. This will reinforce the command. Never prolong the lesson and always end on a happy note. I always make sure to have a treat in the bird dish before I take my birds back to cages. This way, they happily go inside and get their treat without any drama.