Since there are so many new CAG owners...

[radiogirl995]

I wondered if any of you have the same issue I'm having with Tuki, my 5 month old CAG.

He came to me able to step up but not really doing it on command. I worked on it with him and he seemed to catch on. But now we are regressing quickly! He'll readily step up onto my hand to be taken out of his cage but any other place or time he will NOT step up AT ALL!!!

I started using a wooden spoon to get him up but now he won't step up on that either!!! He fakes me out...one foot on the spoon, and then runs right over it! (Ok, it is kinda funny)
Any suggestions will help!

The other issue we have is that he HATES being on my hand. He wants to be on my arm or shoulder only. If I pick him up and try to keep him on my hand, he bites...sometimes hard! I'm guessing he doesn't feel stable on my hand because he flaps his wings and REALLY digs in with his nails. I know he's still a baby...but I feel like I have to control these behaviors now or never!

[greyburd]

You may want to try to really praise him when he steps up on command. Try having a special treat in hand for when he does it properly. Tell him how much of a good bird he is, and really make a big deal out of it!!! Do this also when he stays on your hand. If he jumps up to your shoulder or arm, immediately remove him, and put him back on your hand. And praise him for being willing to move. It's going to take some time, but you do want to correct the behaviour now (before it gets too late).

Tristan also likes to be on my shoulder. If I don't rub her head right away, she pinches my neck. This usually happens if she gets on my shoulder when I'm in the doing something. So, I remove her right away.

If you haven't done so already (this is something I suggest to everyone that's just gotten or planning on getting a Grey)...... Pick up a cope of "For The Love of Greys" by Bobbi Brinker. You can find it on Amazon.com..... it's a grey't book, with lots of grey't information!!!

Good luck.

[bb100]

Hi Kris,

Ditto Greyburd's suggestions. When Max started to roam I would pin his feet gently. When he tried to nip my fingers cause hey he had places to go (lol) I would have keys, shiny toys anything to distract him (Breeder taught me that trick). Everybody wins.. I got to slowly get Max used to pinning his feet and avoided nipping/roaming. Keep your training sessions short, pin his feet than distract w/toy, than release his feet (repeat) & offer Tuki sweet talk praise.

In the end, I don't have to groom Max's nails by going to the vet or restraining him. I can now pin his feet & use an emery board to file them. He now sticks his footie up when he sees a manicure file (treat follows so he's not stupid).

Take care.

[Lisa B]

everyone has given good advise. dont let Tuki get away with this. Its something you need to work on together, or there will be serious issues down the road. I think all birds go through this. Sydney and Emma did, and now they are used to moms rules(not that Emma follows them all the time )

I also pin thier feet...not using pressure, but holding them in place.....

[radiogirl995]

I will definitely try all the tricks mentioned...I am relieved that your Greys have tried to get away with this too...

Tuki let me carry him - on my hand - downstairs for a shower today. My distraction (instead of keys or toys) was a towel. He bit that instead of my hand.

I do have (and read) For The Love of Greys (and pretty much every other book I could get!)
I am trying a few different methods...I especially like coming here to find out what has worked for you all.

(And to get reassurance that what I'm going through is normal?) Thanks!

[greyburd]

Originally Posted by bb100

In the end, I don't have to groom Max's nails by going to the vet or restraining him. I can now pin his feet & use an emery board to file them. He now sticks his footie up when he sees a manicure file (treat follows so he's not stupid).

This is such a grey't idea!!! I didn't even think of that. I tried clipping both of their nails the other night. That didn't work out too well. They both weasled their way out of the towel. And since Tristan can fly, she would just fly away. I'll have to try the emery board idea!!!

[Lisa B]

guys...just be aware, that the emory board particles can come off. I guess it would be considered a grit of some type. After working with All types of files since 1986, (I am a licenced manicurist in NJ) I have yet to find one that doesnt have a cast off. If your bird, bites at that emory board, it will injest the particles. Please beware....
There is even a buffer type file that has AFRICAN GREYS on it!!!
I am able to hold Emma and Sydney and clip thier toes with a real small clipper, and its just the very edge......They dont even know whats going on. In reality, its not something one should have to do alot....they should wear down with everyday living, tho you will find the occasional grey that widdles his toenails into daggers(Stirling )
If I have to do Emma or Sydney its usually only one nail, maybe 3 times a year......

[Bela]

Re: nails, I noticed that with Bela. Just that one nail that is just tearing up my arm. How is that? I also noticed she trims her own nails...tho maybe that seemed to start after the one time I trimmed a nail just a little too short. I felt so guilty.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by Bela

I also noticed she trims her own nails...tho maybe that seemed to start after the one time I trimmed a nail just a little too short. I felt so guilty.

naw, she woulda started anyway! Greys sometimes have a habit of widdlin tootsies, (as I call it here) and sometimes just pic one toenail.
Because most of the greys here are wupper-snappers, they just havent started yet


I think Bela and Max are over 4 correct?

[bekfreak]

There's always the sandy pearch option that I have for Bella.