Amazon Screams When Picked Up

[StephenA]

I'm new here. We recently got a new Orange Wing Amazon. When we reach in to her cage she runs and screams. Is this cage anxiety? How do I cure her of this? Once she's out she is fine. She's very loving and likes to cuddle. You just have to get her out of the cage.

[atalantae]

Hi StephenA.
How long ago dod you get the Amazon? Is she a baby or a rescue? How old is she?
You should give her time to get used to her surroundings. Maybe she is afraid of hands. You might want to try the stick method.
Joannie would probably be the best one to answer this one. This is just what I would try but make sure she is settled in and used to her surroundings.

atalantae

[Rue]

...have you tried leaving her cage door open to see if she'll come out on her own? It might take days, so be patient...once she does though, be alert and immediately give her LOTS of verbal praise and also a special food treat - something you reserve only for training...

...and/or...start reaching in with food treats to take from you hand...once that your hands don't upset her anymore...and she starts to forward to her food treat, you can start teaching her to step up from her cage...

...again...LOTS of verbal praise, and continue with the treats...

[Rue]

...oopsie...sorry...didn't see this was the Expert Forum...and I'm not...but this approach has worked well for me with other birds...

[StephenA]

She's 6 mo old. She is getting better but still hates hands. She love food from hands and doesn't mind a head or beak rub. She has started stepping up a little out of the cage but still no way in the cage.

[The Outlaw]

Stephen:

I've sent your question to Joanie Doss. She'll certainly answer you when she gets a chance. Please be patient.

[The Outlaw]

Your bird is still not used to her surroundings. The cage is a safe place for her so she does not want to leave it. I would not call it cage anxiety, I would call it not being comfortable with her new surroundings. Take your time with this bird. When she is out and on your arm or stick, take her for a short tour of the area. At first stick pretty close to the cage and then let her back in her cage. Putting her back in the cage will relieve the stress of facing the new surroundings. Continue this daily and when she
is relaxing more, expand the area that your are showing her. Once she realizes that nothing outside of the cage is going to hurt her, she will be more willing to come out. I would also give her favorite treat to her everytime I took her out of the cage. She will soon be looking forward to the treat and her mind will be less on what outside the cage could hurt her.

Incidentally, she must trust you somewhat as she relaxes and is OK once you get her out of the cage.

Joanie Doss
The Amazing Amazons
http://www.parrothouse.com/bodylanguage.html