Amazon Screams When Picked Up

[StephenA]

I'll try this here since the experts seem to be MIA.

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.

[Rue]

...I'm certainly not an expert...only have one older amazon (as far as amazons go)...but my guess is she's been traumatized by hands at some point...

...I'd start by offering her something from your hands that she loves...my girl LOVES sunflower seeds...and since they're too fattening to be a part of her meals, I reserve them for treats only...in your case, reserve a special treats for cage step-ups only...

...but sometimes they just don't want to come out! I respect that with my bird...if I put my hand in the cage and she screeches and pushes my fingers away, I just tell her I'll come back later...which I do...and try again...usually by the 2nd or 3rd time she'll happily put her foot out for a step-up (and I use the command 'step-up" and LOTS of praise everytime she does it to keep reinforcing the good behaviour...I DON'T fuss if she doesn't step up - I stay very matter of fact).

If she likes to cuddle once out of the cage, just be patient...it should come if you don't try to force or rush it...birds I've noticed, often take a lot longer than you think they should before they come around...

[StephenA]

Thanks for the info. We are also working on "Step Up" She loves treats to be given by hand. She's one of the sweetest birds I've ever seen. Real gental and not loud at all.

[Rue]

...step-up can take a little while...my Pionus came to us at 10 weeks of age...he didn't know the command...so a gentle push to the chest while saying 'step-up' consistantly did the trick...but it still took a couple of weeks...

...and now he steps up immediately...or waves his foot at us if we're slow to pick him up when he wants...

I don't think you'll have problems if she's such a sweetie...just be consistant and patient...

[Casa Amazona]

Some of my 'zons scream when they get angry. It's somewhere between a scream and a growl and sounds like they're about to tear someone's head off. It doesn't appear to indicate fear, but anger. In particular, my sweet little Liza Loo is also spoiled and lets me know whenever she doesn't get her own way. I agree with the advice given above.

[StephenA]

Thanks for the info, I'm use to an African Grey that will just bite you for no reason.

[Freedomoflight]

Does she like towels?? Try dsigusing your hands with a towle draped over, then asking her to step up...
Or, just wait until she comes out of the cage before asking her to step up. Thats what I do with all my fids- less risk of being bit that way. They view the inside of their cage as a private space, and the only time I stick my hands in is to rearrange perches and toys. The only cage I can comfortably stick my hands in and pull out a bird is my caique, but even when he is in one of his moods, I can come out with a bruise.