Hand training a GCC question....

[pam's birds]

I have a GCC who is just over a year old, I got "her" when she was about 8 months old for my son ( I have 6 other birds in the house). Well he never really started to work with her and choose to spend his time working with my husband's cockatiel (my son had a beloved cockateil that we lost about 2 weeks before we got the GCC).

I have decided that after several attempts, the GCC will become my bird.

Now where to start with her? She will not let you get her out of the cage. The times when she is out, my son has to catch her with a towel. Once she is out, she is fine on the bird stand and will cuddle with you close to your chest. It's just getting her out of the cage and stepping up/down that is the problem.

[xafsmom]

Since she's fine once she's out, try just leaving the door open when you're there and letting her exit on her own. When she comes out, give her a treat that she likes. You can also encourage her to come out more by removing most of her toys for a bit, so she's bored and WANTS to come out to play.

As for stepping up? The only thing that works is repetition and positive reactions from you. Lots of 'good girls' in an excited voice, a treat or pet when she steps up... GCC's like most all conures and other birds want to please and she'll see the attention she gets as a good thing and will choose to step up for more of that goodness soon enough.

[pam's birds]

Thanks for the tip. I didn't think of keeping the door open so she can come and go. I will have to give that a try.

[jenseits]

I consider my birds' cages to be theirs. I reach in to change food, toys, clean, etc but otherwise I don't "invade" it. Once they felt secure in my home, I've never had a problem with them wanting out. But I do feel strongly that it has to be their choice.

Now getting them back in is a different story. That often involves a bribe or stealthy maneuvers.

Have you read any books by Barbara Heidenreich, Mattie Sue Athan or Melinda Johnson? Those are great for learning more about parrot behavior, what it means, how to shape it, and how to build a strong, positive relationship with your bird.