Oy...Need some help!

[radiogirl995]

My 12 week old CAG, Maddie has been here with me four days and although she seems to be warming up to me, I think we're regressing a bit...I could use advice...

Maddie is still on one formula hand feeding a day...but also seems to eat her fruits and veggies. She had little interest in the formula until yesterday when she was crying and pumping hard for it...same today.

She stepped up on my hand a few times day 1 & 2, now she refuses to do it at all. I used a wooden spoon to make her more confident, now that's out too. She moves away from me altogether...

If I sit on the floor, she will come and climb all over me, but only on HER terms. Getting frustrating when I need to move her!!!
Am I setting up a bad situation here? Is this still just adjustment or a bad behavior forming?

Any tips???

[CrazyBirdLady]

4 days in? Sounds like she needs a bit more time to settle in. Young birds do have a tendency to regress a bit when they arrive at a new home and if she was not weaned (or even just recently weaned) it's common for them to regress to warm, squishy foods for comfort. You might try offering her warmed softer solid foods to help her feel better too.
As for the not stepping up, I know every fid we've got has gone through an independent/testing-the-waters stage and it may very well be the same for your little one right now. She's feeling comfortable with you and simply pushing the limits. If she won't step up from out of the cage or a perch, walk away and let her sit there for 5-10 minutes and try again. Once she realizes that she doesn't have the upper hand, she'll learn to step up to be with you. You might also try using a treat as a reward for stepping up until she gets it.
Sounds like you are trying with her and keep the faith, she's just a baby and needs time to acclimate to her new environment and learn the rules.

[Miro The Macaw]

My Timneh regressed a bit when he first got home- He was on one 'maintainence' feeding each day until he got home, then he begged all day... We fed him twice for a while, and monitored his pellet/fresh food consumption as well. He WAS eating on his own, just never when people were watching- Only when he was alone. Whenever a person was there, he begged. The vet told us to let him go, hand feed him for a while longer, he would stop when ready... He is down to only one feeding now- He eats more on his own. Of course, we are keeping an eye on his weight.

As for stepping up, he didnt really know that command when we first got him, but he is better at it now. With all my birds, step up is NOT an option- If I have to move the bird for some reason, it has to step on to my hand whenever I want it to.

All the birds have challenged it- Especially Miro (my severe), they test the waters a bit to see what they can get away with. But, When I say step up- I mean it- and let the bird know. They always comply...

It may take a little more time, though- The bird needs to learn to trust you!

-Andrew

[birdsnthings]

This is why you don't hand feed and wean a bird. It is better to leave that stress to someone experienced.
However, have you considered the Senic Pellets? You soak those in warm water and feed with your fingers.
Alice

[radiogirl995]

Thanks for the advice everybody...

Alice - It's really not that big of a deal that I'm still handfeeding her and I like that she does look to me for that comfort. She does eat her pellets and fresh foods I make, so that should be fine. It was just the crying that threw me off.

It's the not stepping up that makes me nervous. But I believe you gave me a game plan...Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes!