Adopted Cockatoo 15

Question
QUESTION: We have our new bird for a month all was well and now suddenly he won't step up he just wonders aways from us.  This is brand new behavior.  We have encouraged many new things with him ex. showers (he hates water or being misted,trying new foods (he only like sunflowers), having several perchs all over the house, getting his nails done scares him to.  We have also introduces a variety of toys for playing and foraging.  All or sudden he wants nothing to do with us. If we are to start step up training all over in a place away from his cage how do we get him there??? With the towel?
Thanx!
Gretchen

ANSWER: Towel catching should be reserved for extraordinary circumstances. A towel coming down from above or behind is too similar to a predator and could actually set you back.
I much prefer stick training.  Using an appropriate sized dowel or broom handle (without the broom part) offer it to him by gently moving in toward his chest, just above his feet. This should make his stepping up automatic, but be sure to keep repeating "step up" and praise him when he does it.

Quickly, smoothly remove him from his cage before he changes his mind and steps off onto something else.  If he does, just start over.

Offering him a single sunflower seed for a reward is a great idea, but never let him have sunflower seeds on his own. These are high fat seeds and fatty liver disease can be devastating or even fatal.  Limit him to no more than about 4 a day.

 Everyone with a bird should teach them the 'stick method' of stepping up. It will insure an easy capture by strangers if he's ever lost or flies off.

Sudden change in behavior is usually the result of something else. It might be just that he's feeling his power and control over you, but it could also be that he's not feeling well.
 You might want to look into that.

I also don't know of a single bird anywhere that enjoys having their nails done so that's not unusual. The best we can hope for is that they don't remove our fingers while we're trying trim theirs.

 Take a look at more bird info you might be able to use here:
  www.4AnimalCare.org (click the bird tab)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So what do I do when he just walks away from the stick or attempts to avoid by backing off or stepping over or just plain stands there.  It is so strange he is not acting sick more like snotty!!  When they are attempting to be in control is it like a horse or a dog where you show them that you are the leader? and if so how is this done?
Sincerely,
Gretchen

Answer
The thing about a horse or a dog is that they're mammals, not avians. Avians don't have as obvious an hierarchy as mammals.
 Ideally you need to convince the bird that he wants to cooperate. Stick in front of him, treat in your other hand just beyond the stick. Keep movements smooth and glide the bird out of the cage - quickly letting him have his treat once he's out. Otherwise he'll just learn not to trust you.
 Yes, this is a power thing for him. Having no choice in his moves of late or where he is - still being unsure and probably very afraid if not just very cautious - staying in the cage is safe. It's what he knows.
 
Teach him how to know you as his 'friend' by some nighttime interaction.  With newbies - we wait until they've been quiet and in for their night schedule for about an hour or so. Then we come in and stand in front of the cage, talking softly, saying anything you want. Just tell him about the day you had or what you hope for him.
If he's very upset, after a few minutes just back away and leave him. There's always another night.
Eventually he'll expect this visit and be more receptive. Imitate his non-threatening movements. If he stretches a wing and a leg then stretch your arm out, but be careful not to lift it above shoulder level or it can be seen as threatening.
With one of our most challenging macaw rescues it only took about 5 days before we could put our palm against the cage during this time and not be torn to shreds.
It took 8 days before she let us handle her without drawing blood!  
Sometimes it can take weeks or months.  I keep reminding myself that I've got the rest of my life and the bird will probably outlive me, so what's the hurry?
 With this attitude it seems to always happen soon enough.  By being impatient it just seems to postpone it.

 Try understanding his fear rather than trying to change it on a human level. Look at things as if you were HIM.
 How would you feel if you were suddenly taken out of your home - away from your family or people that were at least familiar and put in a new place with different people who spoke a different language and were always trying to make you do things you didn't understand.
 I'm pretty sure you'd try to hide out in your room too until you figured them out right? Heck, I know I would!


 www.4AnimalCare.org