by Guest » Fri Jan 27, 2006 4:37 pm
Hi Bobbi,
You can get an autographed copy of the book from the Grey Place section of this site. Or if you prefer as check (or internationaql money order if out of US), you can send me $15 (US price) and $20 (other/foreign price) to:
Equatorial Group
13835 N Tatum Blvd, Ste 9-609
Phoenix, AZ 85032-5590
I have a section in the book that shows how you should be picking him up. He needs to step up onto your hand, not jump. Birds are not like dogs and they do not tend to come to us when called. But they need to be trained to step on our hands when we have the hands correctly positioned at the breast for them to step up. But do not expect Bennie to run over to you when called.
It is okay for him to climb on top of the cage. Then I suggest that you get a kitchen chair or stool and stand on it so that you are higher than he is on the cage top. Then put the back of your hand at his breast and ask him to step up.
Sounds like you need to practice the UP/DOWNS with him. Do this in a room away from his cage. Have him on a small perch or on the floor with you (his back to wall and your facing the wall). Then practice having him get up and down from your hand....and staying on it for a period of few minutes at a time. You may want to use bits of his favorite treats to reward him when he does it perfectly.
Please look up the Helpful Hints section on this site (in magazine section). It gives ideas on how to help your baby eat more veggies. The key is that you have to act really excited and into the veggies yourself. Eat some in front of him in front of cage. Tell him how good it is and so on. Keep doing it for weeks, maybe months. You need to get him interested in trying them.
I let my guys on top of their cages in the afternoons, when I am home.
I also cover my guys in small sleeping cages. Others don't do it. It is up to you.
Please order my book as it will help you immensely.
Maggie-