by Guest » Fri Feb 10, 2006 5:42 pm
And a Happy ONE to you and Lilo too!!!
When he pushes your hand away, you can say something like, "Okay, you can stay in your cage." or something to the effect. When is he pushing your hand away? We don't need to get in the habit of "forcing" our Greys to do what we want all of the time. But there are times also when they need to be in the habit of getting on our hands when we ask. So there is a fine line there.
What really works best is BRIBERY! Try finding a treat that Lilo LOVES. Do NOT serve in cage, but only from your hand. On days when he does not want to cooperate, you can put your right hand out for the UP command and hold a treat in the left. He has to climb onto your hand to get the treat.
There are many diversion techniques to avoid aggression and biting, such as holding a small towel or pot holder off to the side (below bird's body) to dissaude attention from biting when you pick him up.
Sometimes in the Spring/Summer at breeding season, males can get aggressive. Although this is not summer, it feels like it a little....and these urges can be different for individuals. In cases like this, it is good to have your bird stick trained.
You need to find a private place away from Lilo's cage where you can put a portable perch. Sit on the floor and practice UP/DOWNS with Lilo for 5 minutes at a time. When he behaves, praise lavishly and reward with a treat. This may help you re-establish some of the balance and control in your relationship.
Let me know if any of this helps,
Maggie-