Budgie refusing to step up despite knowing command

[asutto]

Hi, So I've had my budgie for about 3 weeks now. He came semi tamed at 12 weeks so apparently knew the step up command from the off. He is pretty good in most ways, he likes head scratches and will step up if I hold millet in one finger and push on belly with the other but if I am not holding millet or any treat he no longer steps up properly. He will either scoot away, put one foot on then shuffle off or stand on my finger for a second then promptly jump off.

On the first weekend I got him he was standing up very confidently with the millet and would stay there until I transferred him to a perch but now without it he is mostly refusing. I'm confused as to how he went from doing it perfectly one day to being stubborn the next.

Any tips? Could it be that he has come to associate stepping up with treats only and I need to break the association? Or start again with the millet?

[Shirls]

I'm afraid with training budgies it's one step forward and two back lots of the time. You just have to be persistent and patient!! Plus you need to do what you are doing, several times throughout the day, or as many times you can manage. It will come eventually. You aren't doing anything wrong.

[asutto]

Apr 9, 2018 15:39:08 GMT Shirls said:

I'm afraid with training budgies it's one step forward and two back lots of the time. You just have to be persistent and patient!! Plus you need to do what you are doing, several times throughout the day, or as many times you can manage. It will come eventually. You aren't doing anything wrong.

Thank you that's reassuring and good to know! I read on a different forum that owners often find they have to re train their budgies about a month into getting them as when they start getting comfortable and their personalities come in they can need re training. Have you heard this before? 

[helenmat]

Apr 9, 2018 15:43:53 GMT asutto said:

Apr 9, 2018 15:39:08 GMT Shirls said:

I'm afraid with training budgies it's one step forward and two back lots of the time. You just have to be persistent and patient!! Plus you need to do what you are doing, several times throughout the day, or as many times you can manage. It will come eventually. You aren't doing anything wrong.

Thank you that's reassuring and good to know! I read on a different forum that owners often find they have to re train their budgies about a month into getting them as when they start getting comfortable and their personalities come in they can need re training. Have you heard this before? 

yes, budgies find their confidence and try and see if they can be a bit of a rebel. Just keep doing what you are doing and stick at it, you will be rewarded.

[Hezz]

That has been mentioned on this forum many times. It happens so often that it really should be considered normal. Just continue practising the step-up procedure (stepping down can be just as important), whether you use a bribe or not is up to you.

[asutto]

Thanks everyone for your comments. It's good to know I am not missing something and just need to persevere!