Step up training

[parsnipstew]

So, Avis is now getting used to us, and happily chirps and plays in his cage, and we want to continue training him.

He knows the step up command, as whilst he's out of the cage he'll happily step up on command, or even without if he sees the finger. However, when in the cage he almost never steps up, and we need to pick him up in order to get him out (for cleaning, exercise, acclimatisation to humans etc.

What's the next step for a stubborn fluff?

[OP]

I would say just train him the same way you have done out of the cage. He may be getting the idea that you have to pick him up. Offer the finger and with the command push him gently under his tummy but above the feet. Keep pushing until he either steps on your finger or falls off the perch. He must think there is something different when he's in the cage.

[parsnipstew]

That's the thing, we didn't train him, the breeder did, so we're a little unsure.
So pushing until he's nearly falling off is okay? Maybe we were being a bit reticent

[OP]

Don't worry, you won't push him off the perch. He will either jump over your finger or step on it. Once he has done what you want and you praise him he will do it each time.

[Hezz]

As OP has said, give him a push with your finger and he will either have to step onto the finger to keep his balance or he will start to overbalance and fly to a different spot. If he is gripping the perch tightly, you will have to give him a good push. One of mine still does this at times, even when I do pick him up ...... so much so that I wonder how well his little legs are attached to his body - I don't want to end up holding a bud with his legs still left behind on the perch!