I have had my Goffin's Cockatoo, Amelia, since Sunday (yes, only 4 days). She has apparently chosen me as Her Person, and will allow me to scratch her head, pet her, and will even lean into my chest and snuggle if I'm standing near her cage or stand. She's even napped while sitting on my knee. She doesn't, however, step up. The only way I can get her onto my hand or arm to move her is to literally "trap" her by getting her into a position where I can get my arms around her on the cage so that she can't go anywhere but onto my arm. I do it slowly, while scratching and talking to her so she doesn't feel forced, but she is very VERY reluctant to step up, ever. Once on my hand she's fine and seems to really enjoy walking around with me checking out the scenery.
We have clicker trained animals before and were going to go that route. I brought out a training stick to start pointing with it, and she had a total meltdown, launched herself to the floor (wings are clipped) and ran off in terror. I've since found that even a ballpoint pen terrifies her.
She's also not at all treat motivated. She has definite favorites, but will not cross whatever boundary is in her mind to get one. She's in poor condition, so I'm very hesitant to withhold feed from her to get her hungry enough to go for the treat.
I will keep working with her to build trust, but it's not like she's afraid of me at all. She just will NOT step up. I'm going to try clicker training just using my finger, but I wondered if anyone had any other suggestions.
Heaven only knows what this poor girl went through. Someone loved her at some point, but in between them and me...????
Thanks, everyone!
Carrie