Coco was never stick-trained. At my home, every bird we've ever had, must be stick trained. Kind of the house rule
I feel it's very important. Bird sitters need to be able to safely & comfortably move your birds from one place to another if needed.
Of course, Coco was not impressed with the stick for the first day or 2. Now she steps up onto the stick instantly, no problem. Then I have her step up onto my arm or hand.
The way that I've found to keep a bird totally at ease with stepping up to a stick, is to do it daily.
With Coco, I use the stick 3-4 times per day & always will. She has to be totally used to it, at all times.
Since we often make out of town trips, it's essential in my opinion, to make things as easy and smooth for Coco and her bird sitter, as we can.
Another important reason to stick train, is in case of emergencies.
Our neighbor has a key to our house. If we're gone for the day, and there's some sort of emergency, anyone can use the stick to move Coco or get her into a travel carrier.
I feel it's very important. Bird sitters need to be able to safely & comfortably move your birds from one place to another if needed.
Of course, Coco was not impressed with the stick for the first day or 2. Now she steps up onto the stick instantly, no problem. Then I have her step up onto my arm or hand.
The way that I've found to keep a bird totally at ease with stepping up to a stick, is to do it daily.
With Coco, I use the stick 3-4 times per day & always will. She has to be totally used to it, at all times.
Since we often make out of town trips, it's essential in my opinion, to make things as easy and smooth for Coco and her bird sitter, as we can.
Another important reason to stick train, is in case of emergencies.
Our neighbor has a key to our house. If we're gone for the day, and there's some sort of emergency, anyone can use the stick to move Coco or get her into a travel carrier.