A while back I was having a real problem with Sammy. I had been bitten 4 or 5 times, the last one so bad I think there was some nerve damage. After that last one I went through a period where I considered getting rid of him. I was the end of my rope with him. Thankfully my husband told me to just let it lie for a couple of days and see how I felt then. I did that. For a couple of days I didn't handle Sam as much as normal and when I went near him I was very nervous and a little fearful. One thing I know for sure is that animals pick up on the energy you give off. I knew that by approaching him feeling nervous and fearful it would make him nervous and unsure of me. So I took myself and adjusted my attitude. I started approaching and handling Sam with calm confidence and no fear. Also, when he goes to grab my hand with his beak, which birds do, I don't react in anyway and I tell him to be nice. It's working. I was marveling this afternoon at how different he is. I've been very consistent in what I say and do to him so he always knows what to expect. I can see him actually thinking now before he grabs my hand or arm and if he wants to bite something, which birds do, he will grab something nearby instead of me. It's great to see the change in him knowing that I have the power to control how he reacts.
I've decided to start training him again. I had started clicker training with him about 6 months ago but I hit a stall and couldn't get further. I had a feeling it was too early for him and I really feel I was right. So we are going to try it again next week. I have spring break off for 2 weeks and I think I'm going to spend a little time working on Sammy. He's a smart kid and I think he'll be highly trainable.
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