SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-step-up-training

What should happen when a bird responds correctly to a step-up cue?

Praise and reward the bird.

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  1. Praise and reward it ✔
  2. Grab its tail
  3. Repeat the cue loudly for minutes

Why: Step-up is a useful handling skill. A University of California 4-H guide says to praise the bird when it steps up and give a small treat after each brief session.

Huh, didn't know that: Step-down is a separate useful cue for returning a bird to its perch.

The dad joke
Why did the bird master step-up? It wanted to rise to the occasion.
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References

Answer: Praise and reward it. Step-up is a useful handling skill. A University of California 4-H guide says to praise the bird when it steps up and give a small treat after each brief session.

  1. University of California Cooperative Extension, Training Your Bird ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2010-08/45160.pdf
    When the bird steps up, praise it
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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