Hi Lesley,
Quite a common problem...
See replies in [ text bits ] where I've used basic behaviour modification methods to explain his behaviour and what you might do to change this.
You wrote:
Before we got Kipp, Flint stepped up really nicely onto a towelled arm. He very rarely had a bite at the towel and if he did it was more of a chew than a bite.
Kipp has never really enjoyed the towel (or hands or sticks for that matter), he always sort of attacks the towel and mauls it. However, because he doesn't like it he will go back into his cage if I just call him too and so long as Flint goes in as well. [This sounds like negative reinforcement; Kipp moves away from the towel, so goes to cage; he is habituated do this; gets no reward for doing this, other than provocative stimulus of towel removed.] So we don't have so much a problem with Kipp anymore. I just have to show him the towel even and he goes to his cage.
However, Flint has taken to really mauling the towel. [ Repeated exposure to the towel has reinforced an *unwanted* behaviour ] When I call for Kipp Flint goes and hides below a chest of drawers. I put my towel wrapped arm on the floor and shout for him, he used to come out and step up normally - after a fair amount of coaxing from me of course. But for the last few days he has charged out and really gone for the towel. [Flint dislikes the towel and where it is shown, he initially tries to avoid (moves away) but if remains visible, has adopt an alternative method of trying get rid unwanted stimulus, so attacks as sees no other way resolve issue for himself. This a form negative reinforcement will probably continue react in same on sight (this behaviour being reinforced).]
I think he has copied Kipp, [ Yes.] but it isn't because of the towel - he is just doing it for no reason I can see other than he doesn't want to go back in his cage. [ All behaviours are done for a very good reason (from the bird's point of view.) Behaviour is never done at random; something stimulates it, and the bird reacts in whatever ways he thinks will help him avoid anything unpleasant, or gain something nice. ] not that it makes a difference, he still steps up but just in a very violent manner! [ This is negatgive reinforcement and/or what is called 'flooding'. He want the unwanted stimulus to cease, and the only way he can see of acheiving this is to agree, reluctantly, to step up, so, he gives in. He gets no reward for stepping up, so has no incentive, (other than cessation of the negative reinforcement/flooding)to agree to step up.] He then dances a bit (because I sometimes try to distract him with dancing) but continues to try to bite it. [ He tries to show assertive behaviours by biting the towel in frustration (displaced aggression.) As long as he is presented with the towel, he will continue to react in this way, and the behaviours will be reinforced.
When he looks like biting it (once he is on my arm) I give my arm a little twist and say no - he has to concentrate on his balance then. Or I click my fingers near him to distract him from biting. [ If he does not like the arm being twisted, he will react, negatively, to this when he can in an attempt to have it stopped. ]
But I feel it is getting worse and wonder if anyone has ideas on what I could do to get him to stop mauling it?
[ Here's what I suggest. The following training is aimed at getting him to associate a stick with only *positive* experiences. So, first, avoid all locations and materials which he already associates with aggression, as these will only stimulate and reinforce his current behaviours.
Next, carry out target training for favourite food rewards; point at a place near him, with a hand-held stick: when/if he approaches the place, give him a favourite treat, and praise him verbally. On days when training is being done, do not allow any access to *favourite* food items, other than as rewards for desired behaviours.
After this behaviour is patterened in him (over a few days perhaps),change your target behaviour. So now you want him to approach the stick and touch it with his beak or feet; if/when he does, give a reward. Pattern this behaviour into him by repetition.
Next stage: require him to stand on the stick for one second, then step off, then reward as usual.
Next stage, ask him to step onto stick, stay there for 3 seconds, as you move the stick a tiny bit, then ask him to "step off" then reward. Use food rewards at all stages and combine these with verbal praise. Train birds one at a time to keep things simple. Avoid negative reinforcement at all times. If a bird shows aggression, leave the room and leave the bird on its own for a few minutes each and every time any aggression is shown; never stay inthe presence of an aggressive bird.
During changing a behaviour a thing called 'extinction burst' usually takes place. This is where the unwanted behaviour (biting the towel) initially, and temporarily, actually gets *worse*. Anthropopmorphically, people interpret the bird as beingdeliberately antagonistic. This wrong; this thing occurs universally with all animals and people in many circumstances. It usually passes if the trainer us calm and consitent and the rewards for new behaviours are 'valuable' enough for the animal.
Always be *caslm, slow and deliberate in all movements* when training; calm birds learn fast; exited/hyped up ones only learn with difficulty, as you risk losing 'the stimulus contol you need for learning to occur. So, try to make sure the birds cannot get hyped up. But to get a bird to make the connection with a desired behaviour and a reward, you have to give the rewards immediately following the behaviour, or even an *attempt* by the bird to show that behaviour. So always reward cooperation, but never react to a 'failure'; just use positive reinforcement like this at all times if you can.
You should see an improvement within 2 weeks if all goes well.
For more info, Google "Learning theory" and/or "applied bahaviour analysis". It does not matter what animals (including humans) are being discussed as ABA and Learning Theory apply universally to any animal capable of learning new things. You can always contact me via my website as well or pm me here.
Best wishes, ]