Hi everyone, this is day two for me and my new ringneck Toki. I just had a question:
The woman we bought him off said not to let him sit on our shoulder as this shows he is the 'dominant' one and can lead to other behaviours. Is this correct? I was under the impression that birds were a flock and so there was no dominant bird? He keeps trying to sit on my shoulder and I want to let him but Im not sure about what this woman said!
Any opinions/advice please?
Thanks!
Emma
Question about 'dominant' behaviours?!
Moderator: Mods
Re: Question about 'dominant' behaviours?!
There are two separate schools of thought on this and you have heard both.
There is no right or wrong, in my opinion. It is going to be what works for you and Toki. Some birds get aggressive on shoulders, some don't. Find what works for you both and keep in mind that over time (and perhaps during hormonal seasons) the rules might change. With thirty years to go, you two will have an ever evolving relationship.
There is no right or wrong, in my opinion. It is going to be what works for you and Toki. Some birds get aggressive on shoulders, some don't. Find what works for you both and keep in mind that over time (and perhaps during hormonal seasons) the rules might change. With thirty years to go, you two will have an ever evolving relationship.
I've been called 'birdbrained' before, but somehow I don't think this is what they meant. say:hah-nay
Re: Question about 'dominant' behaviours?!
Thanks for your reply I have since decided to play it by ear and let Toki on my shoulder. I find that most of the time he is very well behaved and will go to sleep on my shoulder and also step down off my shoulder without making too much fuss. There are times when he likes to test his limits and try to eat my earrings, but overall he is really good. So I have decided that the shoulder issue is no longer an issue 
I have since decided to play it by ear and let Toki on my shoulder. I find that most of the time he is very well behaved and will go to sleep on my shoulder and also step down off my shoulder without making too much fuss. There are times when he likes to test his limits and try to eat my earrings, but overall he is really good. So I have decided that the shoulder issue is no longer an issue Re: Question about 'dominant' behaviours?!
Skye, our little IRN, is going through a phase where she has decided she prefers my husband over me. He can touch her and pet her and do pretty much anything with her, but with me, she is nippy and her eyes pin a lot. However, she will step up and sit on my shoulder all day long. I'm inclined to let her since it is the only time she seems to tolerate me. As time goes on, she is getting less nippy with me and seeks me out more. It is a slow process, but as Melika says, we've got upwards of 30 years to work on it. I'm not going anywhere. 
Dana
Dana