aggression or affection

[homecatmom]

Just before sundown I try and go out with the birds and visit before they go in to roost for the night. The last three or four evenings one of my BR's has started flying directly up onto my head as soon as I walk into the run. She will just sit there and as soon as I sit on my stool she jumps down on my shoulder, peeps in my ear, and flys back down onto the ground. The other birds don't ever try to fly up on me, they will jump into my lap if I'm sitting down. Oprah the head flyer isn't even the alpha hen. Should I start ducking or knocking her down before she teaches the others her new game? It hasn't bothered me yet, but I haven't had poop-hair yet either!

 

[Heidi]

Well my cockatiel "Dash" does that when I get home from work and precedes to tell me all about his day loudly in my ear. Maybe she's really happy to see you.....

 

[Dawn419]

My favorite gal, an EE pullet, decided to jump onto the feed scoop when I went in to feed today. I don't think it's an aggression thing, atleast it isn't with me and Jaimaca.

As Heidi said about her cockatiel Dash (we used to have one too!), I think it's more about them letting you know how their day has been.

Jamaica has been one of my favorites, and she knows it. She's very talkative/clucky whenever I show up. I've been working with her since they are in the "main coop/run" and I love it that she trusts me this much.

Sorry for rambling...

Dawn

 

[barg]

Height is dominance for most birds.
I would try to keep her eye level below yours or you might find yourself at the bottom of the pecking order; that goes double for the cockatiel

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

The friendliest lady in my flock follows me around the run, literally watching my face and waiting for the right moment to... FLY ONTO MY SHOULDERS. She's a Barred Rock, rather a hefty gal. But she is a bit of a pain while waiting for her moment.. kinda reminds me of a cat the way she's in front of my feet. She's sweet though.. occasionally pecks my hair a bit. Not sure how you guys trained yours to get back down. I think Blackeye would stay there permanently if I let her. I, on the other hand, think she makes a sad parrot, so remove her as soon as she gets heavy. I (don't laugh at me) keep my head turned away, though. She's never offered to peck an eye, but she did peck my teeth once when I was smiling. She's not dangerous, but the proximity makes me nervous all the same.

Even though my flock is fairly friendly, no one else will do this. One other chicken used to jump into my lap as a chick, but that has stopped, also. All except for Blackeye's visits. Everyone else is content to make a tight circle around, waiting for handouts.

-Meghan

 

[Dawn419]

Quote:
Smacks self in forehead...you are sooo correct!

I'd forgotten about that since we've not had indoor birds for awhile. Thanks!!!

Dawn

 

[2mnypets]

Quote:
Smacks self in forehead...you are sooo correct!

I'd forgotten about that since we've not had indoor birds for awhile. Thanks!!!

Dawn

So very true. My friend raises Cockatoo's and let me tell you. She has one named Sam and he's a little pain in the you know what. He screaches so loud you think your eardrums are going to burst. If you let him out he goes straight for the top of the cage. He's taller than you at that point. I finally caught on and grabbed a dining room chair. Stood up on it and said "now I betcha don't feel so big now do ya?" Needless to say, when I show up now he's quiet. HMMMMM....wish I had that same affect on my kids.

 

[SpottedCrow]

That's what I've heard too...never let the bird get higher than your heart.