Hi all,
I have a question or two, and maybe you might be able to give me some pointers.

I have had Blondie and Dagwood for about six weeks now, and it's been slow going. When I got them, they were not socialized! They had no idea what a perch was for, or what toys were for, but it didn't take them long to figure that all out,LOL! I've been using a perch to teach them to step up, and it seems to work ok, but I'm wanting them to step up onto my finger. Of course, I've had them sitting on my arm once or twice, but I've also received some nasty bites too! So, I guess what I'm asking for is.......HELP!!!!

nutzybirdlady

I don't have any experience with Ringnecks, but it sounds like you are making good progress if you have them already stepping up onto perches. Six weeks isn't that long of a time in the big picture, and if they were not previously socialized at all it may take quite some time for them to be comfortable in other aspects of interacting with you (such as stepping up). I say keep reinforcing the perch training - positive reinforcement using lots of verbal praise and you can use treats as well. I think they are still learning the ropes of their new home, learning that things like toys are fun, and learning that you mean them no harm. The bites you received on your arm when they stepped onto your arm may have been a warning sign to you saying, "I'm not quite comfortable yet!"

Thank You so very, very much!!! I was begining to think I was failing them some how! You've been such a great help!

Judy

Judy, hang in there. I agree with Sarah, you've made remarkable progress in a short period of time. As they bond with you and learn trust you will see more improvement each day.

I have a bird that will be with me two years this Sunday and I still see the baby steps he makes toward a more fulfilling life each day.

I agree with Sarah. You've done very well so far. Give lots of praise and be patient with them.

You have done well. A way to avoid those test bites a little is to have your arm on a flat surface when you ask them to step up. They sometimes seem to be testing the strength of what they need to perch on. They have to test if your arm is strong enough to take the weight. I have found it easier to teach a bigger bird to step onto a hand or arm rather than a finger.

I see others who have not kept Ringnecks have posted. Well here is someone who keeps 20 of them! I love Alexandrines, and want to get into them myself one of these days.

Most ringnecks are gregarious creatures and want to get to know others. Six weeks is a short time to have gotten where you have! Be proud of that in the very least. I have a ringneck who still won't, after 6 years of having her, let me pick her up. I accept her for what she is and move on.

Most Alexes and Ringnecks, from what I have heard, are not cuddly. They want to hang out and be with you just not touched. As for the bites, try using Aloe Vera gel (straight from the plant if you can get it) to soothe the pain. Sorry, bites happen all the time, you do keep parrots

Whoops, sorry 2horse. I didn't mean to exclude you from the post above, as I see that you do keep ringnecks