9 month old Ekkies- Male and Female

sophee24 · Jan 19, 2008

Ok gang we are about to purchase two 9 mos old baby ekkies. The breeder said he hand fed them then just didn't have time for them that's why he is selling them. He said at one time they knew the command "step-up" but have since forgotten it. He said they need work to regain trust with humans. Does anyone know if they are young enough to be trainable?

Thanks in adv!
Beth

Redballoon · Jan 19, 2008

I am not an expert, but I find all birds trainable from the time they open their eyes. Just learning to be fed and to cope with humans is training.
The more time you spend with them, the more fun they will bring to your life.
Keep an eye on this thread for a more expert view.

sophee24 · Jan 20, 2008

I have been lurking for awhile, my girfriend had been dying for an eclectus for months now and by chance I found these 2 babies. I only wanted one- the male- but he said take them b oth and the cage. He said they are too much for him to handle right now so we agreed on the male and female. So...NOW we will have 2 VOS ekkies,2 CAG's and handicapped Goffin Cockatoo- A dot a cat and a mouse. WOW I hope we aren't in over out heads here.

I have read wonderful things about this species so I think they will fit in just fine. Thing is now she has her baby I want an amazon in the worst way. Talking about becoming the "bird ladies" LOL. I can't help it i LOVE my parrots!

JoT · Jan 20, 2008

Aww ,I can't wait to see pics of them.

They are beautiful birds. I have no experience with them, but a nine month old bird is still a baby. Definitely not too old to train. Although I agree we are never to old to learn,man or bird.:03:

TexDot33 · Jan 21, 2008

[email protected] said:
... He said at one time they knew the command "step-up" but have since forgotten it ...

*sniff, sniff* What's that I smell, oh it's CRAP! Once a bird learns a command they don't "forget" it ... they were never trained ... they have been left in a cage for too long, probably never handled ... they are never too "old" to learn something ... luckily you are getting to these two birds before there is any significant health damage ... get them checked out by an Avian vet and then start giving them some love, and training!

Tracy842 · Jan 22, 2008

I agree with Tex. Birds as we all know are very smart and they would not forget a command like Step Up especially in such a short time as 9 months. Don't worry about training, you can "teach an old dog new tricks". I have a 30 year old Amazon and she has learned new things just took a little longer.
Will you be housing these 2 seperatly?

sophee24 · Jan 24, 2008

Well they have been caged togather since they were months old so I suppose until they get used to us and our environment they will stay together. Is that ok?

TexDot33 · Jan 25, 2008

well, yeah, it's ok, sort of ~ they are likely bonded to each other, will be tough to work yourself into their lives ...

sophee24 · Jan 26, 2008

Well we picked upi the babies today. When the guy said they "used to know strp up" I think he is full of crap. These birds are SCARED of hands period. Very skittish. Well we have them is different cages and they seem calmer but still do not want us touching them. Any chance they will ever be tame? I'm bervous they we may have gotten ourselves in too deep here.

TexDot33 · Jan 26, 2008

The good news, YES! They will get used to you and your hands ... how long it will take, however, is the question. Give them time to adjust to their new surroundings, two/three days or so and let them get used to the flow of the household.

I was just reading that the time period from just after weaning (6 months or so) to a year-old or so is the most impressionable time in a young parrot's life. The really good news, you still have 3 months to turn these guys around and I bet that with some TLC, a great diet and a little understanding you will be able to rehab these little guys to be great companions for you!

P.S. By the way ~

sophee24 · Jan 26, 2008

Thanks Tex ya gave us some hope!!
I will have pics for you tomorrow. They are STUNNING!

mcopher · Jan 27, 2008

Don't sell yourself short. I bet you guys will have these two babies turned around in no time at all. Just think how scared they are with the conditions they have been in for the last 9 months. Poor babies. I am still struggling with a 4 yr old grey. I have had her 17 months. AND SHE STILL BITES. Even chewed up my new handpainted flag photo I paid lots of money for

wasn't her fault I left her to cage to close to the wall. I still love her. You have already helped these two out tremendously. You deserve a pat on the back.

sophee24 · Jan 27, 2008

Thanks so much for the encouragement. They are such sweet babies ...I wanna squeez 'em! LOL not going to try that yet. We are slowly trying to get them used to our hands..they will take food from us so that's a good step in the right direction. They are really beautiful birds. I undersstand about your Grey-we have a Grey like that as well but he has really come around a lot for us. I thnk there really is no such thing as punishing a parrot because they really are only doing what comes natural to them..Ya know?

mcopher · Jan 27, 2008

Yep! Mine even took a huge chunk of my 17 month old finger. Although we had him barracaded in the bedroom, we hadn't thought enough to put the plexiglass around the bottom.......of course until something happens. I honestly think the baby had been in there a total of a few moments, just long enuff to bang on the cage and look at that crazy thing flap its wings. Which is quite amusing to a baby and the grey didn't like it at all. And bam! She nailed him. I didn't punish her at all.....it was totally my fault. And the baby still loves her after being bit again.

d2page2 · Feb 22, 2012

I just got a 7 year old female eckie. She was terrified of or hand a week ago. Yesturday she let me pick her up. It is just going to take time. Good luck

Caesar · Oct 26, 2013

Hi
Yes the Ekkies would be able to be retrained.
I'm not sure if you r familiar with the "Command, Click, reward'" process. Its based around the bird associating the" 'Click': of a clicker which can you can buy at a most pet stores, to a yummy treat.
So say you wanted your bird to step up give the command if he dose it click your clicker and reward him straight away.
Also to get the bird familiar with this process at random times of the day . Click and give them a treat .
Try that approach it works for me

d2page2 · Oct 26, 2013

She's good now. We spend cuddle time every day now. She has become very sweet to me. Still doesn't like most people. But she had a real rough start in life. She totally trust me now.

drlisaort · Oct 27, 2013

Oh how fun for both of you! Your post made me laugh--the part about becoming "bird ladies" as I think I'm being accused of just that! As for your new babies, it looks like you have great bird experience as it stands with the crew you already share space with--so I think it will be easier than you think. Also, I'm a bit prejudice with the Eclectus species, I think they are the most amazing, amazing feathered companion(s)!

I'd start the bonding process by hand feeding them little treats from a long spoon until your comfortable then from your hand without touching or holding them. It seems Eclectus are quite motivated by food! In time they will relate to you as the nice girls who bring goodies.

I look forward to hear your updates!

Lisa

d2page2 · Oct 27, 2013

Great idea! My new boy does not trust me. I have trouble just changing his water. He was hatched in the middle of July. I got him a week ago. He watches me with the others but still bite if I get close to him. I know it will take time. I just wish he could hurry up and realize I love him and will be good to him.

9 month old Ekkies- Male and Female

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Looking for a Eclectus Breeder in Washington

Pics of the new babies! Male & Female ekkies!

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