Ekkie's disposition

AMArenson · Apr 28, 2014

I've heard that ekkies don't like to be pet in the past and my Merlin is no different. He will tolerate me touching his wings lightly but will mouth my fingers (and my husbands) if we try to touch his head, chest or really anywhere else. Is this just a normal thing for this species or do we have an especially touchy bird?
:green2:

Sterling1113 · Apr 28, 2014

It depends on the bird. Some members have ekkies that are really hands-off, and allow minimal touching. That doesn't mean they'll bite a finger off if you touch them, they just prefer not to be touched. Their feathers are quite different, and easily roughed than other birds.
I know at least one member here has ekkies that will cuddle! Maybe not like a cockatoo or macaw but still. Loving the interaction. Yours sounds about "normal" for an ekkie. Not too much against touching, but not a cuddle bug.

Pinkbirdy · Apr 28, 2014

Im newer to Ekkies ,But mine [their male ] Like hugs ,kisses on the top of their beak and pet on the nape of the neck.

Tate · Apr 28, 2014

Depends on the mood of my boy as to how much touching is allowed. He will generally tolerate tickles on his chest and loves kisses on his beak. He doesnt usually allow me to touch him on the head/back of neck unless he's super relaxed and then he lets me ruff up his neck/head as much as i like. Normally will just grab a finger when i get to a no touch zone and push me away gently

Sunshine1313 · Apr 28, 2014

My FreeFall is exactly the same. It's just kind of a species trait. They're more hands off.

MikeyTN · Apr 28, 2014

Both of my ekkies will allow me to pet and touch them anywhere. It just depends on how you train them! My breeder friend's ekkies allows her to pet them and touch them as well. It can be done!!!! When I first got my pair, JoJo was the one that needed a lot of training and reassurance but he came out to be a wonderful bird.

rbreck · Apr 28, 2014

Maui will allow me to lay him on his back and kiss under wings, neck... Loves feet and legs touched. Loves kisses in general. I am careful for the first chomp on my nose! He also allows me to tape his head. I hold his beak lightly and run my fingers over is eyes. (This was training for his harness).

With this said, I worked with him every day.

He is not a cuddle bug, but he likes any attention anyone will give him.

MikeyTN · Apr 28, 2014

You should watch some YouTube videos on what some of the ekkies will do and you'd be quite surprised! I watched the one that was doing all kinds of tricks and it was quite intriguing.

Ollie13 · Apr 29, 2014

My Ollie at almost 6 months likes being cuddled and kissed and especially neck and head massages. I can tickle under his wings and he lets me touch his beak and feet. I don't know if he will change as he matures but for now he isn't a hands off bird which I'm pleased about he's way too cute to not be touched hehe :green:

Damsyl · May 11, 2014

My female Ekkie is a lover to me. She allows me to pet her on her head, stomach and will allow me to hold her close. Weird for an Ekkie I hear but I think her previous owner who passed away last year worked really hard to make her lovable. She really loves to be held and touched.

Ollie13 · May 12, 2014

@Damsy! Oh that's too cute that's nice hearing your girl loves the affection

Ollie13 · May 12, 2014

@Damsy! How old is your girl? Just curious as I wouldn't mind my boy to change he loves to be touched

Caesar · May 12, 2014

I had that problem . My Eckie wouldn't let me touch his back.
So every day at about 2pm I took him to my room turned only the lamp on, laid on my back with a sheet to start off with . I had Caesar on my stomach and mad the sheet part of a game by brushing it over my head and down over his back. "Weeeeeee!!!! WEeeeeeeee!!!.... and increasing the pressure over a week with the sheet.
Than I up graded to a light but heaver travel blanket .Repeating the process.
witch made it easy to get him to wear the flyt harness....."Weeeeeeee and his head was in.... etc.
try this it might work.
Cheers :green1:

drlisaort · May 17, 2014

Oliver is very good about most touching but I do give him plenty of space to ensure he is independent and can entertain himself when I'm not around. I would not say he is a hugger but wants to be as close to me as possible. Right now he's parked next to me on his play stand and is quite busy preening...

Ekkie's disposition

AMArenson

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Sterling1113

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Pinkbirdy

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Tate

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Sunshine1313

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MikeyTN

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rbreck

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MikeyTN

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Ollie13

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Damsyl

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