New Baby!

bagiara · Sep 28, 2014

I just got a new parrot, Baby the male Eclectus parrot. He was given to me by a couple who just didn't have time for him anymore. He is 5 years old, and loves to laugh and hoot like an owl.

He is my first parrot. Unfortunately I am allergic to other parrots (Especially cockatoos, they send me into asthma attacks almost instantly), but luckily I don't seem to be effected by him which is fantastic to me because I love birds so much.

Of course I read up a lot on the breed before I even considered getting one, and even bought a book all about them called 'The Ultimate Guide to Eclectus Parrots', so I have been chipping away at that too.

I wanted to ask though, what is the best way to bond with your new bird? I have read on some places that you need to stimulate them as much as possible to let them know what they are going to be seeing everyday. On the other hand, I have also read that you should let them chill and settle down for a bit before doing that. I'm not sure which one to do, I don't want to freak him out but I also don't want to not spend time with him either. What do you guys think is the best idea?

Here he is:

LeaKP · Sep 28, 2014

He is beautiful! I don't know much about this species but admire them! I am sure you will find help in this forum.

bagiara · Sep 28, 2014

Thank you! I am sure I will too, I've admittedly been stalking this forum for a while cx

Selestine · Sep 28, 2014

What a cutie.

You will have to take your cues from him as to what you should do. Eclectus who are unsure or frightened tend to be very still and quiet. If that is how he is acting, I would be sure to keep everything very, very low key right now. Good low key activities are things like sitting near the cage and reading a book, talking or singing softly..

If he is moving about the cage but still seeming wary, try offering some treats through the bars.

If he's moving around all over or seems to be seeking your attention (chattering to you, moving to the side of the cage you a near, crouching down low and quivering at you), try opening the door and seeing if he comes out to explore.

I think in his first few days, it will be best to take things slowly. If he wants to come out, that's great! Just be sure to treat him carefully and slowly, because you are still working on building his trust in you and you don't want to damage it before it has had a change to settle!

Once he is more sure of you and knows that you are a place of safety is a great time to start introducing him to stimuli so that he isn't a fraidy-bird.

Edited to add: I think eclectus are the biggest pigs in the entire animal world. The way to their hearts is DEFINITELY through their stomachs.

Allee · Sep 28, 2014

What a gorgeous Ekkie. Beautiful feather condition. What is your boy's name?

bagiara · Sep 28, 2014

Selestine said:
What a cutie.

You will have to take your cues from him as to what you should do. Eclectus who are unsure or frightened tend to be very still and quiet. If that is how he is acting, I would be sure to keep everything very, very low key right now. Good low key activities are things like sitting near the cage and reading a book, talking or singing softly..

If he is moving about the cage but still seeming wary, try offering some treats through the bars.

If he's moving around all over or seems to be seeking your attention (chattering to you, moving to the side of the cage you a near, crouching down low and quivering at you), try opening the door and seeing if he comes out to explore.

I think in his first few days, it will be best to take things slowly. If he wants to come out, that's great! Just be sure to treat him carefully and slowly, because you are still working on building his trust in you and you don't want to damage it before it has had a change to settle!

Once he is more sure of you and knows that you are a place of safety is a great time to start introducing him to stimuli so that he isn't a fraidy-bird.

Edited to add: I think eclectus are the biggest pigs in the entire animal world. The way to their hearts is DEFINITELY through their stomachs.

Thank you so much!
He seems to want to explore more than anything right now, I opened his cadge and he waddled right out.

He is still wary of me, but has warmed right up to my rabbit, Artemis. He is sitting on his cadge and dropping food down for him. It is actually very adorable. The rabbit certainly doesn't mind the extra food.

He takes food from my hand, so I think that is a good sign. Not interested in stepping up though. I'll let him come to me at his own pace. Thank you again for the advice!

bagiara · Sep 28, 2014

His previous owners called him Baby, I'm probably just going to stick with that!

weco · Sep 28, 2014

Congrats on your new feathered friend.....if you feed your rabbit pellets, you might want to check the ingredients for the rabbit pellets as some pellets contain more salt/spdium than is good for birds, so you might want to be sure Baby doesn't mooch from his new friend's bowl.....

Terry57 · Sep 29, 2014

Baby is beautiful and looks like a sweetheart

I bet he will be warming up to you in no time at all.
Looking forward to more pics and updates as well, and I am so glad you joined us

bagiara · Sep 29, 2014

Thank you for all the kind words!

weco
I looked into them, they seem to be alright. I'm not worried about Baby getting into them though, Artemis only gets 1/4 of a cup a day, so when he gets them he vacuums it right up. He is a total junkie for them!

Terry57
Thank you so much! I am glad I joined too, I was a little worried this morning since he didn't want anything to do with me. But this evening he was ecstatic to step up for me.

I'm thinking of making a different thread to journal how the bonding process is going, do you think that could be a good idea?

Beckyymayy · Sep 30, 2014

He is a very beautiful boy !

Boysmom · Sep 30, 2014

What A beautiful boy, he will bring you many years of joy ! Ekkies are very special birds and yes they are piggy eaters. I don't put anything in my mouth that Ruby doesn't have to have a bite of first. The healthy appetite makes training easy, as my girl will take treats for tricks all day. My bank drive thru keeps almonds for Ruby, she will sit on the steering wheel and dance and say " pretty please " and she gets her almond and tons of attention.

New Baby!

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