Eclectus Body Language for a newbie!

Cormorant

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Apr 17, 2017
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I recently began living with some friends who have a female and male Eclectus. Both are rescue birds from someone who purchased them for breeding only to discover they hated each other. Long story short, the female has decided that she dislikes her caretaker so when I moved in and she liked me, I was encouraged to spend time with her.

She is a mild feather plucker, most of the purple feathers on her breast are gone. Unlike their other birds I really can't read her at all. She seems interested when I come into her room and climbs onto my hand if I open the door. But she doesn't make any noise that I've ever heard but a cluck from time to time. She's never bitten me but enjoys grabbing my finger and mouthing it, sometimes trying to pull it along with her. Besides that she pretty much just sits there, not interacting much. She has a nestbox on the floor of her cage and will scratch in it furiously.

Her physical needs are well cared for by her caretaker but I'd love to be able to help her socially but I don't even know if she sees me as anything other than a differently located perch. Help?
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Thanks for being a person of refuge for that female eclectus! My experience is they are difficult to pair, and my couple hated each other to the point they were separated for life. I have also found them to be very stoic at times, making them more difficult to "read" than amazons or cockatoos. But they are really sweet birds once bonded, and are capable of much affection with excellent talking ability.

If the pair are separated, the female does not "need" the nest box for breeding. In fact, her mood and behavior will likely greatly improve if the box were removed! Maintaining a next box will increase hormonal and aggressive behaviors, so a change may benefit all.
 
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Cormorant

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This pair is also separated. The male is highly interactive, chirping, squawking, and whistling at people that enter their room. He bows his head for scritches (Though he's not interested in me otherwise.) I can figure out his, the grays, and the cockatoo' s emotions fine but Ruby is a mystery. She's active and will climb around her cage, particularly if I'm on the other side and she wants attention.

What I don't get is the mouthing. I imagine she's probably a sensitive bird and that's part of her subdued behavior, plucking, and general quietness but I'm not sure how to make her more comfortable. I'll talk to her owner about removing the best box and see of that helps.
 

SailBoat

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This pair is also separated. The male is highly interactive, chirping, squawking, and whistling at people that enter their room. He bows his head for scritches (Though he's not interested in me otherwise.) I can figure out his, the grays, and the cockatoo' s emotions fine but Ruby is a mystery. She's active and will climb around her cage, particularly if I'm on the other side and she wants attention.

What I don't get is the mouthing. I imagine she's probably a sensitive bird and that's part of her subdued behavior, plucking, and general quietness but I'm not sure how to make her more comfortable. I'll talk to her owner about removing the best box and see of that helps.

Having a Parrot Choose You is a wonderful thing!

It is very possible to pick-up on her subdued interactions by paying very close attention to her. Believe that she is trying to communicate with you and that you just need to far more open to her Body Language. Watch for how she holds her head and when. When she is high on her legs or nearly sitting. Wings held tight to her body and slightly open.

Try reading to her and watch her reactions. Read Threads from the Eclectus Forum that interest you.

You are starting from a 'Good Place' since most Humans are being used a bite tools and not like the kind mouthing that you are receiving. Make small movements and trials with contact. If she pulls away, Stop and try that again at a later time.

Believe that she is communicating in very tiny movements that you need to be watchful for and of!

Have fun learning!!! Enjoy!
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Female Eckies tend to be the more aggressive of the two. The males are actually hard wired to serve the females (in exchange for sex of course.)

I've fostered both males and females... and my (coincidentally) female foster also named Ruby NEVER gave warnings. She just reacted... I DON'T LIKE THAT!!! Eckies are not known to be the most touchie feelie of birds, mine was, but was selective about who she let touch... much more like a CAG in that respect. The bird sets boundaries with you, and you have to gradually expand them... They do better when introduced to new things. And just like a CAG that bird has a beak like a scissors...

My female eckie was actually quite the comedian, and she made this "airhorn" noise, which she used with great comedic timing. She was a sweet sensitive soul of a bird...

My guess is this will resolve itself in time, as you and this one become more comfortable, and set in to a daily routine...

THAT is why I like amazons and macaws, because one look and you know what they're going to do before they do it.

Eckies and toos? NOTSOMUCH...
 
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Cormorant

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I'll give it a try tonight. I'll see if I can let her sit with me while I'm doing other stuff. So far I've only been interacting with her for short bits while in the bird room. Maybe if I take her into my room and give her space and time to hang out with me while I draw I'll be able to observe her more.
 

Birdman666

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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
I'd wear protection/padding under a long sleeved shirt, or stick train, just in case... an eckie bite can easily be 3-4 stitches.

I used to wrap a dish towel around my arm, wrap that in an ace bandage, and put a long sleeved shirt over that when working with Eckies that bite. That way they didn't know it was there, and if they decided to nail me with no warning... they got a beak full of towel, I didn't flinch, and then they were on the floor wondering what happened... "THAT DID NOT GO AS PLANNED."
 

coopedup

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I think Ruby mouthing you is a good thing. My rescue boy is quick to grab my finger and throw it away if Im doing something he doesnt like, but when he gently grabs and holds, this is his way of "holding hands", it's a sign of affection and contentment, at least in our situation. It doesnt happen often, but it's heartwarming when he does because he isnt a very cuddly bird so any type of prolonged touching is a win for me. It's nice that she's seeking you out and I agree, get rid of the nesting box, it serves no purpose if you arent activelly breeding and it causes more issues than not.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Forgot to comment on the finger-holding. My female ekkie would gently grab a finger and rhythmically move her beak back and forth. Definitely an endearing gesture!
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
I think Ruby mouthing you is a good thing. My rescue boy is quick to grab my finger and throw it away if Im doing something he doesnt like, but when he gently grabs and holds, this is his way of "holding hands", it's a sign of affection and contentment, at least in our situation. It doesnt happen often, but it's heartwarming when he does because he isnt a very cuddly bird so any type of prolonged touching is a win for me. It's nice that she's seeking you out and I agree, get rid of the nesting box, it serves no purpose if you arent activelly breeding and it causes more issues than not.

Mouthing is different. Mouthing is good. Exploring you with a beak, and communicating gently with a beak is way different than the "forceful" I don't like that I was picturing. I thought the bird was just turning and biting without warning... Maybe I didn't get it.
 
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Cormorant

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It's definitely not an aggressive gesture. She's very gentle. I'll take it as a sign of affection then. Thanks, all. I'll try these tips and keep you posted. I'd like to make sure she gets as much attention and interaction as the other birds. Her caretaker suggested the possibility of me adopting her, so we'll see how things go.
 

Anansi

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Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
Any updates? Did you eventually take her?

Ekkie body language definitely tends to be more subtle than other parrots, but once you get to know them you get more sensitive to what is happening with them. Their indicators are just a whole lot more specific to the individual. For instance, if Jolly beaks my fingers a lot I know it is a show of affection. If Maya does an occasional beaking, it can be seen in the same light. Buuuuuuuut.... if she does it with a similar frequency to what would be playful bearing with Jolly, it means that she's been trying to tell you something that you've missed. You can keep "ignoring" her at your peril! Lol!
 

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