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Stitchthestitch

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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
Good morning!

I've been lurking on this forum for a couple of months now, whilst I've been researching parrot ownership.

A bit about myself:

I work as a pet stylist and I its the only job I've ever done. I grew up with all sorts of animals, cats, dogs,snakes,lizards,terantulas, scorpions, frogs rats to name a few species but I've never owned a bird.

I lost my Boston Terrier very suddenly on the 20th November 2019, I rushed him to the out of hours vet and he sadly passed away 4 hours later, he had fluid in his lungs. I miss him so so much.

I need a companion animal, my home with my husband is far far too quiet. I'm not ready for another dog. Every time I look a puppies, I feel like I'm replacing him. I know I'm not, nothing could ever replace him, but my heart hurts too much. I don't want a cat because they are too independent and I live very, very close to a major duel carriage way that also joins on to a motorway,and I would never forgive myself if my cat got knocked down because of where we live.

My husband suggested (jokingly) I should have a look a parrots (he hates to see me hurting as I am and will do anything to help) and as I started looking into the different species and their quirks,, their needs, their personalities, the more I started to think, yeah, actually, a parrot would fit with us.

So, we have jumped right in at the deep end and decided on an Eclectus. We are on the waiting list for one with a breeder about an hour or so away from us and he has been so incredibly helpful. The other breeders haven't so much as replied to my calls or emails. The bird in question will not be ready until mid June, early July, but that's OK, because that gives me plenty of time to get every thing ready for his/her forever home and to make their life as full and enriched as possible.

I look forward to learning more about these amazing, beautiful, sensitive creatures!
 
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Stitchthestitch

Stitchthestitch

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
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Basically, a fancy dog, cat, rabbit groomer. I do more than just a basic shave down. I work with both the pet and own to achieve a style that is both what the owner wants but is manageable for the owner to maintain at home ☺️

I also work with fearful animals and help work them through what ever scares them about the grooming process rather than force them through it. I will stop a groom when the pet has clearly had enough, even if it means sending it home half shaved and dripping wet.
 

saxguy64

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Cuckoo the BFA RIP
Good morning, and welcome! So sorry for the loss of your Boston. Amazing little dogs. We had one for a brief time that was given to us, but he didn't do well in our house with two other males. We gave him to a friend who was in need of a companion, as an only dog. We routinely hear how this dog saved the man's life. Poor guy was that depressed, and the Boston gave him something to live for. Happy ending there!

Just curious, what attributes of Ekkies draws you to them? I dearly love mine, but they have a completely different agenda from other species, and the specific dietary requirements can be a challenge. Please do your homework on the diet, it's really not negotiable without causing issues.

We look forward to hearing about your new family member when they arrive! And when the time comes, we love pictures here.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
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Stitchthestitch

Stitchthestitch

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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
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My Boston was an amazing boy. He was a failed stud dog as he refused any girl put with him. He was 18 months old when he came home. He had no clue what a collar and lead was, no idea how to play, terrified of every little thing, and he was not house broken... Worse than a puppy. 12 months later and a lot of hard work with positive reinforcement and clicker training, he became the best dog I ever knew. He was my best friend and a total snuggle bug. He helped me through some very difficult periods in my life.

Their diet doesn't phase me and I'm doing thorough research on their optimal diet. I won't be getting him/her until I'm confident I can provide what he she needs.

I'm very drawn to their independence and how they can keep themselves occupied when needed, along with them being a quieter bird (I do understand that that's a generalisation and that there will always be exceptions to the rule) . They are also my favorite bird. They are incredibly smart and they can (if trained) talk if they so wish (not my reason for purchase, although it would be fantastic if it did learn to chatter away.) they can be very sweet when they want to be or they can be little monsters when they choose. They appeal to me far more than the other birds I've looked at - by which I mean traits and characteristics, not colour or speaking ability.

I'm wanting a sweet companion bird that I can spend time with, that I can train and build up a meaningful relationship with, and not have it kept on a cage as a pretty living ornament. We have a very chill and quiet home as it's only myself and my husband.
 

saxguy64

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Patches the Grand Eclectus, my best friend. RIP
Cuckoo the BFA RIP
Sounds like you're doing a great job in preparing yourself. Fantastic! Simple thing to bear in mind, follow the bird's lead, meaning, they may or may not like your choices of foods, toys, whatever. Mine for example, except for an occasional green bean or nibble of broccoli, pretty much thumbs his nose at anything green right now. While he wouldn't touch butternut squash before, now it's his favorite thing to eat. (Other than an almond I guess) So... their preferences are kind of a moving target, just like us :) Believe me, they let you know likes and dislikes.

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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.
Welcome aboard, thanks so much for joining. My deepest condolences for the loss of your Boston Terrier.

Eclectus are wonderful companions, strikingly beautiful and enigmatic. A wealth of knowledge awaits in the Eclectus Forum, some scattered about the Parrot Food Recipes and Diet section. An excellent introductory link: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html
 
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Stitchthestitch

Stitchthestitch

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
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I am not afraid of hard work and following an animals lead in doing something with them.

I am certainly not stupid enough just jus go out a buy a bird just because its cute and pretty. I see that happen all too often as a groomer where people go out, buy a cute fluffy puppy with no idea about its care and up keep. I have never gone out a bought a pet on a whim and I never will. As I've said, I'm not planning on getting him/her until mid June at the earliest.

Before I looked at parrots, I was looking at chameleons for a pet (I adore chameleons) but when I contacted the local exotics vet, they told me their herp specialist had left and the nearest is an hours drive away. I don't drive and it would take 4 hours on public transport as no taxi would take a reptile. I don't drive sobfirbthatvreason I'm not getting a reptile.

@Scott, I've already read that link �� and thank you for your condolences.
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
My Boston was an amazing boy. He was a failed stud dog as he refused any girl put with him. He was 18 months old when he came home. He had no clue what a collar and lead was, no idea how to play, terrified of every little thing, and he was not house broken... Worse than a puppy. 12 months later and a lot of hard work with positive reinforcement and clicker training, he became the best dog I ever knew. He was my best friend and a total snuggle bug. He helped me through some very difficult periods in my life.

Their diet doesn't phase me and I'm doing thorough research on their optimal diet. I won't be getting him/her until I'm confident I can provide what he she needs.

I'm very drawn to their independence and how they can keep themselves occupied when needed, along with them being a quieter bird (I do understand that that's a generalisation and that there will always be exceptions to the rule) . They are also my favorite bird. They are incredibly smart and they can (if trained) talk if they so wish (not my reason for purchase, although it would be fantastic if it did learn to chatter away.) they can be very sweet when they want to be or they can be little monsters when they choose. They appeal to me far more than the other birds I've looked at - by which I mean traits and characteristics, not colour or speaking ability.

I'm wanting a sweet companion bird that I can spend time with, that I can train and build up a meaningful relationship with, and not have it kept on a cage as a pretty living ornament. We have a very chill and quiet home as it's only myself and my husband.

I am sorry about your dog. That is always so hard.
Thank you for researching before jumping into parrot ownership. It is such a complicated commitment and it is very important that you are prepared ahead of time.

Birds are far more difficult to care for than a dog or cat and all birds have extreme respiratory sensitivities which will require you to revamp the way you cook, clean and furnish your home (no scented products, no standard cleaners, no Teflon/PTFE/PFOA/PFCs, no candles of any kind, no aerosols, no air freshener...the list goes on).

They also have to have bedtimes and meal-times which may not seem like a huge deal until you have to come home from work late.
Although ekkies tend to be more independent than some birds, birds in general are not very independent. They are socially needy by nature and prone to neurotic behaviors when people cannot meet their needs.

I will try to post some links.

For now--- the speech that I was going to copy and paste to you can be found on this thread--- if you scroll down, you will see 2 massive posts by me and these discuss the teflon/care issues that every new bird owner must consider. Please read it even though it is long! The 3rd and 4th replies of mine are the ones I am referring to on the following thread:
http://www.parrotforums.com/questio...t-getting-eclectus-african-grey-parrot-2.html

I will try to grab some other links as well.

Another thing to consider is your proximity to an avian certified vet (not just an exotics vet that sees birds). There is a WORLD of difference between the two, and many of us drive more than a few hours to see a vet who specializes in birds specifically. This is very important--- they hide illness like crazy, so you must have a good specialist (especially as a first-time owner). Dogs/cats will act sick when they have issues, but birds have died without ever showing symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they are often EXTREMELY subtle and they must be addressed immediately because once they show, it can be an emergency situation (even if they don't seem that sick). They are really fragile in general--- that is one of the hardest things for me about owning one.
 
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Stitchthestitch

Stitchthestitch

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
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Thank you for your response, noodles123, I appreciate it.

The surgery I will be attending is an exotics practice and they have vets who are certified in their chosen species, so I have a certified avian vet at the practice which is 10 minutes away from home. They were recommend to my by a vet nurse who owns an African grey (not sure which though) as she uses them for her bird.

We both have very regular shifts, I work Monday - Friday 9-5 hubby is the same except 8-4 so even if I run over hubby is home before I am, so morning and evening routine will be very consistent.

We don't use fragrances as hubby is very sensitive to them and I cannot stand artifical fragrances or essential oils, or scented candles, and I'm in the process of upgrading my cook wear so it gives me a perfect excuse to buy cast iron! I'll be tossing out anything that's non stick along with replacing my iron and hair dryer.

Cleaning wise, I already use a vet grade disinfectant so I'll switch it up to a bird safe one and I typically use vinegar or lemon juice diluted with water. and bicarb for general cleaning.

I love that want and need social interaction and we are fully prepared to give it to the bird, I just like that they are typically not as needy as a cockatoo (I know it's based on individual birds and there are always exceptions to the rule)
 

GaleriaGila

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I'm so happy to hear that you are moving along with such dedication and energy. You are doing it RIGHT! Researching, reaching out... this will be a lucky bird!

I look forward to following your new adventure, and I wish you a wonderful journey. I'm glad you found us.

9lhIlM0.jpg
 
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Stitchthestitch

Stitchthestitch

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Feb 9, 2020
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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
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Research is something I enjoy doing, the bird has just given me a new subject to look into!

I'm really excited (i know it's months away yet) and I want to be as prepared as possible to give them the best possible start with me.
 

saxguy64

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Avery the CAG
Patches the Grand Eclectus, my best friend. RIP
Cuckoo the BFA RIP
We're excited for you too! When the time comes, you'll be an excellent parront for a lucky birdie. :)

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Stitchthestitch

Stitchthestitch

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
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Albie - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure - Hatch date 14 Dec 2019 - Gotcha date - 4 March 2020
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Thank you its really appreciated
 

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