Hi all
Am a prospective Ekkie owner (not looking at getting one till march next year) and needs LOTS of advice because I have never owned a bird before.
I have been doing lots of reading about parrots and have settled on a baby male ekkie – bought from a breeder. I understand that these birds take a LOT of time, attention and care and that is why I have settled on one! I want a bird I can bond with and an interactive pet that challenges me and loves me. Have always had dogs (goldies and labs) and cannot at the moment as I rent a house and work full-time/study part-time so am rather busy.
Lots of questions – just going to throw them out here:
1. Where to buy a bird in australia? Specifically melbourne, victoria. Does anyone have a breeder to recommend? Happy to pay $$ for a well so******ed, hand reared baby!
2. Parrots and CATS. My housemate has a cat and I cannot stand the thing (cough – just had to get that out there). I am very keen to ensure mr ekkie is kept safe from the cat. I am thinking two cages for Mr ekkie – one large in my bedroom + another smaller one in the living area + perches. Supervised flying around the house and I will ensure the cat is outside before Mr Ek is allowed out. Is it practical to expect him to be happy in my bedroom? Or should I be looking to get a smaller cage in there so he can sleep in there and a large cage in the living room for him to be in while the cat is outside?
3. Cage placement – I understand they need large cages with playtops. What is the best location to place a cage in? Light? Sun? Do they need large quantities of sun and to be outdoors?
4. Wing clipping – I assume this is as contentious as tail docking (for certain dog breeds) but if I am able to get wings clipped does that mean I can take him walkabouts on my shoulder? Otherwise I can see myself carrying a bird cage everywhere sigh...
5. Attention – how much? I work 4 days a week and have study but am home a fair bit and happy to hang out with Mr Ek. Can give him 45 min or so in the am + hours at night – is that enough? What about during the day? I don’t want him to get bored or destructive!
I am sure I will think of more later – so excited!! Many thansk J
A
Am a prospective Ekkie owner (not looking at getting one till march next year) and needs LOTS of advice because I have never owned a bird before.
I have been doing lots of reading about parrots and have settled on a baby male ekkie – bought from a breeder. I understand that these birds take a LOT of time, attention and care and that is why I have settled on one! I want a bird I can bond with and an interactive pet that challenges me and loves me. Have always had dogs (goldies and labs) and cannot at the moment as I rent a house and work full-time/study part-time so am rather busy.
Lots of questions – just going to throw them out here:
1. Where to buy a bird in australia? Specifically melbourne, victoria. Does anyone have a breeder to recommend? Happy to pay $$ for a well so******ed, hand reared baby!
2. Parrots and CATS. My housemate has a cat and I cannot stand the thing (cough – just had to get that out there). I am very keen to ensure mr ekkie is kept safe from the cat. I am thinking two cages for Mr ekkie – one large in my bedroom + another smaller one in the living area + perches. Supervised flying around the house and I will ensure the cat is outside before Mr Ek is allowed out. Is it practical to expect him to be happy in my bedroom? Or should I be looking to get a smaller cage in there so he can sleep in there and a large cage in the living room for him to be in while the cat is outside?
3. Cage placement – I understand they need large cages with playtops. What is the best location to place a cage in? Light? Sun? Do they need large quantities of sun and to be outdoors?
4. Wing clipping – I assume this is as contentious as tail docking (for certain dog breeds) but if I am able to get wings clipped does that mean I can take him walkabouts on my shoulder? Otherwise I can see myself carrying a bird cage everywhere sigh...
5. Attention – how much? I work 4 days a week and have study but am home a fair bit and happy to hang out with Mr Ek. Can give him 45 min or so in the am + hours at night – is that enough? What about during the day? I don’t want him to get bored or destructive!
I am sure I will think of more later – so excited!! Many thansk J
A