Ellie, my red-and-blue compatriot

[Soyajam]

Hi guys!

I'm a newbie (well, I've been lurking for a while but only just emerged)

I thought I'd pop up and introduce you to Ellie, my female eclectus. She comes home in a few weeks and I'm unbearably excited.

I can't wait to inundate you with excessive pictures.
But for now, here's two of her (she's about 10 weeks here)

 

[wenz2712]

and welcome to the forum.

Ellie is adorable.

 

[drlisaort]

Welcome Ellie! What a cutey she is!!!

 

[Pugtato]

Welcome to the forum Soyajam and Ellie!!!

 

[Peeker]

What a cutie patootie! Looking forward to hearing ll about her!

 

[Soyajam]

So today would have been the day I brought Ellie home... but earlier this week the breeder told me she still wants an evening feed.
(Apparently she had a friend who went home earlier and she became all sooky!)

She gave me the option to continue the evening feed but I opted to wait two weeks more, since I'm a first timer (and frankly I was paranoid about the whole "unweaned" thing). I figured in two weeks she'd either be fully on solids, or she'd be old enough that I could feed her once a night with success.

Do you guys reckon this is the right decision?

I'm going crazy that I have to wait two more weeks but Ellie's wellbeing is paramount, and I want to get it right!

 

[Peeker]

I think you made a good decision. If you're uncomfortable with the nighttime feed, it's better to wait. I bet it was a difficult decision to make when you are so excited waiting for your baby.

 

[Chikoo]

You made the right decision! I'm sure that was not easy, but yes, better safe than sorry. Always get a fully weaned bird, makes everyone's life easier, especially if you are new.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Aww welcome to the forum, Ellie looks beatiful, cant wait to see more of her

 

[Cowtown]

Welcome to the forum... Ellie is a cutie.... but I am prejudiced towards female Eckkies... You made the right decision to wait....

Abby and Solomon say Hi....

 

[drlisaort]

Yes, I agree you made the right decision. Oliver came home fully weaned and for the most part it's been totally a breeze.

 

[Soyajam]

Thanks for your comments guys, makes me feel much better. I think I'm going to go nuts with anticipation though!

Will just have to keep stalking the forum as an outlet for all that energy....

Will be building our own playstand though so perhaps I'll do a DIY on it

 

[RockysMom]

whats Ellie's hatch date? we are waiting on Candy our little girl to wean and fledge before she comes home and she was 10weeks old saturday

 

[Soyajam]

whats Ellie's hatch date? we are waiting on Candy our little girl to wean and fledge before she comes home and she was 10weeks old saturday

RockysMom, She was born at the end of november. So that will make her 16 weeks/ 4 months next week. She apparently went for solid food earlier than most - but she didn't want to let go of that last evening sooky feed.

But... good news! She came home today! She's been off her evening feed for a week and settled a lot so we brought her home.

I must say... no matter how much you research - it doesn't help feeling utterly terrified when they put them in your hands and say goodbye...
Despite my nervous hovering and "OMG IS THAT A SNEEZE DON'T DIE" - she's been a dream today, was quiet and relaxed on the long drive home, had some sprouts and a drink for dinner (piffed all the rest lol) and is now grinding and snoozy now the sun's gone down. A good start I think?

Please tell me I'm not the only one to be terrified the first day and think 'oh my god what have i done?'

(A note for Joshuwaaa, her bowl was nearly overflowing with food for dinner lol)

Oh. Photos, of course! Naturally once she's settled down the spam of photos will increase!

 

[HalfInsane]

She's beautiful .

And you're certainly not the only one to feel terrified! Even though prior to getting Pixel I'd grown up having birds, and despite spending two YEARS researching... When I got her home and in her cage I just looked at the foreign little ball of green and orange napping there and though "Oh my god what have I done, what am I doing... What if I screw this up and she drops dead and it's all my fault dear Aunt Jemima, Mother Mary and Joseph help me!!!"

But once you've had some time with her and she starts trusting you it, the nervousness will pass.

 

[sodakat]

Beautiful! Good job on the perches btw!

 

[Jtbirds]

Beautiful, and yea I really like the perches to.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

awww I'm so happy for you, hope your all well and having fun.

x

 

[Grinder]

I think it's good that you're worried. It shows you care. That being said, enjoy your new baby and take pride and joy knowing you're giving her a great new home. It sounds like you have a responsible breeder who will help you with questions and concerns and of course many members here will help you.

I wish you both the best and know that you're going to have a wonderful time together. Congrats!

And pictures upon pictures are always welcome here. She is beautiful.

 

[Soyajam]

Thanks guys! Perches came from the local rescue shop and she's already chewing the ends off them... haha

Thanks for the support RE the nervousness. I guess it's just amplified since we're both nervous together. There's plenty of time to work through it of course!