One thing I want to highlight is that you understand that a good temperament doesn?t equal a cuddly bird - you didn?t ask or say anything about cuddliness but not do and I want to preempt that. Ekkies aren?t particularly cuddly or touchy/feely birds. They want their respectful space for the most part.
This is actually one of the reasons why I immediately ruled out a conure. LOL I'm fine with loving, but cuddling (especially too much) isn't something I want. I'm good with bouts of cuddling such as laying their head against my shoulder or chest, but if you know anything about the love languages, touch is actually my worst one. LOL I'm much more of a quality time kind of person. Just having someone or an animal physically present with me is what fills me up. Believe me, it's something I considered when looking at the various species.
And learn about hormones. I?ll spare you the dissertation, but do your research on eclectus hormones and hormonal management. You?ll thank me later.
This is something I have been learning a TON about. I have watched so many videos from the Bird Tricks YouTube channel and other various YouTubes about hormones, when to expect them, what to do when a bird is hormonal, how to try and distract them, and what things could bring on a hormonal episode. Like one of the biggest things I've taken away is to only really touch or pet your parrot on their head. Never rub their back. I told you I've been doing my research!
The beauty of adopting an adult bird is that you can see what their personality is really like, and not subject to huge changes due to puberty. Not all are affected so drastically, but it happens, and it can be heartbreaking when that sweet baby decides his person is someone other than you. Also, having the opportunity for the bird to choose you is wonderful. They're so much better at it than we are at choosing them.
I 100% agree! Especially with doing a rehome or rescue, you need to know that they are ok with you. It's why I would prefer to get one more locally so that it's possible to meet beforehand. I would hate to get one and they reject me and end up unhappy. I'm one of those that bonds more with animals than people, so making sure we are able to bond and work together is important.
When I met my first Ekkie, I had never even heard of them before, nor did I have any experience with a plucker. I researched for months (and had lots of visits) before I felt confident enough to bring him home. During that time, he had decidedly chosen me, and actually bit another person who was interested in him. They definitely make their preferences known.
That's another thing that I've been doing a lot of reading and video watching on because plucking can be caused by a number of issues. What got me really reading about it was seeing so many parrots online at rescues with their feathers gone because of the neglect and/or abuse. I also understand that other issues such as a bad diet can also cause that, but seeing so many pictures made me want to understand why.
I definitely don't take getting a bird lightly, just like I don't take getting a dog or cat lightly. If you adopt one, they become part of your family. I am very against people impulsively getting any kind of animal because of that. You need to know what you're getting into. Even with my dog that recently died, I waited to get her until I knew I could take care of her for her entire life. I got her at 8 weeks old and she went with me everywhere until she died at 16 years and 2 months old. You don't want to know how many $1000's upon $1000's upon $1000's I spent on that dog in just her last year of life, but she was my best friend and no amount of money was too much. When people warn about how expensive birds are to take care of, I laugh because of how much I know I'm willing to (and just did) spend on a best friend. LOL
