- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,211
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
HAPPY 5TH HATCHDAY, LADY MAYA!!!
While I'm not certain of my Red and purple Diva's exact birthdate, as she was a rehome, by doing the math from her former parront's posts I calculated that she was born somewhere around the end of February, 2013. And she became a part of our household September 1, 2014. So we usually celebrate her hatchday on February 28th.
Unfortunately for her, this is close to one of my son's birthdays, which falls on the 24th. So this year we got so carried away that we completely forgot to celebrate hers! D'oh!
Anyhow, I just want to wish my beautiful Maya a very happy hatchday! Almost four years ago, one of the members here (BreakinNewz) found that he had to rehome his beautiful female eclectus (she was named Athena at the time) and offered her to me free of charge (along with a tree stand). He was only interested in making sure that she went to a good home. (Thanks again, John!)
At the time, the though of having a second bird had not even occurred to me. I was already quite happy with Bixby. But I agreed to meet her and see if we connected. And as you might imagine, boy did we! It was very much love at first sight. I took her that very day and we've been inseparable ever since! Loved the name Athena, but somehow she looked more like a Maya to me. Thankfully, she didn't seem to mind the name change.
Here's the link to my very first thread about her arrival for anyone who might feel like taking a peek: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/47678-meet-mrs-bixby.html
Looking back at that thread, as well as a few from her early days in my household, it's amazing how much progress she has made! I mean, some things are the same. She still has not gotten over her apprehension of flying, and resolutely refuses to do so unless either startled (which she rarely ever is) or has grown impatient enough with waiting for me to come her way that she has decided to take matters into her own... feet (which has only happened 2x in the 4 years she has been with me).
But quite a few things have! She used to be quick to bite if you didn't immediately figure out what she wanted (it was usually my poor wife on the receiving end of that razor sharp beak). Now she gently beaks you if there's something she's trying to express that you're just not getting.
And she used to have an insane fear of brooms! Like a deathly, primal fear. if we came within 6 feet of her with a broom in hand she would absolutely lose her mind! But with time and patience, we eventually got her past this phobia. Her was a photo I'd posted at the time once she had finally completely conquered that fear:
Yep. That's her perched on a broom stick! It's the proudest of her I'd ever been.
She's also since learned to wear a harness:
Engage in acrobatics:
[ame="https://youtu.be/MzxPW9Xd6YM"]Mayan Acrobatics - YouTube[/ame]
Mess with her Daddy:
[ame="https://youtu.be/htMxgQtYk3Q"]Messing with Daddy - YouTube[/ame]
And trick her Daddy:
[ame="https://youtu.be/JvuB3-AYGuw"]Tricky Maya - YouTube[/ame]
Engage in acrobatics:
[ame="https://youtu.be/MzxPW9Xd6YM"]Mayan Acrobatics - YouTube[/ame]
Mess with her Daddy:
[ame="https://youtu.be/htMxgQtYk3Q"]Messing with Daddy - YouTube[/ame]
And trick her Daddy:
[ame="https://youtu.be/JvuB3-AYGuw"]Tricky Maya - YouTube[/ame]
Yeah, I've just basically been looking back over old pics and videos of my sweet girl. It's amazing how some of the best gifts in life turn out to be the ones we weren't even looking for... or knew we needed. Couldn't picture our household without our little red-headed diva.
