Need a guidance ... What to do to give my baby boy a happy life

[Nanyoo]

Dear friends,

After reading so many article and investigating a lot about parrots breed, I have got a Male Eclectus called Mason ... His life was estimated less than 2 years and he is a healthy bird according to his doc...

A few things that I found in Mason which are totally opposite with what other people said so;

- he doesn't know how to play with toys or entertain himself at all.. I have got him different toys in different color and shape but he is not showing any interest in any of those at all...
- His favorite food is very limited to few seeds and one or two vegetables and unless of what I read about this breed which has wide variety of fruit and veg and ... As in their diet !!!!
- I feel somehow he is not a happy bird although I have got him a big cage full of color toys and best available dry and fresh foods and give him all my love and care.. Haven't I said that I have to leave him alone in the house for few hours per day and go to my office which I think we all do.. And in this period I put the TV on in a music or news channel

Please anyone who can help me to find how can I make my life time mate a happier life
Thanking you all in advance.

 

[MissyMe83]

Sounds like you're doing the right things. How long have you had him? It does take time for them to get comfortable. Also if he is already two and hasn't been exposed to toys in the past he likely doesn't already know how to play. Just have faith and give him time to warm up!

 

[Nanyoo]

I have him for almost two weeks and over this time he manage to learn some few words .. I give him food by my hand and he always love to climb up from my shirt and sit in my shoulder .... However I think this might be boring for him not to play or not to have a wide variety of food to eat...
Plus he doesn't even know how to take a shower !!! I took him to take a shower with my in my hand and try to make him comfortable with water ... He doesn't even know how to make himself dry !!!
That's why I am a bit worry about him and wondering how to teach him all those things ...
And once again I got him as my life time mate and I just wanna make sure I would do the best thing that I can possibly do

 

[MikeyTN]

Eclectus generally are not playful birds!!!! Mine will play occasionally but they rather just sit and lounge around and stare into space. You just need to give him more variety of fresh veggies and fruits to try. Use a food processor if you must. I bought one just for them.

 

[nicki]

Thats cute, my ekkie only showered like a real bird twice. Otherwise he just sits there like "this stinks". He also doesn't dry off very well. He's only 5 months, though, so I keep trying.

Maybe it makes him happy just to hang out on your shoulder! I know my bird is happiest when he is hanging out with me on my shoulder He flies all over the house looking for me when he is out and I leave the room.

I suppose all birds are different, like people. Mine is also picky with his vegetables. He will never pass up a pea though!

It sounds like you're doing a great job, I bet he is very happy just being with you

 

[ann]

eclectus are known to be quiet sit around birds. He may seem bored, but they just arent as "spunky" as other birds. As for tous, maybe he would like small shred-able toys or preening toys? You could fill a shoe box with shredded paper and treats and let him sift through it. For showering, you could spray him with warm water through a spray bottle or bathe him in a few inches of water in the sink or tub. To dry him, try getting him used to a towel. Gently pat him dry with a soft towel, or pace him near a sunny window. Never take him outside without a harness, even if his wings are clipped he can still catch a breeze and fly away. Also, be careful about letting him on your shoulder. Just give him some time to adjust, he will warm up to his new home

 

[moni.k]

He may not "know" how to play with toys. Interact with him and fill them up with treats. If he see's you interested in the toys, it may spark curiosity... once he starts to play a little POW a nice little treat pops out. It'll grab his attention and the next thing you know he's a little green foraging monster. Still to this day, toys are a hit or miss with Nalani, she really enjoys pinatas that I fill with dried veggies/fruits. But the other wooden toys don't even get touched. Takes a bit of time and some encouragement, but luckily ekkies are VERY food motivated

As for food, Nalani digressed and only prefers her cooked mix over her fresh fruits and veggies. I've been slowly limiting the amount of cooked mix in her diet. Transitioning takes time and a lot of patience, but the important thing is to keep offering a large variety of food and mixing things up every now and then.

Lastly, I really enjoy Nalani's independent nature. It was the main reason I chose an eclectus over any other bird. She's very content hanging out on the perch talking up a storm. Every now and then she gets a burst of energy, running around and playing tug-a-war. But that's maybe a few minutes out of a whole week.

All in all, it seems like you're doing the right things and Mason is adjust well in his new home. He may be a little shy still and it will take some time for him to come out of his shell but that's all normal. Congrats on your new baby boy!

 

[lpolliard]

Sounds like a normal Ekkie to me. Chico is very similar. It is up to you to help stimulate him. Chico likes to shred an egg carton once in a while or a pine cone. Probably a nesting instinct. He also enjoys foraging. I don't think I have seen him play with a toy. Ekkies are very laid back. Chico is happiest when hanging out with me.

 

[moni.k]

Hehe Chico's like "I swear, I didn't do anything wrong!! Fine, I'll admit, I did it."

 

[maillet]

Eclectus generally are not playful birds!!!! Mine will play occasionally but they rather just sit and lounge around and stare into space. You just need to give him more variety of fresh veggies and fruits to try. Use a food processor if you must. I bought one just for them.

You should come over and convince my Electus who has been swinging on the top of his cage for the past 2-Hours... Saying "Come Play! Come Play! Let me out! Let me out! I want to play! I want to play!" at 11:00pm....

ON Another Note:

Your average Eclectus takes between 1 Week to 4 Weeks to accustom to a new home. How would you feel being a tiny bird in a huge new setting, a strange monster hovering over cage doing who knows what with its eyes?!

What are you doing to make the toy look fun? I usually play with new toys in front of cage for like 10 Minutes before I give... By that time they had a good long look at it, and are "curious" or "anticipating" playing with it too!

Biggest thing is show respect. If he ignores your hand then do not push. A easy solution is try, if it fails leave cage open. Approach SLOWLY, and use soft voice or humming. Treat him like your little baby and he will warm up!