Not his mate

[TamLaw72]

Hello! I recently adopted a 5 year old, male, Eclectus. I previously had a Congo Gray, whom I adored! Any-who, I work from home, so am usually somewhere close. The question I have is this: how can I get my boy to like me more? He seems to think that my husband is his "mate", but my husband works full time. Kodi can be such a grouch with me sometimes...most of the time. I am the one who feeds him, plays with him, cleans his cage...etc. He just tolerates me. Is there anyway I can make him my BFF? It would make our days together so much more enjoyable if he weren't screaming at me and being such a diva.

Thank you in advance for your time!!! Blessings.

 

[Peppo]

Is your avatar Kodi? If so I absolutely love that picture! From what I know, they choose who they choose to love and there is no changing it...although with time, treats and talking sweet nothings maybe your could be friends. And I mean the real yummy treats that only you give and not your husband. What's his favorite guilty pleasure for a treat?

 

[obeck]

From what I know of ekkies they want attention on their terms. Don't force it. Give it time and he'll come around. How recently did you get him? When I got my boy I was told he would start to come around in about 6 months. He would yell at me when I left but that was the extent (unless I had a great in my hand). It was about 6 months when he finally looked remotely inteerested in what I was doing. As long as he doesn't "hate" you, you just need time.

 

[TamLaw72]

Hello and thank you for your replies. Yes, the picture is of Kodi. He is so very beautiful! We got him right before Christmas, so it's been almost two months now. He seems to be doing better but definately has up and down days with me. He is getting better though.

I think that he must have been hand raised by a man as he is almost instantly friends with all men.

Again, thank you for your relies and I hope you have a beautiful day!

 

[Anansi]

If you can work with him at times when your husband is out of sight and earshot, it might help. Particularly exercises like target-training. Training, and reward with their favorite treats, is a great bonding activity.

If you remain consistent and work with him regularly, and make sure you are the only one offering his favorite treats (as was mentioned previously by Peppo), he'll likely start to come around and at least see you as a friend.

Switching favorites is not unheard of. It does happen. But it's not something you can count on. More often than not, they stick with their chosen person. But there's no reason you and he can't be pals as well.

 

[Taw5106]

We got Venus 1/18/15 and over the last couple of months Venus has suddenly decided that she likes Husband. She will leave her cage and walk over to him and wait for him to pick her up. She will also step up for him and go with him around the house. This just happened and she decided this all on her own but it's nice to see Husband's smile because of the attention he's getting now on her terms. Give it to me and be very patient.

 

[TamLaw72]

Update: Kodi is doing much better with me. He gets excited when I come in the room and will actually climb down from his cage to come and find me in the kitchen. I really appreciate all of your input. Thank you for your tips and encouraging words!

 

[Anansi]

Sweet! Great update! Just keep working with him. I'm sure your bond will continue to improve.

Any pics?