Should I get him?

[Sunshine1313]

Hi everyone. So, I've been thinking about getting an eclectus for a while now and have been doing tons of research. Now, it's just a matter of finding the right bird. I went to a bird store about 30 mins away from where I live to get supplies and such. Low and behold, they had a male eclectus that was 4 months old and just came in. I asked if I could handle him and the store owner said yes. I asked him to step up and he kind of mouthed on my finger. Like he was biting me but really gently and then he stepped up on my finger and just looked at me. I talked to him a little and then put him back. I like him, but I'm unsure of what that really gently biting thing was also, since I believe I'm ready and have all the supplies now maybe I should get him? I mean, I like him and everything, but I didn't feel that immediate connection. I get that I just met him, so am I expecting to much? Should I get him? Sorry for the long post! Thanks in advance.

 

[Freespin]

My baby eckie does that a lot. He always balances with his beak/holds me when he steps up or moving around =) babies tend to be "beaky" they use their beaks to explore things and investigate.

 

[Freespin]

Oh an in regards to getting him, I brought mine from a breeder sight unseen so didn't meet him until I picked him up. My barraband I met at a store. I gave him scratches through the cage and I really liked him but he wouldn't let me anywhere near him when out of the cage so I thought maybe he wasn't for me. Turns out u couldn't stop thinking about him once I left the store so I called up and got him held for me =) if it doesn't l feel right don't do it. Don't feel pressure just see how you get on. There are plenty more fish in the sea if he isn't the perfect one.

 

[Anansi]

Freespin is exactly right. You should be sure you want him before buying him. A lot of people don't really consider how monumental that decision truly is. When you take on a parrot, you're agreeing to be his/her companion and caretaker potentially for the next 60-80 years! (Basically the rest of your life.) There are marriages that don't last that long! Lol! Definitely not a situation where you want to be nursing a case of buyer's remorse.

 

[MikeyTN]

I picked up my ekkies from a long 5hrs drive but boy was I surprised by their condition and how wild and scared JoJo was. After some training I was able to hold him and get him to step up less then 3 days. He's the perfect angel now.

 

[Sunshine1313]

Thanks everyone for their replies! I'm going to see him again tomorrow and possibly buy him. I'm super excited and nervous. Wish me luck!

 

[Freespin]

Good luck! I hope he works out to be the one =D

 

[Terry57]

Very excited for you! Ekkies are awesome
Good luck tomorrow!

 

[Pigletguinea]

Best of luck! Oskie does that gentle biting thing all the time to balance when he climbs onto my hand, it's really sweet and has never progressed to aggression

 

[Sunshine1313]

I wish I could be updating you all on whether or not I got him, but I ended up not able to go. I'll be heading over tomorrow to decide whether or not to buy him. If I do, any suggestions on forging a strong bond with a 4 month old male eclectus?

 

[Freespin]

I just spend a lot of time with my boy relaxing on the couch. He is pretty laid back and quite happily lies down and goes to sleep on me. He settled in pretty quickly.

 

[Anansi]

When he first gets home, make sure to let things progress at his pace. Be careful not to impose yourself on him. Sit by his cage and talk/read to him if he seems reluctant to come to you.

As he begins to show more of a desire to be around you, you can start training him. The training process can be a great way to bond, provided that you keep the sessions relatively short. Maybe 15 minutes a session.

You can pet him if he likes it, but not all eclectus are into the whole cuddling scene. Just watch his body language. They're actually pretty expressive once you learn what to look for.

Remember to take some pics if you do get him!

 

[drlisaort]

If you decide to purchase the little guy you will be overwhelmed and excited at the same time...but boy oh boy is it worth it. Oliver is now 15 months old and has been with me for one year. We bonded on the weekends from five weeks to 5 months while he was with the breeder. I must admit I was petrified of his beak and if he tried to nibble I'd pull away. I learned as time wore on that he just wanted to explore and taste my fingers not bite me. I wish I had known from the beginning...

I look forward to updates should you choose to bring the bundle of joy home....

 

[Anansi]

@ Drlisaort: Wow! And I thought Bixby took his time weaning! Lol! I was visiting him from the time he was 5 weeks until a little over 4 months. Meanwhile, his twin hatchmate and all the other members of his "graduating class" were ready weeks earlier. But the wait is so very worth it!

And I, too, feared that beak...until I took a closer look at the macaw beak in the neighboring cage! Lol

 

[Sunshine1313]

Thanks everyone for their advice. I just got back home and I got him! He's so sweet, but I'm leaving him alone to get used to his new surroundings. In a couple days I'll be posting pictures of him. I'm so excited!

 

[Anansi]

Congratulations! We'll be looking forward to those pics!

 

[Freespin]

Yay! Welcome to eckie parenthood!

 

[Sunshine1313]

Thanks. I appreciate everyone so much. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions soon lol.

 

[Terry57]

Congratulations! I am late to this conversation, but so excited to see him! Have you named him yet?

 

[Sunshine1313]

I'm playing around with boy names right now. There's FreeFall, Clyde, Duce, Ace, and Ranger. Any preferences?