Yeee... Gonna go look at an Ekky!!

[Sterling1113]

Thanks to Aether_drifter bring an ad to my attention on craigslist, a 3 year old male Ekky with a cage for $500.. I'd seen it before but didn't contact the poster because I don't have it right now.

Buuuut I took a shot in the dark and figured I'd send an email anyway.. And the poster is very nice, not in any rush to sell the bird and said they would hold the bird so I can come see him a few times while I'm saving up the rest of the money.

I swear every day this week my boyfriend has come home to me having MORE news related to birds.. but he knows it makes me happy so he's quite okay with it

ALSO, even if this doesn't work, I have an appointment at 11 on Tuesday with Birdlink Sanctuaries to go over my adoption application and hopefully meet some birds if they want to adopt to me.

So today has been quite productive! Learned alot! Always more ways to improve.

 

[MikeyTN]

Hopefully it goes well for you! We just did our taxes today and we're using the money to pay for a new driveway being poured next month. The refund money is always spent before we even get it....lol

 

[MangieSun]

How exciting. Keep us posted

 

[Sterling1113]

Haha I feel your pain.. this year it's going for a bird
However we can't spend it before we have it.. unless I borrow $300 from someone.. which borrowing money is something I try not to do hah.
But it shouldn't take too long to save up for this bird.. a couple weeks if we really try.. but I'm not in a rush to bring him home. He said he's tame but afraid of people so he doesn't step up. I figure I'll make a few visits to find out how he is with me and whatnot.. mostly because I'm doubting my abilities to rehabilitate a bird who's afraid, but I can always try, yeah?

 

[aether-drifter]

Woohoo! How exciting. Maybe you can put down what you have as a deposit on him? That's what I did with Sakura, and her previous owner held her for me for almost a month because he saw that I was serious and would be a good home.

As for "rehabilitating" a bird who's afraid, I would not worry about it too much. The important thing is to give him time and show him respect...don't push him. You wouldn't believe the amazing success stories I've read about adopted birds! Unless the bird is completely wild, or severely traumatized by abuse, in most cases it's just a matter of a little love and patience. I've read that ekkies can be a little standoffish and take time to warm up to new people anyway, even babies.

 

[Sterling1113]

Woohoo! How exciting. Maybe you can put down what you have as a deposit on him? That's what I did with Sakura, and her previous owner held her for me for almost a month because he saw that I was serious and would be a good home.

As for "rehabilitating" a bird who's afraid, I would not worry about it too much. The important thing is to give him time and show him respect...don't push him. You wouldn't believe the amazing success stories I've read about adopted birds! Unless the bird is completely wild, or severely traumatized by abuse, in most cases it's just a matter of a little love and patience. I've read that ekkies can be a little standoffish and take time to warm up to new people anyway, even babies.

Thanks for the tip!

I just have to be patient and instead of thinking of the bird I'd like him to be, learn about the bird he is so he knows he can trust me(and my boyfriend!!)
I figure my boyfriend will be doing the night time fruits and veggies along with some treats so he doesn't become comfortable with *only* me.
And of course I'm saying this all assuming I'm going to bring him home.. but you know I'll be keeping you updated on how visits go and if I can get him to step up I'll be posting pictures! He's a recovering plucker but I think he's a handsome man. Hoping things go well when we decide on a time to go by.

 

[MikeyTN]

When we got our pair, JoJo was not friendly either and was very afraid of people and hands. I had to trainhim to step up and I did it in 3 days and he steps up like a champ under a week. The full ttrust didn't come til months later. I train him 4+ times per day and 25+ minutes each time. He is my most well behaved boy now days and he'll get on the floor to come searching for me if I leave the room.

 

[Girl4Jesus83]

Hearing your story makes me smile. It is nerve racking when adopting because there is that wonder of possible baggage that can come. But, mostof the time, after a few months, the bird usualy realizes how good his new home is and becomes a wonderful friend .

Thanks for the updates!

 

[Sterling1113]

Here's a picture.. He used to pluck so it's kinda rough.. but I think he's pretty.

 

[aether-drifter]

He is very pretty! As far as plucking goes that is not bad at all. I have noticed that ekkies tend to be prone to it. It's great that he has improved! Some birds never break the habit once it starts.

 

[Terry57]

He is gorgeous! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. It sounds like the folks are most interested in a good home for him, and will hold him for you I hope it works out!

 

[Sterling1113]

Nervous, nervous nervous!!
Any tips on what I should or shouldn't do the first time visiting him? Just as far as seeing if he would like to try to bond with someone new.
I've asked what his favorite treat is so I can bring it, and I've also asked if he's flighted or if he is comfortable stepping up onto a perch or wooden dowel.
I might try to get him to take treats from my hand (outside the cage) as I don't want to spook him by invading his personal space before he even knows me!
Trips, tricks, advice would be greatly appreciated! We have a few hours before we go as I have to wait for my boyfriend to get off work later tonight, but I can tell you what I'm gonna be thinking about the whole time...

 

[aether-drifter]

Well, I wouldn't expect him to necessarily be into bonding with a new person on the first meeting, in his familiar home. Many birds dislike strangers. When I first went to see Sakura, she acted terrified of me and wouldn't allow any sort of handling. The second time went much better, because I asked to meet her away from the cage. But I wouldn't say she was overly interested in me, either. Now she adores me but she can be really weird when strangers come over.

I think offering the ekkie (does he have a name?) a treat sounds like a good plan, and maybe just seeing how he interacts with the people he knows. Once you and your family become his flock, I'm sure he will eventually warm up to you.

 

[Sterling1113]

His name is Kiwi(apparently that's a popular bird name!) But my Conure's name is Kiwi(Because I had a friend named Keeran who used to go by Kiwi because it was easier to pronounce..hehe) so I'm most likely going to re-name him if he comes home with us in a couple weeks.
Found out his wings are clipped, and the owner said that his dad can get him to step up sometimes, but he's just people shy.

So probably just gonna stick to treats from the outside of the cage while I'm in his territory

The owner said he was vet checked and had a clean bill of health.. if I start to seriously consider bringing this bird home here in a couple weeks should I bring him to a vet again just to make sure? Or do you think he should be fine as long as I don't see any signs of illness?

 

[aether-drifter]

I would ask for the vet records and have them release them to you, so you can talk to the doctor who examined him. If he has just been for an exam, there probably isn't a reason to take him again. Most people would recommend some sort of quarantine from existing birds, but it is VERY hard to do properly...you really need a separate air space, and should always shower and change your clothes between areas, etc. The safer course of action is disease testing, but that can run you hundreds of dollars. It's your call, really. There is always a risk bringing in a new bird, you just have to use common sense. Find out all you can about the bird's background, times when he may have been exposed to other birds, length of time in current home, and as previously mentioned definitely try to get in touch with the vet that saw him. If it wasn't an avian vet you may want to take him in to a different place, just for peace of mind.

 

[Boogie]

What a handsome boy. Good luck!

 

[Sterling1113]

I would ask for the vet records and have them release them to you, so you can talk to the doctor who examined him. If he has just been for an exam, there probably isn't a reason to take him again. Most people would recommend some sort of quarantine from existing birds, but it is VERY hard to do properly...you really need a separate air space, and should always shower and change your clothes between areas, etc. The safer course of action is disease testing, but that can run you hundreds of dollars. It's your call, really. There is always a risk bringing in a new bird, you just have to use common sense. Find out all you can about the bird's background, times when he may have been exposed to other birds, length of time in current home, and as previously mentioned definitely try to get in touch with the vet that saw him. If it wasn't an avian vet you may want to take him in to a different place, just for peace of mind.

Okay cool.. Yeah I agree with the whole avian vet thing, if he saw an avian specialist and he checked out clean, then good!
If it's just a vet that has some experience with birds.. mayyybe should see a specialist..
I'll be asking all those questions later on depending on how today's visit goes.

 

[Gizmomania]

Aww, what a cutie! He looks like he's asking you to come get him!

 

[aether-drifter]

Okay cool.. Yeah I agree with the whole avian vet thing, if he saw an avian specialist and he checked out clean, then good!
If it's just a vet that has some experience with birds.. mayyybe should see a specialist..
I'll be asking all those questions later on depending on how today's visit goes.

One of the vets I trust most with my birds works at a "regular" clinic...I don't think she is Avian certified...but she knows her stuff. Still, if you have a vet that you personally trust and want to take him there, it probably wouldn't hurt.

 

[Sterling1113]

So I didn't get to visit him last night..
Boyfriend had a long day at work and wasn't feeling too good so we decided to take it easy instead of driving to go anywhere.
But we're planning to go tomorrow instead, which works because it will be closer to 4:30-5 instead of 8-8:30. More time in the day.