Miss Annamarie
Rollerblading along the road
Avenue Veteran
Mayor of the Avenue
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She is adjusting- Just do the best you can for her.
She needs you- she is special needs, and will require A LOT of extra care.
Heavy birds (like ekkies) are not like other species. Welcome to why people abandon Eclectus (companion ekkie lifespane is now only on average 8 years due to improper diet- stomach ache 24/7- which causes screaming, biting, plucking, abandonment). Once they reach maturity. Yikes- they will let you have it! Kinda like Amazons.
Listen to what people say around you- but apply it to YOUR life.
People said to me 'Macaw?! go for it!' (Rationally- yep. Financially- absolutely. Emotionally..... I needed to be honest with myself and current ekkie commitments).
Of course I love Ekkies, but the 'honeymoon' phase will fade. Now is the tine to start training, learning, and expending massive amount of time-
We are here for you, just ask away. But what you are feeling is compketely normal, and more than likely going to be part of you normal life (and the life of all your flock- both ekkies especially!)
Thank you for your reassurance, it really helps!
8 YEARS!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT, IT'S HORRENDOUS!
I started with target training her and she is doing good but she was scared of the stick I usually use, so actually like you just said, I've been using a chopstick and she's a lot better with it. She's also scared of like, I don't know how to explain it, clothing items that aren't normal? When I put on my coat she screams so I've started not doing it around her not to spook her. Globes, brooms, sunhats and scrunchies. She actually ripped a scrunchie out of my hair this morning
She is still extremely sweet, I think part of her is just anxious to get out of my room and it could be a reason she's screaming so much. She keeps climbing down her cage and attacking my door and trying to run out every time I open it, I feel so bad.
Literally I have never met a bird who steps up SO well. You can even think about having her step up and she'll hold her foot up for you.
I honestly cut out pellets completely which I know I shouldn't have done but her wing flipping is constant, especially when she's relaxed.
I see a couple pin feathers under her wings!! Her blue is so gorgeous.
She would kill for an almond, I usually give her an unshelled almond every day and she dumps it in her water bowl and finally reaches a conclusion that it's ready for her to crack open and eat. I LOVE THAT SHE EATS WITH HER FEET, it gives me a strange joy every time she grabs something with her foot to eat it! Basil has been trying to do this as well but isn't super balanced enough yet!
Does anyone have any ideas on how to get her to play with toys? I got her about 5 in her cage and she's not into any of them. Do I just have to find other ways to give enrichment?