New bird

[AMArenson]

So we bought a bird from a breeder and had him shipped to us. He was a little freaked out by the flight then we had to take him to the vet within 72 hours to maintain the breeder guarantee. He had a bad time and now he associates us with the bad experience. It's been over a week since the vet and he's still fluffing up and opening his wings at us any time we put our hand in the cage. Is this normal? Will it get easier? He is so freaked out by us I feel like it should not be this hard to just hold the bird. We have a lovebird who took no time at all to warm up to us when he came home. I feel worried that in a couple weeks if we keep trying and there's no progress we may need to "exchange" him as horrible as that sounds. We got a male eclectus because of their easy sweet nature but he is certainly not being that way.

 

[lotosha]

. We got a male eclectus because of their easy sweet nature but he is certainly not being that way.

I think his behavior is perfectly understandable. He had several tough days, he is in a new environment now ect. ect. So let him another week or two to get used to you.
I now have a new Grey he is also afraid of everything, so I talk to him in a clam voice and he's getting a bit better I think.
I remember when I took home my first tiel' he was afraid of everything for several months.

 

[coltfire]

ok this is normal , what needs to happen is he needs time to settle in and that may take a few weeks, the more time you spend with him just talking and when you have him out just put him on your chest his head tucked under your chin and just talk to him, if you send him back you will just stress him even more for the next person, spend the time give it time and you will be glad you never sent him back, he need to get use to all the new smells , voices , sounds, any other animals, and strangers coming up to his cage his safe place, it will all be worth it in a short time just put in the time.

 

[JerseyWendy]

.... I feel worried that in a couple weeks if we keep trying and there's no progress we may need to "exchange" him as horrible as that sounds. We got a male eclectus because of their easy sweet nature but he is certainly not being that way.

I'm sorry you aren't making progress with your new family member as quickly as you had hoped. Please know that "exchanging" him may not guarantee that your next bird will bond to you any quicker.

Why not give him a chance? He may sense your apprehension, which certainly won't bring him any closer to feeling happy and relaxed.

What all have you tried to gain his trust?

I frown at generalizing behavior of any parrot species as NO 2 birds are ever alike.

 

[dulphinz]

As long as it may seem, it's "only" been a week! Poor baby was freaked out by the flight and then the vet...a lot on that little fellow's plate Our baby didn't have to deal with the ordeal of a flight and it took him a few weeks to a month or two to be fully adjusted. And even then, he probably wasn't totally adjusted but was a lot better. He's a happy chatty little boy now Show your boy, time, patience and a little love and I'm sure you'll find that your bird is all you hoped for I hope things progress positively for you!